by G. A. Parwez

translated by Khalid M. Sayyed

Appendix 

GLOSSARY OF QURANIC TERMS

It is important to glance comparatively at some useful Quranic terms and expression used in this book. Their interpretation by Perwez, apparently digressing from the traditional, is based upon two principles: 

1. The language employed by the Quran should be looked at from its perspective of the time of the appearance of the Book (5^th / 6^th century AD);

2. The Quran reinforces and clarifies the terms and expressions used by it through ‘repetition of verses’, i.e., using antonyms, synonyms, explanation, and repetition, etc.

Parwez’s approach is no where more elaborately illustrated than in his monumental Lughaat-al-Quran (Language of the Quran). 

TERM	TRADITIONAL	PERWEZ
Deen	Religion (the principles, the rituals, etc.) based upon the Book, the Traditions of Mohammed, various schools of thought	The way of life (principles) suggested for mankind in the Quran.
Mazhab	Religion	Any way (or philosophy) of life.
Sala	The five obligatory daily prayers	The entire system of following Allah’s way (including the ritual prayers)
Zaka	The 2.5 % tax paid to the poor from one’s annual holdings.	The entire system of the state managing its finance.
Izza	Social status and respect	Power and control
Zilla	Degradation	Weakness and vulnerability
Taqdeer	Pre-decided destiny	Universal laws of Nature
Aakhera	Life after death	Future as well as the Hereafter
Iman	Faith, belief	Satisfied conviction
Momin	A pious Muslim	A deeply convinced Muslim
Janna	Paradise in heaven	Paradise as well as a paradisical society on Earth (Here)
Jahannum	Hell	Hell in the Hereafter as well as hellish life on Earth (Here)
Aadam	Adam, the first man	Mankind
Shaitaan / Iblees	The Devil	Human sentiments of rebellion and emotions of depression
Malaaeka	Angels	Forces of Nature
Qible	Kaaba, the sacred House of Allah in Mecca	The physical (and spiritual) center of the Muslim nation