Diesel Fuel in Arabic

A new fuel tanker arrives on site and the newly appointed manager tells the Supervisor to ensure the tanker is clearly labelled:
"Diesel Fuel" in Arabic and "No Smoking " in Arabic........

Arabic - English Loan Words: T - Z

Today completes the mini-series of words whose roots come from Arabia and which at one stage are said to have been borrowed, or loaned from Arabic.

All words in the list below start with the letters 'T', 'U', 'W' and 'Z'. Previous posts include 'A', 'B and C' 'D-G' 'H-M', 'N-R' and 'S' and all can be found under the subject/label 'English loan words (from Arabic) '

The words have been listed in alphabetical order and are followed by the root word in Arabic [xxx] and the Arabic meaning. On the line below is the meaning in English.

If I did need help with the English definition I used: 'The Oxford English Reference Dictionary' ISBN: 0-19-860046-1


T

Tabbouleh
An Arab vegetable salad made with cracked wheat

Tabby
al attabiya;  the quarter in Baghdad where tabby was made
A kind of watered silk, a plain weave

Tahini
tahana;  crush
The paste made from crushed sesame seeds

Talc
talk;  talcum powder

Taliban
talib;  student
Group of fundamental Muslim rebels subscribing to the Wahibi school of Islam

Tamarind
tamar-hindi;  Indian date
Tropical tree which produced fruit of which the acid pulp is used as food and in making drinks

Tambour
tabour;  a drum

Tambourine
A small tambour, from tabour

Tarboosh
tar-bus;  head cover
A cap like a fez, sometimes worn by Muslim men as part of a turban

Tare
tarha;  that which is rejected
An allowance made for the weight of the packing or wrapping around goods

Tariff
ta’rif;   notify
A table of fixed charges

Tarragon
tarkhun;
a bushy aromatic herb, with leaves used to flavour salads, stuffing, vinegar, etc

Tell (mound)
tall;  hillock
An artificial mound in the Middle East, formed by the accumulated remains of ancient settlements

Typhoon
tuphon;  whirlwind
A tropical cyclone in eastern Asian sea


U

Ujamaa
jama;  family, community
A system of self-help village cooperatives established by President Nyerere in Tanzania in the 1960’s

Ulema
ulima,  plural of alama;  learned
A body of Muslim doctors of sacred law and theology


V

Vega
al nasr al wqi;   the falling vulture
The fifth brightest star in the sky, and the brightest in the constellation Lyra, overhead in summer to observers in the northern hemisphere


W

wazir
minister
A high official in some Muslim countries

Wadi
wadi;  dry river
A rocky watercourse, dry except in the rainy season, many of which can be found in Oman


Z

Zenith
samt;   path overhead
The part of the celestial sphere directly above an observer, the highest point in one’s fortune

Zero
sifr;   zero
The figure nought

Zircon
A mineral from which the metal zirconium is extracted

Red and Yellow and Pink and Green

Abu Ali al-Hussain Ibn Abdallah Ibn Sina (980 - 1037), also known as Avicenna, a Persian physician and a disciple of Aristotle, connected the usage of colours and the ability to diagnose and treat patients a thousand years ago.

In his book the ‘Canon of Medicine’ which he wrote in Arabic (and which is thought to be the first ever encyclopaedia of medicine), he stated colour is an observable symptom of disease. With this thought in mind he developed a chart which related colour to temperament and the physical condition of the body.

Image taken from: this website 


Avicenna also advocated the use of colour in medical treatments and insisted red moved the blood, blue or white cooled and yellow reduced pain and inflammation.

He prescribed potions of red flowers to cure blood disorders, yellow flowers and morning sunlight to cure disorders of the biliary system.

Image taken from: this website

Avicenna also warned of the possible dangers of colour in treatment. He observed that a person with a nosebleed, for example, should not gaze on anything of a brilliant red or be exposed to red light, as this would stimulate greater blood flow, whereas blue would soothe it by reducing blood flow.”

