Indexed OCR Text

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remains in that place and exercises patience shall receive the reward of a
martyr.
24. Do not address anyone as a bastard, bitch, pig, or any other type of
word which would be considered to be a form of swearing the person's
parents. What have those poor persons done to you? Furthermore, when
rebuking or scolding a person for a shortcoming or mistake which he may
have committed, do not scold him more than the actual extent of his
mistake.
25.It is makruh to smoke cigarettes,pipes,etc.unnecessarily.
If one is forced to do so,there is no harm.However, one should clean one's
mouth thoroughly prior to offering salaat.The mouth could be cleaned with
a miswaak,brush or any other cleaning agent.If the foul smell remains in
one's mouth while offering salaat,this causes discomfort to the angels.It is
for this reason that this is prohibited.
26.If opium or any other drug is given as a form of medication and the
quantity is such that no intoxication whatsoever results in this, it will be
permissible to consume.However,some women are in the habbit of giving
their children opium so that the children may remain sleeping. This is not
permissible.
27.A mature girl should not be made to study the Quran(or anything
else)under a young man.
28.Scraps of paper that have something written on them should also be
respected. They should not be thrown around. Waste paper and(old
newspaper)that is used to wrap items should not be thrown around. Such
paper should either be kept safely(for later use)or burnt. In the same way,if
you find scraps of paper on the road and something is written on them,them
pick them up,keep them safelyor burn them.
29.Bits and pieces of bread that are left on the dining-table should not be
swept away to places where they would be trampled upon.Instead,they

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should be swept to a corner or some other place that does not fall in
anyone's path.
30.If anyone is busy writing a letter,it is prohibited to sit next to the person
and look at what he is writing.
31.A person has wounds or sores in the lower portion of the body and water
will be harmful to these wounds or sores.If such a person is in need of a
bath and is unable to prevent water from falling on the lower portion of his
body,it will be permissible for him to make tayammum,
32.It is permissible to recite durood even if a person is not in a state of
wudu,in need of ghusl,or a women is in a state of haid or nifaas.
33.It is prohibited to pierce the ear or nose of a boy.
34.It is prohibited to keep evil names for one's children.Good names should
be kept.The names of prophets should be kept.Alternatively,the word
"ABD"should be added to any of the many names of Allah
Ta'ala,e.g.Abdullah, Abdur Rahmaan, Abdul Baari, Abdul Quddus, Abdul
Fattaah,etc.Alternatively,consult an aalim who would choose a name for
your child.
35.It is the belief of ignorant women that once the salaat is offered, the
musalla(prayermat)should be folded ,if not,shaytaan will sit on it.This is
absolutely incorrect.
36.Ignorant persons believe that a woman passes away while in labour(or
giving birth)she becomes a ghost.This is absolutely wrong.In fact,it is
mentioned in a Hadith that such a women dies a martyr.

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42. The bladder of all animals is impure like the urine of those animals. The
cud of and animal is impure like the excreta of that animal.
43.If a Quran or parts of the Quran has become so torn that one is unable to
read in it,or there are so many printing the mistakes in it that one is unable
to correct the mistakes,then such a Quran should be wrapped in a clean
cloth and buried at a place where no one walks. The Quran should be buried
in such a way that no sand falls onto it. This could be done in two way(1)dig
a hole similar to that grave which has a crevice or cleft on one side,(2)dig a
hole,place a Quran inside,place a piece of timber over it and then cover the
entire hole with sand.

