Humanities Vocab: Islam

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Madrasah

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An Arabic term meaning a religious school for advanced study; a forerunner of the Islamic university. Today, madrasahs are schools for Islamic yout, and their curriculum is based on the Qur’an

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Jihad

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Originally, this Arabic term meant “to strive” or “to struggle” and, as such, was identified with any pious Muslim combating sin and trying not to do evil. In modern times, radical Islamic states and groups have given the term new wmeaning as “Holy War” and hav usid it to justify military and other violent action against their enemies. A central belief in Islam.

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Qasida

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In Arabic, “ode.” An ode composed in varied meters and with a single rhyme; that is, all lines end in the same rhyming sound. The leading poetic genre in Muslim literature

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Adab

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An Arabic term. Originally, it meant good manners or good conduct. In the 8the century, it appeared as a literary genre; later, it indicated the possession of athletic skills and literary knowledge and applied especially to the elite. Today, Adab refers to the whole of literature

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Ghazal

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A short lyric, usually dealing with love composed in a single rhyme and based on the poet’s personal life and loves

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Maqamah

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In Arabic, “assembly.” A muslim literary genre, intended for educated readers, that recounted stories of rogues and con men; filled with wordplay, humor, and keen usage of Arabic language and grammar. Created by al-Hamadhani in the 10th century.

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Arabesque

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Literally, “Arrabian-like”; decorative lines, patterns, and designs, often floral, in Islamic works of art.

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Calligraphy

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Penmanship or handwriting, usually done with flowing lines, used as a decoration or as an enhancement of a written work; found in Islamic and Christian writings.

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Drum

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In architecture, a circular or polygonal wall used to support a dome.

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Arcade

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A series of arches supported by piers or columns, usually serving as a passageway along a street or between buildings.

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Mosque

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A Muslim place of worship, often distinguished by a dome-shaped central building placed in an open space surrounded by a wall.

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Qiblah

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In Islamic mosque architecture, a niche, often richly decorated, pointing the direction for prayer, that is, toward the Kaaba in Mecca

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Minaret

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In Islamic architecture, a tall, slender tower with a pointed top, from which the daily calls to prayer are delivered; located near a mosque

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Minbar

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In Muslim mosque architecture, a pulpit with steps, sometimes on wheels for portability; used by a cleric for leading prayers and giving sermons

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Congregational mosque (Friday mosque)

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A type of mosque used for Friday prayers, inspired by Muhammad’s original example. Characterized by a central courtyard along with at domed fountain for ablutions; found across the Islamic world

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Iwan

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In Islamic architecture, a vaulted hall. In the 4-iwan mosque, one iwan was used for prayers and the other three for study or rest.

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Persian miniature

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A style of miniature painting that flourished in Persia from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century; characterized by rectangular designs, the depiction of the human figure as about one-fifth the height of the painting and refined detail

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Microtone

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In music, an interval, or distance between a sound (pitch) on a scale, that is smaller than a semitone – the smallest interval in mainstream Western music prior to jazz. Muslim music uses a microtonal system

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Recitative

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In music, a rhythmically free but often stylized declamation, midway between singing and ordinary speech, that serves as a transition between arias or as a narrative device in an opera