Definitions of essential Islamic concepts
Complete reliance and trust in Allah after taking the necessary means.
Tawakkul is not passivity but active trust: you work hard, then leave the outcome to Allah. 'Whoever relies upon Allah — then He is sufficient for him.' (Quran 65:3)
God-consciousness; mindfulness of Allah by following His commands and avoiding prohibitions.
Taqwa is presented in the Quran as the greatest criterion of honour among people: 'The most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.' (49:13)
Excellence in worship and deeds; to worship Allah as if you see Him.
In the Hadith of Jibril, when asked 'What is Ihsan?' the Prophet replied: 'It is to worship Allah as though you can see Him; and if you cannot see Him, then know that He sees you.'
Patience and perseverance in the face of hardship; acceptance of Allah's decree.
Patience is mentioned in more than 90 Quran verses. 'Allah is with the patient.' (2:153) There are three types: patience in worship, patience from sin, and patience in affliction.
Gratitude to Allah for His blessings, expressed through heart, tongue, and action.
Allah contrasts grateful and ungrateful by saying: 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favor; if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe.' (14:7)
Remembrance of Allah; the repeated recitation of Allah's names, praises, and glorifications.
The Quran says 'Remember Allah often so that you may succeed' (8:45) and 'Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.' (13:28)
Faith; belief in Allah, angels, scriptures, prophets, the Last Day, and divine decree.
The six pillars of Iman are detailed in the Hadith of Jibril. Faith involves belief in the heart, declaration by tongue, and action in the body — all three are interconnected.
Seeking forgiveness from Allah; saying 'Astaghfirullah' with sincere repentance.
The Prophet used to seek forgiveness at least 70-100 times daily. 'Whoever does much istighfar, Allah will provide him relief from every worry and a way out from every hardship.' (Abu Dawud)
That which is permissible and lawful in Islam; permitted food, drink, and actions.
Halal extends beyond food to encompass all aspects of life: earnings, relationships, business dealings. It is designed to protect human health, social harmony, and spiritual purity.
That which is forbidden and prohibited in Islam; actions, food, or drink that are strictly forbidden.
In Islam, prohibitions are kept limited while the gate of the permissible is kept wide open. A principle of Islamic jurisprudence states: 'The default for things is permissibility.' Most prohibitions involve harm to health, social relations, or justice.
Supplication to Allah; directly communicating one's needs, wishes, and gratitude to Allah.
The Prophet described dua as 'the essence of worship.' Allah says in the Quran: 'Your Lord said: Call upon Me, I will respond to you.' (40:60) Dua is the most direct form of communication with the Divine, requiring no intermediary.
Sincere repentance and return to Allah; seeking forgiveness for one's mistakes and sins.
Allah keeps the door of repentance open: 'Allah loves those who repent and those who purify themselves.' (2:222). Three conditions: sincere regret, ceasing the sin, and not returning to it. Allah's forgiveness is boundless.
The Islamic community; the global community united around a prophet or faith.
The Quran says 'We have made you a justly balanced community.' (2:143) The concept of Ummah transcends race and borders, expressing a universal brotherhood based on shared faith and values.