Avicenna didn't limit his knowledge to colour and is also thought to have discoved the contagious nature of tuberculosis and the spreading of diseases through water and soil and the idea that


Contemporary Meanings Behind Colours

Blue
masculine noun [az-rag]; feminine noun [zeer-ga]
In the Gulf there are two types of buildings which are always painted blue: the first one is the kabaz [ca-baz] or traditional unleavened bread shop and the second one is the sentry boxes, located outside important buildings, which are painted with blue and white stripes.

Image taken from:  this blog 


Navy Blue
masculine noun, [kuh-hul]; feminine noun, [khu-hul-lee-yah]
The Arabic world for navy blue comes from the word kohl, the eye-liner.


Black
masculine noun, [as-wad]; feminine noun, [soo-da]
Black is an ubiqutous colour in the gulf, with most local women choosing to wear black outer garments.


Brown
masculine noun, [bun-nee]; feminine noun, [bun-nee-yah]
Bunni comes from the word 'bunn' which means coffee beans.

Image taken from: this website 


Gold
masculine noun, [DH-hab]; feminine noun, [DH-ha-bee]


Green
masculine noun, [ack-THarr]; feminine noun, Kh-Theer]
See {WGAW blog entry green}


Grey
masculine noun, [aa-marr-dee]; feminine noun, [ra-maa-dee-yah]


Orange
masculine noun, [boor-ta-gaa-lee]; feminine noun, [boor-ta-gaa-lee-yah]
This word comes from the word boor-taa-gaal which means orange (edible fruit).


Pink
masculine noun, [war-dee]; feminine noun, [war-dee-yah]


Purple
masculine noun, [ban-nuff-see-jee-y]; feminine noun, [ban-nuff-see-jee-ya]
The word for purple comes from the Arabic word meaning aubergine.


Rainbow
In Arabic a rainbow is called qasquza [kas-cu-za] with the direct translation being, ‘a bow made by the rain God Quza’.  In pre-Islamic Arabia, Quza was known as the God of rain.

Image taken from:  this blog


Red
masculine noun, [aH-marr]; feminine noun, [ha-marr]
As well as the word red, there are various words in Arabic which describe the differing grades or depths of red.  They are in ascending order: ahmar, ashqar, aqshar, ashkal, sharq, madammay, madamah

In Arabic, tea without milk is known as red tea, not black tea [chi ah-marr]

Image taken from:  this website 


Silver
masculine noun, [fid-Dee]; feminine noun, [fid-Dee-yah]
Silver has an important role in the Arab world because the Prophet Mohammed, whilst holding gold in one hand and silk in the other, said, “These two are banned for men of my tribe.”


Turquoise
In Iran [fay-rooz] is the name of a turquoise stone mined. It's also the name of a (or the most) famous Lebanese singer, Fayrooz

Image taken from: this website


White
masculine noun, [aa-bee-Tha]; feminine noun, [aa-bee-Yad]
There are seven grades of white which begin at "discernable white" and continue to pure white'. abyad, yaqaq, lahq, wadih, nasi', hijan, khalis.

Arabic nouns which are white often have different names from simply the formulaic noun + name system of describing something, e.g. car red, house big. A white rose is known as a not as a war-dah bathe-tha. A white mountain is (not jeb-bel aa-bee-Yad) while a white stone is yarma. Likewise, for minerals, trees, fruit and animals, there are separate names when they are white. In addition a happy face is known as a white face.


Yellow
masculine noun, [As-faarr]; feminine noun, feminine noun, [si-farr-rrah]

Image taken from:  this blog 

English - Arabic, Loan Words: S

Safari
safara to travel
Hunting or scientific expedition, esp. in East Africa

Safflower
saffiore from asfar
An orange flower thistle like plant whose seeds yield edible oil

Saffron
zafaran
orange flavouring and food colouring made from the dried stigmas of a crocus

Safranine
from zafaran
Any of a large group of mainly red dyes used in biological staining etc.