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SUPPLEMENT (B) TO BAHISHTI ZEWAR
(Part Nine)
A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF HAKIMUL UMMAH MAULANA
ASHRAF ALI THANWI
rahmatullahi alayh
Hakimul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi was born on 5 Rabius Sani
1280 A.H. in the village of Thana Bowan. He lost his mother at a tender
age and was brought up by his father in a fairly affluent background. His
father took great pains in teaching Moulana and his younger brother
discipline and good character. From a young age he had a great desire for
namaaz. Even whilst playing he used to imitate the namaazis eg. he
gathered all his friends shoes, placed them in a line, put one shoe in front of
the line and expressed his happiness that the shoes were performing
namaaz. He also had a great desire to give lectures. On his way to the shops
he used to enter any masjid, ascend the mimbar and deliver a khutbah. At
the age of 12 he began performing tahajjud and other nafl salaats and
wazifahs. His desire for Deen was initiated by his initial ustaad Moulana
Fateh Muhammed Saheb.
After learning the basic kitaabs by his uncle and Moulana Fateh
Muhammed he proceeded to Deoband to complete his studies and qualified
at the tender age of 19 or 20 years. From his student days he became
famous for his intelligence and sharp wittedness. He never wasted his time
in futile play and amusement. He had such a burning desire to obtain
knowledge that he learnt certain kitaabs which he could not study during
class times, from his ustaads while they were performing wudhu.
Moulana's ustaads were all great luminaries of their time. The most
important amongst them was Moulana Muhammed Yaqub Saheb from
whom he achieved the greatest amount of knowledge and spiritual benefit.
He learnt qiraat from the well-known Qari Muhammed Abdullah Saheb
Muhajir Makki and mastered it to such an extent that it became difficult for
the listener to distinguish between the recitation of the student and the
teacher.
After qualifying he spent 14 years in Kanpur teaching, writing and
propagating to the people. During this period thousands of students
quenched their thirst at this "ocean of knowledge". Although Moulana was

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still very young, the people of Kanpur respected and honoured him
tremendously and it was at that time that he became famous. His discourses
were greatly appreciated and were being printed in the form of booklets.
Very few scholars in the history of Islam have had so many of their
discourses printed.
During his student days in Deoband he desired to make a pledge on the
hands of Moulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi who refused, saying that it
would harm his studies. Moulana then wrote a letter to Hajee Imdadullah in
Makkah urging him to make Moulana Gangohi accept the pledge. Hajee
Imdadullah instead by means of a letter accepted Moulana Thanwi as his
disciple. When Moulana Thanwi accompanied his father for haj one year
after qualifying he renewed his pledge at the hands of Hajee Imdadullah.
After his return from Hijaz, he continued teaching and propagating while
his desire for zikr intensified. He used to deliver lectures while standing 5,6
and sometimes even 7 hours continuously.
In 1315 A.H. he left Kanpur and on the advice of his spiritual mentor Hajee
Imadadullah returned to Thana Bowan. This was all part of the divine plan
of the Creator so that the Khanqah of Hajee Imdadullah would once again
be reinhabited. This was the termination of the first phase of his life which
was devoted more to deeni education. The second phase which began with
his return to Thana Bowan was devoted more to imparting sprititual
benefits to the masses. Moulana has written books in every field whether it
be tafseer or tasawwuf, figh or tajweed. All his works total more than a
thousand. In the field of hadis he did not write any voluminous work
directly because he had many assistants. In this way the voluminous "Ila us
Sunan" was written under his guidance. Regarding this kitaab he said that if
this madressah does no other work besides the writing of this book, it will
be a great achievement because it is a unique work. Perhaps very few
Muslim homes do not posses "Behisti Zewar" and "Munajaat e Maqbool",
two of Moulana's famous books. His tafseer "Bayanul Quraan" is
unparalleled." Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri well known for his in-depth
knowledge used to say that after reading Bayanul Quraan I developed a
desire to read Urdu books. Although Moulana wrote such a large number of
books, yet he did not earn a cent from them. All his work was solely for the
pleasure of Allah. He has granted full permission to anyone who desires to
print his books. Some of his works have been through hundreds of editions.
Moulana used to say that Alhamdulillah all the necessary work has been

