DICTIONARY OF ISLAM

The Dictionary of Islam by Thomas Patrick Hughes is an encyclopedic reference work that provides a comprehensive overview of Islamic beliefs, practices, history, and culture. Here’s a summary of its key features and content:

Purpose and Audience

• Intended for Western readers seeking to understand Islam through a scholarly yet accessible lens.
• Offers valuable insights for students, researchers, and general readers interested in comparative religion or Islamic studies.

Structure and Content

• Organized alphabetically, the dictionary covers:
• Key Islamic terms and concepts (e.g., Sharia, Jihad, Tawhid)
• Major religious practices (e.g., prayer, fasting, pilgrimage)
• Prophets and historical figures in Islam
• Islamic sects, law, theology, and rituals
• Includes explanations of Arabic words and phrases, with context and usage.

Notable Features

• Draws heavily on classical Islamic sources, such as the Qur’an, Hadith, and early juristic writings.
• Reflects a 19th-century scholarly perspective, combining linguistic precision with cultural observations.
• Provides historical and doctrinal comparisons with Judaism and Christianity.

This dictionary remains a significant historical resource for understanding Islam, especially in its classical and theological dimensions.