Islam 3
Ayatollah
a shiite leader in Iran
murīd
disciple
Ijtihad
independent judgement is a technical term of Islamic law that describes the process of making a legal decision by independent interpretation of the legal sources, the Qur'an and the Sunnah. The opposite of ijtihad is taqlid, Arabic for "imitation
Baqa
survival of the ruh, survival of the higher spirit, elevating higher self
Fatima
youngest daughter of Muhammad, married Ali, revered throughout all of Islam
Safavids
first major Safavid Dynasty that adapted Shii as official state religion in Iran (1501-1722),
Wilaya
intimacy with God, final goal, station of sufism
nafs
is an Arabic word occurring in the Qur'an and means self, psyche ego or spirit, do not want this, lower self,
mazaar
or shrine in some places of the world, typically that of a saint or notable religious leader. Medieval Arabic texts may also use the words mašhad, maqām or ḍarīḥ to denote the same concept
wara
reverent fear of God
Asceticism
severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Promoting higher self
Mahdi
someone's appearance that appears at the end of time
Imam (shii)
Divinely guided. Considered as the only legitimate interpreters of the Quran. Ultimate spiritual authority of the community-religious and political community. Are known to preform miracles. They are believed to have divine knowledge that no one else had and use this to guide the community
Imam (sunni)
Saints. Considered as persons with strong faith in Quran and Sunnah.
Alid
The Alids are the dynasties descended from Ali ibn Abi Talib, son-in-law of the Islamic prophet. Male or female members of the family of Ali
Marja' al-taqlid
highest ranking Ulama who the community turns to for religious guidance. Shiis turn for matters of spiritual guidance. One of the higher ranking scholars. Al taqlids themselves can be based from all over the world.
shaykh
master, clerk or religious leader, someone during communal gathering who is leading it.
Mathnavi
sufi poems.
zuhd
(asceticism, denial of all but necessary material pleasures) encompasses both the Islamic concept of asceticism and more specifically the concept of renunciation. Asceticism involves a life of privation that lacks certain comforts and luxuries and early ascetics were often characterized by their poverty
Al Husayn
Al-Husayn became the head of Shi'ite Islam and Banu Hashim after the death of his older brother, Al-Hasan. To shiis he was the third Imam. His followers convinced him to contest Yazid.
yazid
Imam Hussain, at the time the guardian and figurehead of the newly established religion of Islam, refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, whom he viewed as unjustly appointed. When Hussain, along with a group of his family and followers, was on his way to make a claim to the caliphate in 680, Yazid responded to Hussain's refusal by ordering his assassination.
Velayat al-faqih (contexts for the articulation of this view, what does it mean, and differences among Shi'is with respect to adhering to this view)
Islamic Government, The book argues that government should be run in accordance with traditional Islamic law (sharia), and for this to happen a leading Islamic jurist (faqih) must provide political "guardianship" (wilayat or velayat) over the people and nation. A modified form of this doctrine was incorporated into the 1979 Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran[2] following the Iranian Revolution, with the doctrine's author, Ayatollah Khomeini, as the first faqih "guardian" or Supreme Leader of Iran. how much should the government be involved in religious worship and practices in society, basically legal structure of Islam would rule over political, secular, and religious society. Creation of islamic laws. Idea that islam provides all the laws we need to give our lives virtuously. Sustani believes that figure of authority supported by state and taxes should be supported by law. There are different ideas in how much the state should enforce islamic law Iranian Shiis overthrew a secular government and replaced it with an Islamic State. Ayatollah Jamali leads the revolution. Revolution lead to Islamic state of Iran. Khomeni said that quietism was anti Islam
Karbala
Karbala is the capital of Karbala Governorate, and has an estimated population of 1,15 million people. The city, best known as the location of the Battle of Karbala (680), is believed to be as holy a city for Shia Muslims as Mecca, Medina And the noble sanctuary in Jerusalem, because tens of millions of Shia Muslims visit the site twice a year, which is more than the total Shia visitors of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem combined (see list of largest peaceful gatherings in history). Karbala is home to the Imam Hussain Shrine. Karbala is famous as the site of the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali (Imam Hussein), and commemorations are held by millions of Shias annually to remember it. Karbala is considered sacred by Shias
Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī (1058-1111)
SYSTEMATISED SUFISM. PURIFY THEIR HEARTS NOT JUST THEIR BODIes. There is knowledge and experience of God but to purify your heart its a deeper experience with God
Battle of Karbala
The battle took place between a small group of supporters and relatives of Muhammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, and a larger military detachment from the forces of Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph. When Muawiyah I died in 680, Husayn did not give allegiance to his son, Yazid I, who had been appointed as Umayyad caliph by Muawiyah; Husayn considered Yazid's succession a breach of the Hasan-Muawiya treaty. The people sent letters to Husayn, asking his help and pledging allegiance to him, but they later did not support him. As Husayn traveled towards Kufa, at a nearby place known as Karbala, his caravan was intercepted by Yazid I's army led by Al-Hurr ibn Yazid al Tamimi. He was killed and beheaded in the Battle of Karbala by Shimr Ibn Thil-Jawshan, along with most of his family and companions, including Husayn's six month old son, Ali al-Asghar, with the women and children taken as prisoners.[6][7] The battle was followed by later uprisings namely, Ibn al-Zubayr, Tawwabin, and Mukhtar uprising which occurred years later.