Sahara
sahara desert
A vast desert in North Africa

Sahib
sahib friend, lord
A form of address, often placed after the name of European men

Salep
kusa l-at-lab foxes testicles
A starchy preparation of the dried tubers of various orchids, used in cookery and formerly medicinally

Saluki
saluki
A tall swift slender breed of dog wit a silky coat, large drooping ears and fringed feet

Saracen
sarki eastern
An Arab or Muslim at the time of the crusades

Sash
sas muslin, turban
A long strip or loop of cloth worn over one shoulder or round the waist

Satin
probably zaytuni from the Chinese city Zaytun
A fabric of silk or various man-made fibres, with a glossy surface on one side

Scallion
Ascalonia a town in ancient Palestine
A shallot or spring onion

Senna
sana
a laxative prepared from the dried pods of the cassia tree

Sequin
sikka a die
A circular spangle for attaching to clothing as an ornament

Shari’a
saria
the scared law of Islam

Sheikh
saykh old man
Chief or head of an Arab tribe, family or village

Sherbet
sharba drink
A flavoured, sweet, effervescent powder or drink

Shi’ite
Adherent of the Shia branch of Islam

Shrub
surb to drink
A cordial made of sweetened fruit juice and spirits, esp. rum

Sirocco
saluq east wind
A hot, oppressive and often dusty or rainy wind blowing from North Africa, across the Mediterranean to southern Europe

Sine
From the Latin sinus, which is a mistranslation of the Arabic jayb bosom, fold of a garment
The trigonometric function that is equal to the ratio of the side opposite a given angle to the hypotenuse

Soda
suda split
Any of several compounds of sodium in common use eg washing soda, caustic soda


Sofa
suffra seating area
A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people

Spinach
sabana
A green leafy garden vegetable

Sudd
sudd obstruction
An area of floating vegetation impeding the navigation of the White Nile

Sufi
suf wool
From the woollen garment worn - a Muslim ascetic and mystic

Sugar
sukkar

Sultan
sultan power, ruler
A Muslim sovereign

Sultana
The mother, wife, concubine or daughter of a sultan

Sultanate
A territory subject to a sultan, the office, position or period of rule of a sultan

Sumac
summak
A shrub or small southern European tree having reddish cone shaped fruits used as a spice in cooking

Sunna
sunna form, way, course
The body of traditional customs and practices based on Mohammed’s words and acts, accepted with the Koran as authoritative by Muslims and followed particularly by Sunni Muslims

Sunni
The most populus of the two main branches of Islam

Suq
suq marketplace

Sura
surah
chapter or section of the Koran

Syrup
sarab beverage
A thick sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in boiling water

English - Arabic Loan Words: N-R

Today's posting follows on from various wgaw blog archives {see wgaw blog archieves: loan words} and continues the list of English words whose roots are said to have been borrowed, or loaned from the Arabic.

Words in the list below start with the letters 'N' to 'R' and are listed in alphabetical order. The English word is followed by the root word in Arabic [xxx] and then the Arabic meaning. On the line below is the meaning in English.

If I needed help with the English definition I used: 'The Oxford English Reference Dictionary' ISBN: 0-19-860046-1


N

Nabob 
A Muslim
official or governor under the mogul empire

Nacre
Mother of pearl from any shelled mollusc

Nadir
[na-zir as-sam-t'] opposite to the zenith
The part of the celestial sphere directly below the observer. The lowest point in one’s fortunes

Natron
[nat-run]
a mineral form of sodium salts found in dried lake bed


O

Oasis

Open sesame
[if-ta il sim sim-mah]
A means of acquiring or achieving what is normally unattainable (from the magic words used by Ali Baba in the Arabian nights)

Ottoman
utmani of Othman
Concerning the dynasty of Osman I


P
Pia mater
[al umm al ra-ki-kah]  tender mother
The delicate innermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord

Popinjay
[baba-ga]
A conceited person, historically a figure of a parrot on a pole as a mark to shoot at


Q
Qur'an
The Islamic holy book, also spelt Koran


R
Racket
[ra-ha]  palm of the hand
A bat with a round or oval frame strung with nylon used in tennis squash, etc

Ramadan
possibly [ra-ma-da], be hot
The ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset

Realgar
[rehj al ghar]  dust of the cave
A mineral of arsenic sulphide used as a pigment and in fireworks

Ream
[riz-ma]  bundle
500 sheets of paper

Rebec
[rebab]
three stringed musical instrument played with a bow

Rigel
[ri-jil]  foot
The seventh brightest star in the sky and the brightest in the constellation of Orion. It is a blue super giant nearly sixty thousand times as luminous as our sun

Rook
[rukh]   original sense uncertain
Chess piece with its top in the shape of a battlement

Choosing a Name for your Baby Boy

Today's posting is a list of the meaning of Muslim boy's names.