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done. The path towards deen has been cleared for centuries. Insha-Allah,
my books, discourses and advices will be of assistance in deeni matters for
future generations. This is all due to the blessings of Hajee Imdadullah.
On 20 Jamadul Awwal 1346 A.H. whilst performing Fajr Salaat he was
inspired about the effects of certain acts. If the Muslims practised these
acts, their calamities could be overcome. Consequently Moulana gathered
25 principles and had them printed in a booklet namely "Hayatul
Muslimeen" (now available in English). Although Moulana has written
over 1000 books, yet he had this to say: "I never had any thought of any of
my books being a means of salvation for me. However, with regards to
Hayatul Muslimeen, I have a strong feeling it will be a means of my
salvation. I regard it as the earning and capital of my entire life."
Moulana Thanwi spent his entire life serving deen in every field. It is for
this reason that he has been given the titles Hakimul Ummat and Mujaddid-
e-Millat. After blessing the earth for 83 years with his presence, he passed
away on 16 Rajab 1362 A.H. (20 July 1943). Namaze Janazah was
performed by Moulana Zafar Ahmad Usmani. Moulana Thanwi was buried
in the graveyard - Ishq-Bazaan of Thana Bowan.
(Excerpt from An Nasihah No.37 by Maulana Ebrahim Kadwa)

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GLOSSARY
Explanation of Islamic Terms
Aabid:
One who preoccupies himself with ibaadah and shows
relatively less interest towards knowledge.
Aalim:
One who has attained a considerable amount of
Islamic knowledge. He could also be referred to as an
Islamic scholar.
Adaa:
Literally means performance, execution or discharge
of a duty. "Adaa salaat" refers to a salaat which is
offered at its specified time. "Adaa" is the opposite of
"qada".
Adhaan:
The call to salaat. For further details, refer to the
chapter on "Adhaan".
Ahl ul-Kitaab:
Literally means "People of the Book". Generally, it
refers to the Jews and the Christians.
Âlim:
One who has attained a considerable amount of Islamic
knowledge. He could also be referred to as an Islamic
scholar.
Allah:
Almighty God. The most well-known of His many
names. Allah refers to the one and only being who is
worthy of worship ..
Arsh:
The throne of Allah Ta'ala.
Asr:
Literally means "afternoon". Generally, it refers to the
afternoon prayer which is the third of the five daily
salaats. It is also referred to as asr salaat or salaatul asr.
Plural of wali. Literally means friend. But in Islamic
terminology it refers to the close friends of Allah.
Auliya:
Aurah:
Literally means "genitals". In Islamic terminology it
refers to that area of the body which has to be covered.
For men, the aurah is from the navel to below the
knees. As for women, their entire bodies are regarded
as an aurah.
Baitul Maqdis:
Also known as Masjidul Aqsa or the furthest musjid. It
is situated in Jerusalem and is the third most sacred

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place in Islam. It is popularly referred to as Baitul
Mugaddas.
Banu Isra'eel:
Literally means the children of Isra'eel. It refers to the
progeny of Hadrat Ya'qub alayhis salaam.
Barakah:
Literally means "blessings". It refers to the
experiencing of abundance in things which are
apparently insignificant or little, both in value and
amount.
Barakah:
Literally means "blessings". Also used to refer to the
experiencing of abundance even in things which are
little.
Barakah:
Literally means "blessings". It refers to the experi-
encing of abundance in things which are apparently
insignificant or little, both in value and amount.
Bid'ah:
Literally means an "innovation". In Islam it refers to
introducing new things into religion which have no
basis in the Quran or Sunnah. In addition to this, to
regard these new things as acts of ibaadah. A bid'ah is
a major sin in Islam.
Bid'ah:
Literally means "innovation". In Islam it refers to
introducing new things into religion which have no
basis in the Quran or Sunnah, and in addition to this, to
regard these new things as acts of 'ibadah. A bid'ah is a
major sin in Islam.
Burqah:
Dajjal:
A head covering worn by women.
Also known as the one-eyed Dajjal. He will be from
among the Jews and will appear before Qivamat. He
will cause a lot of corruption in the world and will
eventually be killed by Hadrat Isa alayhis salaam.
Deen:
Literally means "religion". Here it refers to the religion
of Islam.
Du'â ul-maghfirah: Supplicating to Allah Ta'âlâ and asking Him for His
forgiveness.
Dua:
Invocation to Allah, supplication, prayer, request, plea.
Dua:
Invocation to Allah, supplication, prayer, request, plea.
Dua:
Supplication, prayer or devotional phrases.
Dua-e-qunoot:
A special dua that is recited in witr salaat. For further
details, refer to the chapter on "Witr Salaat".

