Muhammad’s immediate family. ahl al-kitab People of the Book. Usually Jews and Christians. Allahu akhbar “God is greater.” A phrase that reminds Muslims of the transcendence and supremacy of God. al-Rahim The Merciful. One of the names of God. al-Rahman The Compassionate. One of the names of God. Ansar The Helpers. The Medinese Muslims. ‘asibiyyah Tribal solidarity. ayah (Plural: ayat) Sign, parable, symbol, a verse of the Qur’an. badawah Nomadic; hence Bedouin. banat Allah Daughters of Allah. See gharaniq. dahr Time, fate. dhikr Reminder, remembrance. din Religion, way of life, moral law, reckoning. fatah Literally “opening.” Victory. gharaniq The three goddesses Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat. “Daughters of Allah,” who were compared to beautiful “cranes”. ghazu Acquisition raid, essential to the Bedouin economy. Ghazi: Warrior, raider, man of war. hadarah Settled life—as opposed to badawah. hadith (plural: ahadith) Report, a maxim or saying attributed to the Prophet.
