Reference
Glossary
167 terms that come up often in South African fatawa, with short, neutral definitions. In any fatwa, terms with a dotted underline can be tapped for their meaning.
A
- AdhanWorship & purity
- The call to prayer.Also written: azaan, azan, adhaanFatawa that use “Adhan”
- AkhlaqBelief & ethics
- Character and moral conduct.Also written: akhlaaqFatawa that use “Akhlaq”
- AqeedahBelief & ethics
- Creed; the core beliefs of Islam.Also written: aqidah, aqeeda, aqidaFatawa that use “Aqeedah”
- AqiqahFasting & Hajj
- The sacrifice offered in thanks for the birth of a child.Also written: aqeeqah, aqeeqa, aqiqaFatawa that use “Aqiqah”
- AwrahFamily
- The parts of the body that must be covered.Also written: awra, satrFatawa that use “Awrah”
B
- BalighFamily
- Having reached legal maturity (puberty), after which religious duties become binding.Also written: baaligh, bulugh, bulooghFatawa that use “Baligh”
- BatilRulings
- Void; an act or contract that has no legal effect at all.Also written: baatilFatawa that use “Batil”
- Bay'ahBelief & ethics
- A pledge, such as a student's pledge to a spiritual guide, or allegiance to a ruler.Also written: bai'at, baiat, bayatFatawa that use “Bay'ah”
- Bid'ahSources & method
- Innovation; a practice introduced into religion without basis in its sources.Also written: bid'at, bidat, biddahFatawa that use “Bid'ah”
D
- Da'ifSources & method
- Weak; a hadith whose chain or text falls short of the standard for acceptance.Also written: dhaif, dhaeef, da'eef, daeefFatawa that use “Da'if”
- DamFasting & Hajj
- An animal sacrifice required to make up for certain omissions or violations during Hajj or Umrah.Fatawa that use “Dam”
- Darul IftaSources & method
- An institute or department that issues fatawa.Also written: darul iftaa, dar al-iftaFatawa that use “Darul Ifta”
- DarurahSources & method
- Necessity; a pressing need that can lift a prohibition within limits.Also written: dharurah, dharoorah, zarurat, daruraFatawa that use “Darurah”
- DhabihahFood
- Slaughter according to the Shariah, which makes an animal's meat halal.Also written: zabiha, zabihah, dhabh, zabhFatawa that use “Dhabihah”
- DhikrWorship & purity
- Remembrance of Allah through words of praise and glorification.Also written: zikr, thikrFatawa that use “Dhikr”
- DuaWorship & purity
- Supplication; personal prayer to Allah.Also written: duaa, du'aaFatawa that use “Dua”
E
- EidWorship & purity
- The two annual festivals, Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan and Eid al-Adha during Hajj, each with its own salah.Also written: eidul fitr, eid ul fitr, eidul adha, eid ul adhaFatawa that use “Eid”
F
- FardRulings
- Obligatory; a duty established by decisive evidence. Leaving it without excuse is sinful.Also written: fardh, farz, farazFatawa that use “Fard”
- FasidRulings
- Defective; a contract or act that is invalid because of a flaw in its conditions.Also written: faasidFatawa that use “Fasid”
- FaskhFamily
- Annulment of a marriage by a qadi or Muslim judicial body.Also written: fasakhFatawa that use “Faskh”
- FatwaSources & method
- A scholarly answer to a question on Islamic law, given for the situation asked about. Plural: fatawa.Also written: fatwaaFatawa that use “Fatwa”
- FidyahFasting & Hajj
- Compensation, usually feeding the poor, given in place of fasts that cannot be kept or for certain lapses in Hajj.Also written: fidyaFatawa that use “Fidyah”
- FiqhSources & method
- Islamic jurisprudence: the detailed understanding of rulings derived from the sources.Fatawa that use “Fiqh”
G
- GhararZakat & finance
- Excessive uncertainty in a contract, which can invalidate it.Fatawa that use “Gharar”
- Ghayr MahramFamily
- A person one could marry, with whom rules of modesty apply.Also written: ghair mahram, non-mahram, na-mahram, nonmahramFatawa that use “Ghayr Mahram”
- GhibahBelief & ethics
- Backbiting: speaking about an absent person in a way they would dislike.Also written: gheebah, gheebat, backbitingFatawa that use “Ghibah”
- GhuslWorship & purity
- The ritual bath: washing the whole body, required after major impurity such as janabah, haydh or nifas.Also written: ghusalFatawa that use “Ghusl”