Arabic names appear to be quite complicated, although they aren't really {see wgaw archive: understanding people's names}.  Most given names have meanings {see wgaw archives: girls names A-L and girls names M-Z} whilst Allah or God has 99 names {see wgaw archives: 99 names of God }

Names and all possible spellings are posted, then the direct translation in English.



A

Aadil;  Just

Aamir;  Populous, full, prosperous

Aarif;  Acquainted, knowledgeable

Aasim/ Asim;  Protector

Aban;  Old Arabic name

Abbas;  Description of a lion

Abbud/ Abbudin;  Worshippers

Abid/ Abidin;  Worshipper, adorer

Abu al Khayr;  One who does good

Abu Bakr;  One of the Prophets companions

Adan;  Garden of Eden

Adel/ Adil;  Just

Adham;  Black or dark

Adib;  Cultured, well mannered one

Adli;  Judicial, juridical

Adnan/ Adnan;  Old Arabic name

Afif/ Afeef;  Chaste, modest

Afuww;  Pardoner, Forgiver

Ahad;  the One

Ahmed;  Commendable, Praiseworthy

Ajib;  Wonderful

Akhir;  Existence is without an end

Akif;  Focused

Akil/ Akeel/ Aqeel; Intelligent, thoughtful, one who uses reason

Akram;  Most generous

Al Abbas;  Description of a lion

Al Bara;  Wholesome with innocence

Al Hakam;  Arbitrator, judge

Al Harith;  The plowman

Al Safi;  Clear, pure, fine

Al Tayyib;  The good one

Al Tijani; Crowning

Al Tufail/ Al Tufayl;  old Arabic name

Ala/ Alaa;  Nobility, excellence

Alawi;

Aleem;  All knowing, knowledgeable

Alhasan/ Alhusain/ Alhusayn;  Handsome, good

Ali;  The highest, greatest, excellent, noble.  Name of the Prophets son-in-law and the fourth Caliph