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Durood:
Salutations to Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
Durood:
The sending of salutations upon Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam.
Eid salaat:
Eid ul-Ad'haa:
The salaat that is offered on the days of eid.
The 10th of Zil Hijjah. Literally means "the festival of
sacrifice". It is referred to as ad'haa because it is on
this day that animals are sacrificed in the name of
Allah and for His pleasure alone.
Eid ul-Fitr:
The first day of Shawwaal. Literally means "feast of
breaking the Ramadaan fast". It is referred to as fitr
because it is on this day that the month-long Ramadaan
fast comes to an end.
Eid:
Literally means "feast, festival". In Islam it refers to
that day which is celebrated after the month of Ramad-
aan and also on the 10th day of Zil Hijjah.
Eid:
Literally means "feast, festival". In Islam, it refers to
the first day of the month of Shawwaal and the tenth
day of the month of Zil Hijjah. Both these days are
days of celebration and devotion to Allah Ta'ala.
Eid-gah:
The place where the eid salaat is offered. In Arabic it
is referred to as the "musalla".
Esha:
Literally means "evening". Generally, it refers to the
evening prayer which is the fifth of the five daily
prayers. It is also referred to as esha salaat or salaatul
esha.
Faasiq:
Literally means "godless, sinful, offender, sinner, adu-
Iterer". In Islamic law it refers to the person who does
not meet the legal requirements of righteousness.
Fajr:
Literally means "dawn". Generally, it refers to the
dawn prayer which is the first of the five daily prayers.
It is also referred to as fajr salaat or salaatul fajr.
Fara'id:
Plural of fard. Fard literally means "compulsory". In
Islam it refers to those acts and things which are
compulsory on a Muslim. Abandoning or abstaining
from a fard act is a major sin. Rejecting a fard act
amounts to kufr.

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Fard:
Literally means "compulsory". In Islam it refers to
those acts and things which are compulsory on a
Muslim. Abandoning or abstaining from a fard act is a
major sin. To reject a fard act amounts to kufr.
Fard:
Fard-e-ayn:
See fara'id.
Refers to an act or duty which is incumbent and
compulsory on each and every individual.
Fard-e-kifaayah:
Refers to an act or duty which is incumbent and
compulsory on the community as a whole. If a few
members of the community or locality fulfil that act,
the entire community will be absolved of that resp-
onsibility or duty. And if no one from that community
or locality fulfils that responsibility or duty, the entire
community will be sinful.
Fatwa:
Fidyah:
A formal legal opinion or verdict in Islamic law.
Literally means "ransom". In Islamic law it refers to
redemption from the omission of certain religious
duties by a material donation or a ritual act.
For further details with regard to all the above forms of
talâq, refer to the relevant chapters.
For further details with regard to all the above forms of
talâq, refer to the relevant chapters.
Ghaleezah:
Ghayb:
Heavy impurity.
Literally means "the unseen". In Islam it refers to all
those things that are unseen by man and at the same
time believing in them is essential. Examples of the
unseen are: hell, heaven, angels, etc. A Muslim has to
believe that no one has the knowledge of the unseen
except Allah.
Ghayr mahram:
Refers to all those persons with whom marriage is
permissible. Based on this, it is incumbent to observe
purdah with all ghayr mahrams.
Ghîbah:
Ghusl:
Slander or backbiting.
Literally means "bath, wash". In Islam it refers to the
washing of the entire body from head to toe without
leaving a single place dry.