H
- HadanahFamily
- Custody and care of young children after separation.Also written: hidanah, hizaanat, hidhanah, custodyFatawa that use “Hadanah”
- HadithSources & method
- A report of the sayings, actions or approvals of the Prophet ﷺ.Also written: hadeeth, ahadith, ahaadithFatawa that use “Hadith”
- HadyFasting & Hajj
- An animal sacrificed in the Haram as part of Hajj or as a penalty for certain errors in it.Also written: hadeeFatawa that use “Hady”
- HajjFasting & Hajj
- The pilgrimage to Makkah, obligatory once in a lifetime on those able.Also written: hajFatawa that use “Hajj”
- HalalRulings
- Lawful; permitted by the Shariah.Also written: halaalFatawa that use “Halal”
- HanafiSources & method
- The school of jurisprudence of Imam Abu Hanifah; the majority school among South African Muslims of Indian origin.Also written: hanafeeFatawa that use “Hanafi”
- HaramRulings
- Unlawful; prohibited by decisive evidence. Doing it is sinful.Also written: haraamFatawa that use “Haram”
- HaydhWorship & purity
- Menstruation, which has its own rulings for prayer, fasting and other acts.Also written: haidh, haid, hayd, haizFatawa that use “Haydh”
- HibahZakat & finance
- A gift made during one's lifetime, which generally takes effect once possession is handed over.Also written: hiba, hibbaFatawa that use “Hibah”
- HijabFamily
- Modest covering; also the general rules of modesty between the sexes.Also written: hijaabFatawa that use “Hijab”
- HilalFasting & Hajj
- The new crescent moon, whose sighting begins an Islamic month.Also written: hilaalFatawa that use “Hilal”
I
- IddahFamily
- The waiting period a woman observes after divorce or her husband's death before she may remarry.Also written: iddat, iddaFatawa that use “Iddah”
- IftarFasting & Hajj
- Breaking the fast at sunset.Also written: iftaarFatawa that use “Iftar”
- IhramFasting & Hajj
- The sacred state entered for Hajj or Umrah, with its garments and restrictions.Also written: ihraamFatawa that use “Ihram”
- IhtiyatSources & method
- Precaution; choosing the safer course where there is doubt.Also written: ihtiyaat, ihtiyaatFatawa that use “Ihtiyat”
- IjarahZakat & finance
- Leasing or hire; also an employment contract.Also written: ijaarah, ijaraFatawa that use “Ijarah”
- Ijma'Sources & method
- Consensus of qualified scholars on a ruling.Also written: ijmaaFatawa that use “Ijma'”
- IjtihadSources & method
- Independent reasoning by a qualified jurist to derive a ruling.Also written: ijtihaadFatawa that use “Ijtihad”
- ImamWorship & purity
- The one who leads the prayer; also a title for a leading scholar.Also written: imaamFatawa that use “Imam”
- ImanBelief & ethics
- Faith; belief in the articles of faith.Also written: imaan, eemaanFatawa that use “Iman”
- IqamahWorship & purity
- The second call given just before the congregational prayer begins.Also written: iqaamah, iqamat, takbeerFatawa that use “Iqamah”
- Isal-e-ThawabFuneral
- Conveying the reward of good deeds to the deceased.Also written: isaal-e-thawaab, esaal-e-thawaab, isaal-e-sawaab, isale thawabFatawa that use “Isal-e-Thawab”
- IshraqWorship & purity
- A voluntary prayer offered shortly after sunrise.Also written: ishraaqFatawa that use “Ishraq”
- IslahBelief & ethics
- Self-reformation; correcting one's character and conduct.Also written: islaahFatawa that use “Islah”
- IsnadSources & method
- The chain of narrators through which a hadith is transmitted.Also written: isnaad, sanadFatawa that use “Isnad”
- IstihadahWorship & purity
- Irregular bleeding outside the normal pattern of haydh or nifas; prayer remains due.Also written: istihaadah, istihadhaFatawa that use “Istihadah”
- IstikharahWorship & purity
- The prayer and supplication for seeking Allah's guidance in a decision.Also written: istikhara, istikhaarahFatawa that use “Istikharah”
- IstinjaWorship & purity
- Cleaning oneself after using the toilet.Also written: istinjaa, istinjaa'Fatawa that use “Istinja”
- IstisnaZakat & finance
- A contract to manufacture or build something to specification for an agreed price.Also written: istisnaaFatawa that use “Istisna”
