IMAMZADAH

IMAMZADAH. Literally “offspring or descendent of an imam,” imdmzddah, in Iran, is most commonly applied to a shrine-tomb of a descendent of the Shi`i imams. […]

IMAMAH

IMAMAH. The meaning of imamah (“religious-political leadership”) of the Muslim community was the most practical question dominating Muslim minds following the Prophet’s death in 632. […]

IMAM

IMAM. A title indicating leadership, governance, or rule, imam (Ar., imam) is used in a wide variety of contexts by both Sunni and Shi’i Muslims. […]

IJTIHAD

IJTIHAD. In general usage, the Arabic word ijtihad denotes the utmost effort, physical or mental, expended in a particular activity. In its technical legal connotation, […]

IBN IDRIS, AHMAD

IBN IDRIS, AHMAD (1749/50-1837), Moroccan Sufi and teacher and founder of the Idrisiyah tradition. Despite his importance within nineteenth-century Islamic history, very little is known […]

IBADIYAH

IBADIYAH. A moderate sect known as Ibadiyah (or Abadiyah), which finds its origin in the Khariji division of Islam, originated late in the first century […]

IBADI DYNASTY

IBADI DYNASTY. The moderate sect of Khariji origin known as the Ibadiyah was introduced into Oman first through access to the many Omani tribes settling […]