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Hadath:
Literally means "impurity". Hadath is of two types;
hadath-e-akbar and hadath-e-asghar. Hadath-e-akbar is
that impurity which necessitates ghusl. Hadath-e-
asghar is that impurity which necessitates wudu.
Hadith:
Hadith literally means "speech". In Islam it refers to
the sayings and actions of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi
wa sallam. Those sayings and actions that have been
endorsed or approved by him also fall under the
purview of Hadith.
Haid:
Monthly periods or menstruation experienced by a
woman.
Hajj:
Literally means "pilgrimage". In Islam it refers to the
annual pilgrimage to Makkah. Hajj is the fifth pillar of
Islam.
Halaal:
Halal:
That which is lawful or permissible in Islam.
That which is lawful or permissible in Islam.
That which is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.
Harâm:
Haud-e-Kauthar:
The fountain of abundance. This is the fountain from
which the believers will be given water on the day of
judgement.
Hayd:
Monthly periods or menstruation experienced by a
woman.
See Purdah.
Hijaab:
Hoor:
Large-eyed women of paradise promised to the
believers.
Hûr:
Refers to the large-eyed women of jannah, promised to
the believers.
Ibâdah:
Literally means "worship". In Islam it refers to all
those acts of worship which one renders to Allah
Ta'âlâ.
This is the name of shaytaan, or the cursed devil.
Iblis:
Iddah:
A period of waiting during which a woman may not
remarry after being widowed or divorced. For further
details, refer to the chapter on 'iddah.
Iddah:
A period of waiting during which a woman may not
remarry after being widowed or divorced. For further
details. refer to the chapter on 'iddah.

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Iddah:
In Islamic law it refers to the period of waiting during
which a woman may not remarry after being widowed
or divorced.
Iftaar:
The time of opening one's fast. This time commences
immediately after sunset.
Ihraam:
Two pieces of unstitched cloth which are donned by
the person performing Hajj or Umrah.
Îlâ':
Annulment of a marriage after the husband's sworn
testimony to have refrained from sexual intercourse
with his wife for a period of at least four months. For
further details, refer to the chapter on 'îlâ'.
Ilhaam:
Literally means "inspiration". Here it refers to those
things or ideas which Allah puts into the minds of His
pious servants.
Imaamat:
Refers to the act of being an imam or the entire
institution of imaamate which deals with the
appointment, rules, regulations, etc. which are related
to the imam.
Imaan:
Literally means "faith". Here it refers to believing in
Allah Ta'ala as the one and only God and believing
that Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam is His
messenger.
Imam Mahdi:
He will make his appearance when the Muslims will
be at their weakest. With his advent, the greater signs
of qiyamat will commence. He will be the leader of the
Muslims. After his death, Hadrat Isa alayhis salaam
will take over the reigns of leadership.
Imam:
Literally means "leader". In kitaabus salaat it refers to
the leader of the congregation for salaat.
Iqaamah:
Refers to the second call to salaat in a musjid
indicating the imminent beginning of the salaat with
congregation. For further details, refer to the chapter
on adhaan and iqaamah.
Iqtidaa:
Ishaarah:
Refers to the act of following the imam in salaat.
Literally means "gesture". In kitaabus salaat it refers to
the offering of salaat through gestures and signals for
·the person who is unable to offer his salaat in the nor-

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mal stipulated manner due to sickness or physical
handicap.
Istighfaar:
Istihaada:
The seeking of forgiveness from Allah Ta'ala.
This refers to blood which flows from a woman out of
her normal periods. This is irrespective of whether it
flows out of her normal menstruation period or out of
her normal nifaas period.
Istikhaarah:
The seeking of good from Allah Ta'ala. For further
details, refer to the chapter on salaatul istikhaarah.
Istinja:
Cleansing of one's private parts after having relieved
oneself. This is irrespective of whether this cleansing
is done with water or lumps of sand.
Istinja:
Cleansing of one's private parts after having relieved
oneself. A person can cleanse himself with water or
clods of earth.
I'tikaaf:
Literally means "to live in seclusion". In Islam, it
generally refers to the act of secluding oneself in the
musjid in the month of Ramadaan.
Jaahil:
Literally means "an ignorant person". Here it refers to
one who is ignorant of the knowledge of Islam. This is
irrespective of whether it is general knowledge of
Islam or knowledge of the rules and regulations of
Islam.
Jaame musjid:
Refers to a musjid in which the jumu'ah salaat is
offered. It is generally the main musjid in a town or
city.
Hell.
Jahannam:
Jamâ'ah:
A group, party, community.
Jama'at:
Literally means "congregation or group". In kitaabus
salaat it refers to the act of offering salaat with
congregation.
Janaazah salaat:
Salaat that is offered over the deceased person. For
further details refer to the chapter on janaazah salaat.
Paradise.
Jannah:
Jannah:
Heaven or paradise. A dweller of heaven is called a
jannati.