- I'tikafFasting & Hajj
- Spiritual retreat in a masjid, especially in the last ten days of Ramadan.Also written: itikaaf, i'tikaafFatawa that use “I'tikaf”
J
- Ja'izRulings
- Permissible or valid.Also written: jaaizFatawa that use “Ja'iz”
- JanabahWorship & purity
- The state of major ritual impurity after intercourse or seminal discharge; ghusl removes it.Also written: janaabat, janabat, janaabahFatawa that use “Janabah”
- JanazahFuneral
- The funeral; also the funeral prayer offered for a deceased Muslim.Also written: janaazah, janaza, janaazaFatawa that use “Janazah”
- Jumu'ahWorship & purity
- The Friday congregational prayer with its sermon.Also written: jumma, jummah, jumaFatawa that use “Jumu'ah”
K
- KafanFuneral
- The shroud in which the deceased is wrapped.Also written: kafnFatawa that use “Kafan”
- KaffarahFasting & Hajj
- Expiation required for certain violations, such as deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast or a sworn oath.Also written: kaffara, kaffaarah, kaffaratFatawa that use “Kaffarah”
- KhitanFamily
- Circumcision.Also written: khatna, khitaanFatawa that use “Khitan”
- KhiyarZakat & finance
- An option in a sale to confirm or cancel the contract, for example after inspecting the goods or finding a defect.Also written: khiyaarFatawa that use “Khiyar”
- KhulaFamily
- Divorce sought by the wife, usually in return for giving up the mahr or another consideration.Also written: khul', khulFatawa that use “Khula”
- KhutbahWorship & purity
- The sermon delivered at Jumu'ah, Eid and some other occasions.Also written: khutbaFatawa that use “Khutbah”
- KufrBelief & ethics
- Disbelief.Fatawa that use “Kufr”
L
- LillahZakat & finance
- Voluntary charity given for the sake of Allah, used more freely than zakat.Also written: lillaahFatawa that use “Lillah”
M
- MadhhabSources & method
- A school of jurisprudence, such as the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i or Hanbali school.Also written: madhab, mazhab, madhaahibFatawa that use “Madhhab”
- MahrFamily
- The bridal gift the husband gives the wife, owed to her as her right.Also written: mehr, mehar, maharFatawa that use “Mahr”
- Mahr MithlFamily
- The customary mahr for a woman of similar standing, due where no mahr was fixed.Also written: mahr-e-mithl, mahrul mithlFatawa that use “Mahr Mithl”
- MahramFamily
- A close relative one may never marry, such as a parent, sibling or child; relevant to travel, hijab and seclusion.Also written: mehramFatawa that use “Mahram”
- MakruhRulings
- Disliked. Scholars distinguish makruh tahrimi (close to haram) from makruh tanzihi (better avoided).Also written: makrooh, makrouhFatawa that use “Makruh”
- Makruh TahrimiRulings
- Prohibitively disliked; in Hanafi fiqh, close to haram and sinful to do.Also written: makrooh tahrimi, makrooh tahreemi, makruh tahreemiFatawa that use “Makruh Tahrimi”
- Makruh TanzihiRulings
- Mildly disliked; better avoided, but not sinful.Also written: makrooh tanzihi, makrooh tanzeehi, makruh tanzeehiFatawa that use “Makruh Tanzihi”
- MandubRulings
- Recommended; close in meaning to mustahab.Also written: mandoobFatawa that use “Mandub”
- MasbuqWorship & purity
- A latecomer who joins the congregation after one or more units have passed.Also written: masbooqFatawa that use “Masbuq”
- Mashbooh foodFood
- Additives whose source may be animal or alcohol-based; their status depends on origin.Also written: e-numbers, e numbersFatawa that use “Mashbooh food”
- MasjidWorship & purity
- A mosque: a place dedicated for congregational salah, with its own rulings of respect and use.Also written: musjid, masjidsFatawa that use “Masjid”
- Mawdu'Sources & method
- Fabricated; a report falsely attributed to the Prophet ﷺ.Also written: mawdoo, maudhooFatawa that use “Mawdu'”
- MayyitFuneral
- The deceased person.Also written: mayyat, mayyat'sFatawa that use “Mayyit”
- MiqatFasting & Hajj
- The boundary points at which pilgrims must enter ihram.Also written: meeqat, miqaatFatawa that use “Miqat”
- MirathFamily
- Inheritance; the fixed shares heirs receive under Islamic law.Also written: meeraath, miraath, meerathFatawa that use “Mirath”