Nasab (genealogy) vs. sabiqa (preference according to credentials, long term relationship, or credentials)
This is of great debate between Sunnis and Shiis. Shi'is believe in genealogy in terms of ruling Islam and Sunnis believe in long standing credentials. Sunnis are the bigger sect nation wide and there has been a recent history of Shia uprising in the middle east. This happened to be especially pertinent in the 1970s Sabiqa should be someone close to Muhammad and knowledgeable
Ṣūfī
a muslim ascetic or mystic
awliya/ wali
a step above intimacy with God, special friendship with God, specific people who are friends of God, final authorities within the sunni community and some are said to perform miracles
Hasan al-Baṣrī (d. 728)
a well-known Muslim preacher, theologian, and scholar of Islam who was born in 642 from Iraq promoted Wara, early influence of Sufism
fana
extingushing those with ower spirit i.e. nafs . Distinguish lower self
Qawwali
form of Sufi devotional music
Ghaybah (Major occultation)
in Shia Islam refers to a belief that the messianic figure, or Mahdi, who in Shi'i thought is an infallible male descendant of the founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born but disappeared, and will one day return and fill the world with justice and peace. Mahdi goes into hiding scared of persecution. 4 deputies transmit and act as the medium between community and Imam and asking religious questions. After 4th deputy died, "greater" occultation" happened and no communication AT ALL with the Imam but it is believed he will come back. Currently in the major occultation.
Ismailis
is a branch of Shia Islam. The Ismāʿīlī get their name from their acceptance of Imam Isma'il ibn Jafar as the appointed spiritual successor (Imām) to Ja'far al-Sadiq, wherein they differ from the Twelvers who accept Musa al-Kadhim, younger brother of Isma'il, as the true Imām.
ziyara
is a form of pilgrimage to sites associated shrines of sufi saints in order to attain blessings or to pray/asking for certain things. Treated like a pilgrimage. Also a critique of sufism. Within sufism-should people be traveling to sufi shrines and risk worshiping and idolizing these saints? Modern example: sufism in Saudi Arabia VERY controversial
Zaydis
is a liberal and moderate early sect which emerged in the eighth century out of Shi'a Islam.[1] Zaidis are named after Zayd ibn ʻAlī, the grandson of Husayn ibn ʻAlī who they recognize as the fifth Imam.[1] Followers of the Zaydi Islamic jurisprudence are called Zaydi Shi'a and make up about 35-40% of Muslims in Yemen.[2] Zaidis dismiss religious dissimulation (taqiyya) and are extremely warlike.[1]
Dargah
is a shrine built over the grave of a revered religious figure, often a Sufi saint or dervish. Muslims may visit the shrine for ziyarat, a term associated with religious visits and pilgrimages.
Imamate
is a word derived from Imam meaning leadership. People who are of the bloodline of the prophet muhammad. Sinless and perform minor miracle. Had divine knowledge no one else had
Nass
is an Arabic word meaning "a known, or clear, legal injunction". In Twelver Shi'ah Islam/Ismaili, nass refers to the nomination of an Imam or Da'i al-Mutlaq by a previous Imam or Da
Sufism/Tasawwuf
is defined as the inner mystical dimension of Islam. Practitioners of Sufism, referred to as Sufis (ṣūfī) (/ˈsuːfi/; صُوفِيّ), often belong to different ṭuruq or "orders"—congregations formed around a grand master referred to as a mawla who traces a direct chain of teachers back to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Aimed at becoming close to God.
urs
is the death anniversary of a Sufi saint in South Asia(in general), usually held at the saint's dargah (shrine or tomb). In most Sufi orders such as Chishtiya, Qadiriyya, etc. the concept of Urs exists and is celebrated with enthusiasm. The devotees refer to their saints as lovers of God, the beloved. The death of a Sufi saint is regarded as visal (union with the beloved), and the death anniversary is celebrated as a wedding anniversary.Saint becomes closer to God when they die
Twelver (Jafarais)
is the largest branch of Shia Islam. The term Twelver refers to its adherents' belief in twelve divinely ordained leaders, known as the Twelve Imams, and their belief that the last Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, lives in occultation and will reappear as the promised Mahdi.