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Jihaad:
Literally means "fight or battle". In Islam, it generally
refers to the act of waging a war against the -
disbelievers as a religious duty.
Jinn:
Refers to beings that have been created by fire. They
take on different shapes and forms.
Jumu'ah musjid:
Refers to the musjid in which jumu'ah salaat is offered.
It is also referred to as a jaame musjid. It is generally
the main musjid in a town or city.
Jumu'ah salaat:
Refers to the mid-day salaat that is offered on Fridays.
For further details, refer to the chapter on jumu'ah
salaat.
Kaafir:
Literally means a "disbeliever". In Islam it refers to
one who rejects Allah and does not believe in Muham-
mad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as the final messenger
of Allah.
Ka'bah:
The most sacred place in Islam situated in Makkah al-
Mukarramah. Commonly referred to as the "House of
Allah".
Kafan:
A shroud or winding sheet. It refers to the sheet or
shroud that is used to cover the deceased. For further
details, refer to the chapter on kafan.
Kaffarah:
Literally means "penance, atonement, expiation". In
Islamic law it refers to redemption from the omission
of certain religious duties by a material donation or a
ritual act.
Kâfir:
Literally means "a disbeliever". In Islam it refers to
one who rejects Allah and does not believe in
Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam as the final
messenger of Allah.
Kafir:
Literally means "a disbeliever". In Islam it refers to
one who rejects Allah and who does not believe in
Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as the final
messenger of Allah.
Kalaam-e-majeed: Refers to the Holy Quran.
Kalimah:
Refers to the basic tenet of Islam, i.e. bearing witness
that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and
that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.

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Karaamaat:
Plural of karaamat. Literally means a miracle. But in
Islam it refers to miracles performed by saints and
other pious servants of Allah. These miracles are
performed only through the will of Allah. Saints
cannot perform any miracles of their own accord.
Literally means "manifestation".
Kashf:
Khalifah:
Literally means "successor". In Islamic political theory
it refers to the Islamic head of state. Commonly spelt
"caliph".
Khilaal:
This term is generally used in the act of wudu. It refers
to the passing of fingers either through one's beard or
passing of fingers of one hand through the fingers of
the other hand, or even passing of the little finger
through the toes.
Khula':
Divorce at the instance of the wife who must pay a
compensation. For further details, refer to the chapter
on khula'.
Khutbah:
Literally means "a lecture". In kitaabus salaat it refers
to the lecture or sermon that is delivered on Fridays
prior to the jumu'ah salaat or the sermon that is
delivered on the days of eid after the eid salaat. These
khutbahs have to be delivered in the Arabic language.
A divorce that is issued in vague terms without clearly
uttering the words of talâq.
Kinâyah:
Kuffar:
Plural of kafir.
Kufr:
Refers to the state of disbelief.
Kufr:
The state of disbelief.
Kuniyyat:
Surname or agnomen consisting of abu or umm
followed by the name of the son.
Kurta:
An Urdu word meaning "shirt". However, due to
constant usage, it refers to the long flowing robe worn
by Muslim men and which has come to be regarded as
an Islamic dress.
Laahiq:
A laahiq is a muqtadi who misses a few or all his
rakaats after having joined the congregation irr-
espective of whether he has some excuse or not. For
further details refer to the chapter "Masa'il connected
to the imam and muqtadi" mas'ala no. 22.