- MubahRulings
- Permissible; neither rewarded nor punished in itself.Also written: mubaahFatawa that use “Mubah”
- MudarabahZakat & finance
- A partnership in which one party provides capital and the other labour, sharing profit.Also written: mudaraba, mudharabahFatawa that use “Mudarabah”
- MufsidRulings
- Something that invalidates an act, such as what breaks a fast or a prayer.Fatawa that use “Mufsid”
- MuftiSources & method
- A scholar qualified to issue fatawa.Fatawa that use “Mufti”
- MuqtadiWorship & purity
- A person praying behind an imam.Also written: muqtadeeFatawa that use “Muqtadi”
- MurabahahZakat & finance
- A cost-plus sale in which the seller discloses cost and profit; used in Islamic finance.Also written: murabahaFatawa that use “Murabahah”
- MurshidBelief & ethics
- A spiritual guide in tasawwuf who directs a student's self-reformation.Fatawa that use “Murshid”
- MusafirWorship & purity
- A traveller in the legal sense, who may shorten four-unit prayers.Also written: musaafirFatawa that use “Musafir”
- MusharakahZakat & finance
- A partnership in which partners share capital, profit and loss.Also written: musharakaFatawa that use “Musharakah”
- MushtabahRulings
- Doubtful; a matter whose lawfulness is unclear and is best avoided.Also written: mashbooh, mashbuh, shubha, shubhahFatawa that use “Mushtabah”
- MustahabRulings
- Desirable or preferred; rewarded if done, no sin if left.Also written: mustahabb, mustahibFatawa that use “Mustahab”
N
- NadhrBelief & ethics
- A vow to perform an act of worship, which becomes binding once made.Also written: nazr, nazar, mannatFatawa that use “Nadhr”
- NafaqahFamily
- Maintenance: the duty to provide food, clothing and housing for a spouse or dependants.Also written: nafaqa, nafqah, maintenanceFatawa that use “Nafaqah”
- NaflRulings
- Voluntary; an act done beyond what is obligatory, such as extra prayers.Also written: nafil, nawafil, nafalFatawa that use “Nafl”
- NajasahWorship & purity
- Ritual impurity, such as urine or blood, that must be removed from body, clothes and place of prayer.Also written: najaasah, najasat, najis, najaasatFatawa that use “Najasah”
- NifasWorship & purity
- Post-natal bleeding after childbirth.Also written: nifaasFatawa that use “Nifas”
- NikahFamily
- The Islamic marriage contract.Also written: nikaah, nikkahFatawa that use “Nikah”
- NisabZakat & finance
- The minimum amount of wealth that makes zakat (and some other duties) obligatory.Also written: nisaabFatawa that use “Nisab”
P
- PurdahFamily
- Modesty and screening between men and women who are not mahram.Also written: parda, pardahFatawa that use “Purdah”
Q
- QadhaWorship & purity
- Making up an act of worship, such as a prayer or fast, after its proper time.Also written: qaza, qada, qadhaaFatawa that use “Qadha”
- QardZakat & finance
- A loan; repayment must not carry a stipulated increase.Also written: qardh, qarzFatawa that use “Qard”
- QasamBelief & ethics
- An oath sworn by Allah; breaking it requires kaffarah.Also written: yaminFatawa that use “Qasam”
- QasrWorship & purity
- Shortening the four-unit prayers to two while travelling.Also written: qasarFatawa that use “Qasr”
- QiblahWorship & purity
- The direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah, faced in prayer.Also written: qiblaFatawa that use “Qiblah”
- QimarZakat & finance
- Gambling; staking money on chance.Also written: qimaar, maysirFatawa that use “Qimar”
- QiyasSources & method
- Analogy: extending a ruling to a new case that shares its underlying cause.Also written: qiyaasFatawa that use “Qiyas”
- QunutWorship & purity
- A supplication recited while standing in salah; in the Hanafi school, in the third rak'ah of witr.Also written: qunoot, dua-e-qunoot, dua qunootFatawa that use “Qunut”
- QurbaniFasting & Hajj
- The animal sacrifice offered on the days of Eid al-Adha.Also written: qurbaani, udhiyah, udhiya, udhiyyahFatawa that use “Qurbani”
R
- Rak'ahWorship & purity
- A single unit of the prayer, from standing through the prostrations.Also written: rakaat, raka'at, rakat, rakaats, rakahsFatawa that use “Rak'ah”
- RamiFasting & Hajj
