Glossary

The biography of the Prophet ﷺ — the story of his life, character, and mission, drawn from authentic reports.

A Muslim who met the Prophet ﷺ, believed in him, and died as a believer. The plural is Sahaba. Muslims honor them with “radiyAllahu anhu” (may Allah be pleased with him).

The generation after the Companions: Muslims who met at least one Companion, believed, and died as Muslims, but did not meet the Prophet ﷺ themselves. Hasan al-Basri and Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib are famous examples. One is a Tabi'i.

The generation after the Tabi'un. The Prophet ﷺ said the best of people are his generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them (Bukhari and Muslim) — the Companions, the Tabi'un, and the Tabi' at-Tabi'in.

Migration for the sake of Allah — above all the Prophet's ﷺ move from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, which marks the start of the Islamic calendar.

The “emigrants” — the Muslims who left Makkah, often giving up home and wealth, to follow the Prophet ﷺ to Madinah.

The “helpers” — the Muslims of Madinah who welcomed the emigrants, shared their homes and wealth with them, and supported the Prophet ﷺ.

The communication from Allah to His prophets. The Quran was revealed to Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Jibril over about twenty-three years.

The “successor” who led the Muslim community after the Prophet ﷺ. The first four are known as the Rightly-Guided Caliphs.

The four caliphs who followed the Prophet ﷺ: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali — remembered for following his way closely.

“Mothers of the Believers” — the title the Quran gives the wives of the Prophet ﷺ, out of respect for their place in the community.

The blessing “sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), said whenever the Prophet's name is mentioned and written ﷺ.