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Lailatul Qadr:
Literally means "the night of power". It refers to the
night in which the Quran was revealed. This night
generally falls in the last ten odd nights of the month
of Ramadaan.
Li'ân:
Sworn allegation of adultery committed by either
husband or wife. For further details, refer to the chapter
on li'ân.
Lungi:
A loin cloth worn by men especially in eastern
countries. A lungi is wrapped around the waist and
extends up to the ankles.
Luqmah:
Literally means "a little piece or morsel". In kitaabus
salaat it refers to correcting the imam when he
commits any mistake while leading the congregation in
salaat.
Madrasah:
Literally means "a school". Also used to refer to a
religious school.
Maghrib:
Literally means "evening or sunset". Also refers to the
time of sunset and the salat that is offered thereafter.
Mahr:
Dower or bridal money.
Mahram:
Refers to the person with whom marriage is not
permissible and with whom strict purdah is not
incumbent.
Mahram:
Refers to all those people with whom marriage is
permissible.
Mahram:
Refers to the person with whom marriage is not
permissible and with whom strict purdah is not
incumbent.
Mahrul mithl:
The dower or bridal money that is equal to or similar
than that which was given to a girl's paternal
grandmothers. For further details, refer to the chapter
on mahrul mithl.
Makruh:
Makruh:
That which is disliked or detestable but not forbidden.
That which is disliked or detestable. Makruh is of two
types:
makruh-e-tahrimi
and makruh-e-tanzihi.
Makruh-e-tahrimi is that which has been established
by a proof that is not absolute. The one who rejects it
is regarded as a faasiq (open sinner). A person who
does something that falls under this category without

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any valid reason will be committing a sin and will
deserve punishment. Makruh-e-tanzihi is that which if
left out, will be worthy of reward and if carried out,
will not entail any punishment.
Mani:
Semen or sperm.
Manzil:
Literally means "a stopping place". In kitaabus salaat it
refers to the distance travelled by a musafir.
Masah:
The act of passing of wet hands over a particular part
of the body.
Plural of mas'ala.
Masâ'il:
Mas'ala:
Literally means "an issue, problem or question". In
Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to a rule, or regulation.
The plural of mas'ala is masa'il.
Masbuq:
A person who joins the jama'at after having missed one
or more rakaats. For further details refer to the chapter
"Masa'il connected to the imam and muqtadi" mas'ala
no. 24.
Mazi:
Pre-coital fluid. A thin fluid generally released by the
private parts of both men and women at the time of
passion.
Ma'zur:
Literally means "one who is excused". In Islamic
jurisprudence it refers to that person who has certain
sickness due to which he is excused or exempted from
certain acts. For further details refer to the chapter
concerning the ma'zur.
Ma'zur:
Literally means "one who is excused". In Islamic
jurisprudence it refers to a person who has certain
sickness due to which he is excused or exempted from
certain acts. For further details refer to the chapter
concerning the ma'zur in Part One of Bahishti Zewar.
Meelad:
Literally means "birth, birthday". In this context it
refers to the birthday celebrations held in respect for
Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. In most cases
these celebrations are innovations which are accom-
panied by many other evils.
Mehr:
Dowry which is given to the wife at the time of
marriage.

870
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Mihraab:
Refers to the small oval-shaped area in the front of a
musjid which is specially designated for the imam
when he leads the congregation in salaat.
Mimbar:
Refers to the pulpit on which the imam stands and
delivers the khutbah on Fridays and the days of eid.
Mi'raj:
Literally means "ascension". In Islam it refers to the
ascension of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa
sallam to the seven heavens wherein he communicated
with Allah.
Miswaak:
Mt. Uhud:
A thin stick or twig which is used to clean the teeth.
Name of a mountain outside Madinah.
Mu'aamalaat:
Literally means "transactions". Generally refers to all
those transactions and dealings wherein some money
or other type of wealth is involved.
Mu'aasharat:
Literally means "society". In Islamic terminology it
refers to one's social relationships and social dealings.
Mu'akkadah:
Refers to those actions which Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam carried out continuously. It is a sin
to leave out such a sunnah without any valid excuse.
Mu'azzin:
Mudrik:
One who calls out the adhaan.
One who joins the congregation without missing any
rakaats.
Mughallazah:
A divorce which not only causes the annulment of the
marriage, but if the couple wish to remarry, the woman
will have to marry another person first, when he
divorces her or passes away, only then can she remarry
her first husband.
Muhaddith:
A scholar of Hadith who has attained high ranks in the
different sciences of Hadith.
Muharram:
Mu'jizah:
The first month of the Islamic calendar.
Literally means a "miracle". In Islam it refers to
miracles performed by prophets. Prophets do not
perform miracles out of their own accord but through
the direction and will of Allah.
Mujtahideen:
Plural of mujtahid. A mujtahid is one who has the
qualities of making ijtihaad (deriving rules and regula-
tions through analogy).