Shi'ism
is the second largest branch of Islam after Sunni Islam. Shias adhere to the teachings of Muhammad and the religious guidance of his family (who are referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt) or his descendants known as Shia Imams
maqam, maqamat
is the system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music, which is mainly melodic.
Sunni
largest sect of Islam, believed in long standing credentials for someone to be qualified be the ruler of the religion
Ali
married one of Muhammad's daughter, Fatima and is known to be the next leader of the Islamic people after Muhammad by the Shi'is. The fourth caliph. For Shi he is the first imam (spiritual leader of the community)
Ibn al-ʻArabi (1165-1240)
master and sufi saint, poet. Sufism as "the greatest master"[4] and also as a genuine saint. Believed the idea of deeper experience with god and sharia law could and should be applied but greater emphasis is on the purification of the heart
Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī (1207-1273)
persian muslim who was a great poet.13th-century Persian[1][7] Sunni[8] Muslim poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic.[9] Rumi's influence transcends national borders and ethnic divisions: Iranians, Tajiks, Turks, Greeks, Pashtuns, other Central Asian Muslims, and the Muslims of South Asia have greatly appreciated his spiritual legacy for the past seven centuries.[10] His poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages and transposed into various formats. Rumi has been described as the "most popular poet"[11] and the "best selling poet" in the United States
Ashura (Shii:)
re-inacting the battle of Karbala. Loud displays of mourning and crying. NOT condoned by the government. A day to honor the terrible events of that battle, VERY sad day. In the year 680 A.D., an event happened that was a turning point for what was to become the Shi'a Muslim community. Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was brutally murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph -- on the 10th day of Muharram ('Ashura). This took place in Karbala (modern-day Iraq), which is now an important pilgrimage site for Shi'a Muslims. Shi'a Muslims observe the day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. Reenactments and plays are performed, attempting to relive the tragedy and keep the lessons of this event alive. Some Shi'a Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades on this day, to express their grief and to reenact the pain that Hussein suffered..
Khums
refers to the historically required religious obligation of any Muslim army to pay one-fifth of the spoils of war, the booty collected from non-believers after a military campaign; this tax was paid to the caliph or sultan, representing the state of Islam. Up keep of shii institutions such as shrines, perpetuates idea
dhikr
remembrance of God a form of devotion, associated chiefly with Sufism, in which the worshiper is absorbed in the rhythmic repetition of the name of God or his attributes. Through communal activity. Differnt ways to do this. Through poetry or singing/music
ruh
soul, one of the central ideas of sufism, high spirit
sama
sufi music and dance
Tariqa
the Sufi doctrine or path of spiritual learning created by a brotherhood. Development of brotherhood, mediated relationships between people and God. Sufi saints-head of brotherhoods but within them many masters and disciples. End result is becoming close to god. They way they follow it is through the brotherhood
Hadith of Ghadir Quran
there are two safeguards, the Quran and the prophet's family-> happened when Muhammad was making his farewell pilgrimage. Presents a lot of debates to sunnis and shiis. He took ali's hand and said "he of who i am the maula, ali is also the maula" maula=patron, protector, points that Shiis bring up that Ali was the rightful successor. Sunnis interpret it as Ali was really close to Muhammad and during that time, he lead the prayer but it does not necessarily mean they thought people in Muhammad's family should only be leaders. Again, this is a complex issue because Ali was considered a rashi dun for Sunnis so he was considered a rightful leader. Sunnis do not beleive that this specific hadith proved Ali was the direct successor to the prophet
Rabīʻa al-Adawīyah (d. 801)
was a female Muslim saint She is known in some parts of the world as Hazrat Bibi Rabia Basri, or simply Rabia Basri. Spread the idea of love in terms of sufism,need to love to become close to god, love and beauty!!!
Zaynab bint Ali
was one of the daughters of the Rashid Caliph and first Shia Imam, 'Ali and his first wife Fatimah. Muhammad the Islamic prophet was her maternal grandfather, and thus she is a member of ahl al-bayt. Helped spread Islam and took part in battle of Karbalah
Al-Hasan
was the second Shi'ite Imam, succeeding his father 'Ali, and preceding his younger brother Al-Husayn. Second Imam to Shiis. Became Imam and abdicated to Muawayali. Because mauwaiya was next in line for caliph age according to sunnis, he abdicated it to muawaiya for peace of the entire muslim community. The treaty between Hasasn and Muawiya said muawiya would stop persecuting Shiis if he was to taken over the Muslim state and the next person in line would not be Muawiyas eldest son. But this obviously did not happen and he did declare Yazid as his successor so there was a lot of upheval in shii and sunni society at this time.