Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Community of Muslims who have accepted the claims of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian as the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. The Community was established by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) in 1889, and is now under the leadership of his Fifth Khalifah—Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper). The Community is also known as Jama’at-e-Ahmadiyya. A member of the Community is called an Ahmadi Muslim or simply an Ahmadi.
Al-Imam al-Mahdi The title given to the Promised Reformer by the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sas); it means the guided leader.
Aameen A term said after a prayer meaning, ‘May Allah make it so.’
Assalaamo alaikum wa Rahmatullaahe wa Barakaatohu Traditional Islamic greeting, meaning, peace be on you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
Hazrat A term of respect used for a person of established righteousness and piety; lit. ‘His/Her Holiness.’
Holy Prophet(sas) A term used exclusively for the Founder of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Holy Qur’an The Book sent by Allah for the guidance of mankind. It was revealed word by word to the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sas) over a period of twenty-three years.
Khalifah Successor. A Khalifah of Allah is a term used for a Prophet. Khalifah of a Prophet refers to his Successor who continues his mission.
Khalifatul-Masih A term used by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at to denote the Successors of the Promised Messiah(as).
Khilaafat The literal meaning of the term is successorship.
Mahdi The literal translation of this word is ‘the guided one’. This is the title given by the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sas) to the awaited Reformer of the Latter Days.
Ta’awwuz Means seeking protection. The Arabic words are: A’oozu Billaahi minash-Shaitaanir-Rajeem, meaning: ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the Accursed.’
Tashahhud eans declaration. The Arabic words are: Ash’hadu Allaa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wa Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadan Abduhu Wa Rasooluh, meaning: ‘I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger.’
Bismillaah The Arabic words are Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem, meaning, ‘In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.’
The Promised Messiah This term refers to the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian. He claimed that he had been sent by Allah in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsas about the coming of al-Imam al-Mahdi (the Guided Leader) and Messiah.