871
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Mukabbir:
A person who conveys the takbirs of the imam when
the congregation is generally very large and there is no
mike system.
Munfarid:
A person who offers his salaat alone, i.e. not in
congregation.
Muqeem:
A person who is not a traveller. He is either at his own
home or, if he has travelled, then he has made the
intention of staying over at that place for more than
fifteen days. For further details refer to the chapter
"Salaat on a Journey".
A person who follows the imam in salaat.
Muqtadi:
Murtad:
Literally means "a renegade". In Islamic terminology it
refers to a person who rejects Islam after having been a
Muslim.
Musafir:
A traveller. For further details refer to the chapter
"Salaat on a Journey".
Musalla:
Refers to a piece of cloth or carpet on which a person
offers his salaat. Musalla is also used in Arabic to refer
to a place where the eid salaat is offered.
Musalli:
One who is offering salaat.
Mushrikeen:
Plural of mushrik. A polytheist or one who ascribes
partners to Allah.
Mustahab:
Literally means "preferable or desirable". Refers to
that act which was carried out by Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam or the Sahabah occasionally.
Carrying out these actions entails reward and leaving
them out does not entail punishment.
Mustahab:
Literally means "preferable or desirable". Refers to
that an which was carried out by Rasulullah sallallahu
alayhi wa sallam or the Sahabah occasionally.
Carrying out these actions entails reward and leaving
them out does not entail any punishment.
That which is preferable or desirable.
Mustahab:
Muzdalifah:
Name of a place outside Makkah. Staying over in
Muzdalifah is included among the rites of Hajj.
Nadhr:
Nafl:
A vow or solemn pledge.
Optional.

872
Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
Nafl:
Literally means "optional". According to the jurists it
has a similar ruling to that of mustahab.
Nafl:
That which is optional.
Najaasat:
Refers to impurity. Najaasat is of two types: najaasat-
e-ghaleezah (heavy impurity) and najaasat-e-
khafeefah (light impurity). The rules concerning
najaasat have already been mentioned in the relevant
chapters.
Najaasat-e-haqiqi: Visible impurity.
Najaasat-e-hukmi: Ceremonial impurity. In other words, it refers to the
state of impurity in which a person may be, e.g. in
need of wudu or ghusl.
Najis:
That which is impure.
Nazr:
A vow or solemn pledge.
Nifaas:
Refers to the flowing of blood after child-birth.
Nikâh:
Marriage.
Niyyah:
Intention.
Nur:
Light.
Purdah:
An Urdu word meaning "seclusion". It is an equivalent
of the Arabic word "hijab". Refers to the seclusion of
women from strangers. There are different stages of
purdah, the highest of which is that the woman should
not come out of her home except for a valid Islamic
reason.
Purdah:
An Urdu word meaning "seclusion". It is an equivalent
of the Arabic word "hijab". Refers to the seclusion of
women from strangers. There are different stages of
purdah, the highest of which is that the woman should
not come out of her home except for a valid Islamic
reason.
Qaari:
Literally means "one who recites". In Islamic
terminology it refers to the person who recites the
Quran bearing in mind all the necessary rules of
recitation.
Qada salaat:
Refers to fulfilling or completing a salaat which one
may have missed for some reason or the other. For
further details, refer to the chapter on qada salaat.