- Stoning the pillars (jamarat) at Mina, a rite of Hajj.Also written: ramee, rami al-jamaratFatawa that use “Rami”
- RibaZakat & finance
- Interest or usury; prohibited gain in loans and certain exchanges.Also written: ribaaFatawa that use “Riba”
- Ruju'Family
- Taking back a wife during the iddah after a revocable divorce.Also written: rujooFatawa that use “Ruju'”
- RuqyahBelief & ethics
- Seeking healing or protection by reciting the Qur'an and prophetic supplications.Also written: ruqyaFatawa that use “Ruqyah”
S
- SadaqahZakat & finance
- Charity in general, voluntary or obligatory.Also written: sadaqa, sadqah, sadqaFatawa that use “Sadaqah”
- Sadaqatul FitrZakat & finance
- The charity due before the Eid al-Fitr prayer on behalf of each household member.Also written: sadaqah al-fitr, fitrah, fitra, sadaqat al-fitrFatawa that use “Sadaqatul Fitr”
- SahabahSources & method
- The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ.Also written: sahaba, sahaabah, companionsFatawa that use “Sahabah”
- SahihRulings
- Valid or sound. Of a hadith, one with a reliable chain of narrators.Also written: saheehFatawa that use “Sahih”
- Sa'iFasting & Hajj
- Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.Also written: saee, sa'eeFatawa that use “Sa'i”
- Sajdah SahwWorship & purity
- The prostration of forgetfulness, made to compensate for certain mistakes in prayer.Also written: sajda sahw, sajdah-e-sahw, sajdatus sahwFatawa that use “Sajdah Sahw”
- SalahWorship & purity
- The ritual prayer; five daily prayers are obligatory.Also written: salaah, salat, salaat, namaz, namaazFatawa that use “Salah”
- SalamZakat & finance
- A forward sale with full payment in advance for goods delivered later.Also written: bay' salam, bai salam, salam saleFatawa that use “Salam”
- SawmFasting & Hajj
- Fasting: abstaining from food, drink and intercourse from dawn to sunset.Also written: saum, siyam, roza, rozahFatawa that use “Sawm”
- Shafi'iSources & method
- The school of jurisprudence of Imam al-Shafi'i; widely followed in the Western Cape.Also written: shafi, shafeeFatawa that use “Shafi'i”
- ShirkBelief & ethics
- Associating partners with Allah; the gravest sin.Fatawa that use “Shirk”
- SuhurFasting & Hajj
- The pre-dawn meal before a fast.Also written: sehri, sahri, suhoor, sehriFatawa that use “Suhur”
- SukukZakat & finance
- Shariah-compliant investment certificates representing ownership in an underlying asset, often used in place of bonds.Fatawa that use “Sukuk”
- SunnahRulings
- The practice of the Prophet ﷺ; as a ruling, an act that is recommended and was regularly done by him.Also written: sunnat, sunnaFatawa that use “Sunnah”
- Sunnah Mu'akkadahRulings
- An emphasised Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ did consistently; habitually leaving it is blameworthy.Also written: sunnat muakkadah, sunnah muakkada, sunnat-e-muakkadahFatawa that use “Sunnah Mu'akkadah”
- SutrahWorship & purity
- An object placed in front of a person praying, so that others may pass beyond it.Also written: sutraFatawa that use “Sutrah”
T
- Tabi'unSources & method
- The generation after the Companions, who learned from them.Also written: tabieen, taabi'eenFatawa that use “Tabi'un”
- TahajjudWorship & purity
- Voluntary night prayer offered after waking from sleep, before dawn.Fatawa that use “Tahajjud”
- TaharahWorship & purity
- Ritual purity, required for prayer and some other acts of worship.Also written: tahaarah, taharaFatawa that use “Taharah”
- TakafulZakat & finance
- Cooperative insurance structured to avoid riba and gharar.Also written: takaafulFatawa that use “Takaful”
- TalaqFamily
- Divorce initiated by the husband.Also written: talaaq, talakFatawa that use “Talaq”
- Talaq Ba'inFamily
- An irrevocable divorce; reconciliation needs a new nikah.Also written: talaaq baain, baain talaaq, talaaq-e-baainFatawa that use “Talaq Ba'in”
- Talaq MughallazahFamily
- The final, threefold divorce, after which remarriage is barred unless conditions are met.Also written: mughallazah, mughallaza, talaq-e-mughallazahFatawa that use “Talaq Mughallazah”
- Talaq Raj'iFamily
