Alphabetical Index

Islam

Islam : A religion; the word means "to obey God"

Muslims : The people who follow the religion of Islam.

Muhammad : The great leader and prophet of Islam.

Qur'an : The Holy book of Islam.

Mosque : The building where Muslims meet to worship.

Arabic : The Language Arab people speak; the Qur'an is written in Arabic.

Allah : Arabic word for God.

Mecca : The Holiest city of Muslims. It is in Saudi Arabia.

Hajj : The great pilgrimage(journey to a holy place) to Mecca.

Eid : The word means "festival". There are two great Eids each year.

Zakat : The Money Islams give away to charity.

Ramadam : Ninth month in Islam, when Muslims fast.

Hijra : Name given to the Journey Muhammed made.

Madressa : Classes children go to after school to study the Qur'an.

Imam : A muslim teacher and leader of prayer.

Judaism

Circumcision : The cutting away of the foreskinof a boy's penis. This is a rite performed by Jews and some muslims. the reason is that it is one of God's laws.

Shema : A jewish statement which consists of three statements from the Torah.

Synagogue : Place where Jews go to pray.

Rabbi : Male leader who reads from the Torah, like a priest.

Yarmulke/Kippah : A cap Jewish men wear on their head when going to the synagogue to pray. It is a sign of respect to God.

Sabbath : THe Holy day for Jews. It starts at sunset on Friday evening and lasts until sunset Saturday evening.

Torah : The first five books of the Jewish Bible.

Hebrew : The holy language of Jewish people.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah : Ceremony that marks the beginning of man/womanhood for every Jewish boy/girl.

Hinduism

Incarnation : A process by which Gods can live on earth as humans or animals.

Mandir : A Hindu temple.

Puja : Worship in the home.

Ahimsa : Harmlessness.

Karma : Good or bad actions.

Yogi : A person who practises yoga.

Ghee : Clarified butter. It is special and can be used to light lamps.

Diva : a special type of lamp.

Brahman : God. He is the only real living thing.

Sari : The traditional dress of hindu women.

Rangoli : Sacred patterns painted outside houses in temples on special occasions.