Alim;  Wise or learned

Almahdi;  Guided to the right path

Altaf;  Kindness

Altair;  The flying eagle; a star in Lyra

Amid;  General

Amin/ Ameen; Faithful, trustworthy

Amir/ Ameer;  Ruler, prince, leader

Amjad;  More glorious

Ammar/ Ammar;  Builder, constructor

Amro;  Old Arabic name

Anas;  Very sociable; name of one of the Prophets companions

Anis/ Anees; Close friend

Antarah;  Heroic

Anwar;  Radiant, full of light

Aqueel/ Aqil; Old Arabic name

Arfan;  Gratitude

Arif;  Acquainted, knowledgeable

Arsh;  Dominion, Crown

Asad;  Happy, fortunate, lucky

Asad/ Assad;  Lion

Asadel;  Most prosperous one

Ashraf;  Most honorable

Asif;  Forgiveness

Asim/ Assim;  Protector, defender

Aswad; Black

Ata al Rahman;  Gift of the Beneficent

Ata Allah;  Gift of God

Athir;  Favored, preferred

Atif/ Atif;  Compassionate, sympathetic

Awad;  Reward, compensation

Awf;  A plant with a nice smell

Aws;  To give

Awwab;  Returning to Allah

Awwal;  First

Ayham;  Brave

Ayman;  Lucky

Ayser;  Easy in dealing, wealthy

Ayyub/ Ayoob;  A Prophets name - Job in the Bible

Aza;  Comfort

Azab;  Traveling, wandering

Azeem/ Azim;  Defender, refers to one of Gods 99 qualities

Azhar;  Shining, luminous

Aziz;  Powerful, Strong

Azzam/ Azzam;  Determined, resolved



B

Baaqi;  Everlasting

Basim/ Baasim;  Smiling

Baasit;  Expander

Baatin;  Hidden

Badi;  Marvelous Incomparable

Badr/ Bader;  Full moon

Badri;  One who took part in the battle of Badr

Baha/ Baha;  Beautiful, magnificent

Bahij;  Cheerful

Bahir;  Dazzling, brilliant

Bahiy Udeen;  The magnificent of the Faith

Baith;  Reserrector

Bakr/ Baker [bar-ker];  Old Arabic name

Bakri;  One who starts work early

Baligh;  Eloquent

Bandar;  Seaport, district capital

Barakah;  Blessing

Bari/ Baari;  Creator

Barir;  Faithful

Barr;  Source of All Goodness, Righteous

Baseer;  The All Seeing

Bashir/ Bashshar;  Bringer of glad tidings

Basil/ Basel;  Brave

Basim/ Bassam;  Smiling

Bayhas;  Name of the lion

Bilal;  name of the Prophet’s Muezzin

Bishr;  Joy

Boulos;  Arabic form of ‘Paul’

Budail/ Budayl;  Name of a companion of the Prophet

Burhan;  Proof

Bushr;  Joy, happiness

Butrus;  Arabic form of ‘Peter’



D


Daarr;  Distressed

Dabir;  Secretary

Dani;  Near, close

Darwish/ Dervish

Daud/ Dawud/ Dawoud/ Dawoo;  Beloved, a Prophets name - David

Dhakir;  Someone who remembers God frequently

Dhakiy/ Dhakwan;  Intelligent, bright

Dhul Fiqar;  Name of the Prophets sword

Dirar;  Old Arabic name

Diya;  Brightness, light

Duqaq



E


Ebrahim

Essam



F

Faakhir;  Proud, Excellent

Faarooq; He who distinguishes truth from falsehood

Fadi/ Faadi/ Fadee;  Redeemer

Fadil/ Fadl;  Generous, honorable, superior

Fahd/Fahad;  Leopard, lynx

Fahmi;  Understanding

Faisal/ Faysal;  Decisive

Faiz/ Fayez; Winner

Fakhir;  Proud, excellent

Fakhri/ Fakhry; Honorary

Fakih;  Legal expert; one who recites the Quran

Falah/ Falih; Success

Faraj/ Farraj;  Relief, freedom from grief

Farhan;  Happy

Farid/ Fareed;  Unique, rare

Fariq/ Fareeq;  Lieutenant General

Faris/ Faaris [far-ris];  Horseman, Knight

Faruq/ Farooq;  one who distinguishes truth from falsehood

Fateen;  Clever, Smart

Fath/ Fathi/ Fathey;  Victorious one, Conqueror

Fattaah; Judge

Fawwaz [faa-waz];  Most successful

Fawzan; Victorious

Fawzi/ Fauzi/ Fouwzi;  Successful

Fayyad;  Overflowing, generous

Ferran;  Baker

Fida/ Fidaa;  Redemption, sacrifice

Fikri;  Thought, ideas

Firas;  Perspicacity

Fouad/ Fuad;  Heart

Fudail;  Excellent in character



G

Gamal/ Gamali;  Camel

Ghaffaar/ Ghafoor;  Great Forgiver

Ghaith/ Ghayth;  Rain

Ghali;  Valuable, beloved, expensive

Ghalib;  Victor

Ghanim;  Successful

Ghaniyy;  Self Sufficient

Ghassan;  Ardor, vigor (of youth)

Ghawth/ Ghiyath;  One who helps

Ghazi/ Gazi;  Conqueror

Ghazwan;  One on expedition, conquer



H

Hadi/ Haadi/ Haady;  Guide

Haamid;  Praising God, happy, delighted, content

Haani

Haarith;  an old Arabic name - Plowman

Haaroon;  A Prophets name

Haashim;  Generous, an old Arabic name

Haatim;  Judge

Habbab;  Affable, lovable

Habib;  Beloved

Hadad/ Haddad;  Syrian god of fertility, Smith

Hadi;  Guiding to the right (truth)

Hafiz/ Hafeez;  Preserver, protector

Hakam;  Judge

Hakeem/ Hakim;  Wise, ruler, governor

Haleem;  Forbearing

Halim;  Mild, gentle, patient

Hamad/ Hamed/ Hamid;  short form of Mohammed

Hamal;  Lamb

Hamas;  Enthusiastic

Hamdan;  The praised one; variation of the name Muhammad

Hamdi;  Praise

Hameed;  Praiseworthy

Hamim;  Intimate, close friend

Hamzah;  Lion

Hana;  Arabic form of ‘John’

