The following are transliterations of some Arabic expressions that might appear throughout this book, followed by their meanings in English.
1. SUBHAANAHU WA TA'AALAA:
Glorified and Exalted be He. This expression is generally said after mentioning the name of Allah the Almighty. Another common expression is 'Azza wa Jalla.
2. SALLALLAAHU 'ALAIHI WA SALLAM:
May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. This expression is commonly said whenever the Prophet Muhammed's name is mentioned.
3. ALAIH-ISSALAAM:
Peace be upon him. This formula is usually said after the name of a Prophet or an angel, such as Musa (Moses) or Jibreel, respectively. It is also said after names of certain pious men mentioned in the Qur'an, such as Al-Khidr, whose story appears in Surat Al-Kahf, 18:65-82.
4. ALAIH-ASSALAAM:
Peace be upon her. This is said after the names of certain pious women mentioned in the Qur'an, such as Maryam, the mother of Prophet Isaa, alaih-issalaam.
5. RADHIY-ALLAAHU 'ANHU:
May Allah be pleased with him. This is generally used for a male companion of the Prophet (pbuh) such as Abu Hurairah and Ibn Abbaas.
6. RADHIY-ALLAAHU 'ANHAA:
May Allah be pleased with her. This is usually used for a female companion of the Prophet (pbuh) such as his wives Khadeejah and A'ishah.
7. SHAIKH-UL-ISLAM:
This title of honour precedes the name of certain learned scholars of Islam particularly those who had attained by their fatwas certain fame or the approval of a large number of Muslim jurists. Ibn Taymiyyah is an example of such learned scholars.
8. IBN:
Son of. This is a title of respect, an example of which is Omar ibn Al-Khattab, which means Omar, son of Al-Khattab.
9. BINT:
Daughter of. This is a title of respect, an example of which is Hafsah bint Omar, which means Hafsah, daughter of Omar.
10. ABU:
Father of. This is a title of respect, an example of which is the Prophet's companion Abu Hurairah.
11. UMM:
Mother of. This is a title of respect, an example of which is the Prophet's wife Umm Salamah.
Thank You for reading! May Allah shower His countless blessings upon you this Ramadan (2013). Ameen.