- A revocable divorce, after which the couple may reconcile during the iddah without a new nikah.Also written: talaq rajee, talaaq raj'i, raj'i talaaq, rajee talaaq, talaq-e-raj'iFatawa that use “Talaq Raj'i”
- TalbiyahFasting & Hajj
- The words “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…” recited by pilgrims in ihram.Also written: talbiyaFatawa that use “Talbiyah”
- TalqeenFuneral
- Prompting a dying person to say the shahadah.Also written: talqinFatawa that use “Talqeen”
- TaqlidSources & method
- Following the rulings of a recognised school or scholar.Also written: taqleedFatawa that use “Taqlid”
- TaqwaBelief & ethics
- God-consciousness; mindful obedience to Allah.Also written: taqwaaFatawa that use “Taqwa”
- TarawihWorship & purity
- The night prayers of Ramadan, prayed after Esha.Also written: taraweeh, taraawihFatawa that use “Tarawih”
- TasawwufBelief & ethics
- The discipline of purifying the heart and character, usually under the guidance of a spiritual mentor.Also written: tasawuf, sufismFatawa that use “Tasawwuf”
- TasmiyahFood
- Saying Bismillah, the name of Allah, for example when slaughtering an animal or beginning to eat.Also written: tasmiyaFatawa that use “Tasmiyah”
- TawafFasting & Hajj
- Circling the Ka'bah seven times as an act of worship.Also written: tawaafFatawa that use “Tawaf”
- TawbahBelief & ethics
- Repentance: turning back to Allah, regretting a sin and resolving not to return to it.Also written: taubah, tauba, tawbaFatawa that use “Tawbah”
- TawhidBelief & ethics
- The oneness of Allah, the foundation of Islamic belief.Also written: tawheed, tauheedFatawa that use “Tawhid”
- Ta'wizBelief & ethics
- An amulet containing Qur'anic verses or supplications, whose use scholars discuss with conditions.Also written: taweez, ta'weezFatawa that use “Ta'wiz”
- TayammumWorship & purity
- Dry ablution with clean earth, permitted when water cannot be used.Also written: tayamumFatawa that use “Tayammum”
- TilawahWorship & purity
- Recitation of the Qur'an.Also written: tilawatFatawa that use “Tilawah”
U
- UlamaSources & method
- Scholars of Islam (singular: alim).Also written: ulamaa, ulemaFatawa that use “Ulama”
- UmrahFasting & Hajj
- The lesser pilgrimage to Makkah, which can be done at any time of year.Also written: umraFatawa that use “Umrah”
- UrfSources & method
- Custom; local practice that can shape how a ruling is applied.Also written: Fatawa that use “Urf”
W
- WajibRulings
- Necessary. In Hanafi usage, a duty one level below fard, established by evidence that is strong but not decisive.Also written: waajib, wajebFatawa that use “Wajib”
- WaliFamily
- A guardian, such as the father in matters of a daughter's marriage.Also written: waleeFatawa that use “Wali”
- WalimahFamily
- The wedding feast hosted after the nikah.Also written: walima, waleemahFatawa that use “Walimah”
- WaqfZakat & finance
- A charitable endowment whose benefit is dedicated permanently to a cause.Also written: waqaf, awqafFatawa that use “Waqf”
- WasiyyahFamily
- A bequest or will; limited to one-third of the estate and not for heirs.Also written: wasiyyat, wasiyat, wasiyahFatawa that use “Wasiyyah”
- WazifahBelief & ethics
- A regular recitation or litany of dhikr and supplications.Also written: wazifa, wazeefa, wazeefahFatawa that use “Wazifah”
- WitrWorship & purity
- The odd-numbered prayer after Esha; wajib in the Hanafi school.Also written: witirFatawa that use “Witr”
- WudhuWorship & purity
- Ablution: washing the face, arms, wiping the head and washing the feet before prayer.Also written: wudu, wuzu, wudhoo, wudoo, ablutionFatawa that use “Wudhu”
Z
- ZakatZakat & finance
- The obligatory annual alms on wealth above the nisab, paid to specified categories of recipients.Also written: zakaat, zakah, zakaahFatawa that use “Zakat”
- ZiharFamily
- A husband likening his wife to a woman permanently unlawful to him, such as his mother; it requires kaffarah before intimacy resumes.Also written: zihaarFatawa that use “Zihar”
Definitions are general descriptions for orientation only. Rulings differ between schools and situations — read the fatwa itself and ask a Darul Ifta about your own case.