Hanai;  Happiness

Hanbal;  Purity

Hani;  Happy, delighted, joyful

Hanif;  True believer

Hannad;  Old Arabic name

Haqq;  Truth

Haris;  Guardian, protector

Harith;  Ploughman, cultivator

Haroun/ Harun;  Lofty or exalted

Haseeb;  Reckoner

Hashim;  Broker, destroyer of evil

Hassan/ Hassaan; Beautiful, handsome

Hatim;  Judge

Haydar;  Lion

Haytham;  Young hawk

Hayy;  Alive

Hayyan;  Old Arabic name

Hazim;  Resolute

Hilal/ Hilel;  The new moon

Hilmi;  Gentle, calm

Hisham;  Generosity

Hud/ Houd;  A Prophets name

Hudad;  Name of a pre-Islamic Arabic king

Hudhafah;  Old Arabic name

Humam;  Brave, noble, generous

Husain/ Hussein;  Doer of good deeds;

Husam/ Husaam;  Sword

Huthayfa;  Old Arabic name



I


Ibrahim/ Ibraheem/ Ebrahim;  Father of a multitude; a Prophets name - Abraham

Ibras;  Lamp, light

Id/ Eid;  Feast, festival

Idris/ Idrees;  A Prophets name

Ihsan/ Ihsaan;  Kindness, beneficence; highest level of Iman

Ihtisham;  Modesty, decency

Ikrimah;  Old Arabic name

Ilias;  A Prophets name - Elijah

Imad/ Imaad/ Emad;  Support, pillar

Imam;  Leader of prayer

Imran/ Imran;  Long-lived

Imtiyaz;  Mark of distinction or excellence

Inam;  Act of benefaction, bestowal

Iqbal/ Iqbaal;  Prosperity, good fortune

Irfan/ Erfaan; Thankfulness

Isa/ Esa/ Eisa; Arabic form of ‘Jesus'

Isam/ Issam/ Essam; Safeguard

Ishaq;  A Prophets name - Isaac

Ismail/ Ismaael/ Esmail;  A Prophets name - Ishmael

Iyad/ Eyad;  Pigeon

Iyas/ Eyas;  Consoling

Izz al Din/ Izz Udeen;  Might of the faith



J

Jaabir;  Consoler, Comforter

Jaafar;  Rivulet

Jaam;  Gatherer

Jabalah;  Mountain, hill

Jabbar/ Jabr/ Jaber;  Mighty, brave

Jabber/ Jabir;  Compeller

Jad/ Jaad;  Allah Gift of God

Jafar/ Jaffar/ Jafer;  Rivulet, little creek

Jal;  Resolution, firm will

Jalal;  Glory

Jalil/ Jaleel;  Great, revered

Jamal/ Jameel/ Jamil;  Beauty

Jarir/ Jareer;  Name of a famous Arab poet

Jasim/ Jassim;  Great, big, huge

Jaul;  Choice

Jaun;  Kind of plant

Jawad;  Openhanded, generous

Jawdah;  Heavy rain, benevolent deed

Jawhar;  Jewel, essence

Jibran;  Old Arabic name

Jibril;  Archangel Gabriel

Jihad/ Jehad/ Jehaad;  Struggle, holy war

Jubair/ Jubayr;  Old Arabic name

Jul;  Resolution, firm will

Jumah/ Jumuah;  One who is born on a Friday

Junaid/ Junayd;  Young fighter

Juwain/ Juwayn;  Sibling



K

Kabeer;  Most Great

Kadar/ Kedar/ Kedaar;  Powerful

Kadeen/ Kadin;  Friend, companion, confidant

Kadeer/ Kadir;  Green, freshness and innocence

Kahil;  Friend, lover

Kaliq;  Creative,

Kamal/ Kamil/ Kameel;  Beauty, perfection

Kardal;  Mustard seed

Kareem/ Karam;  Generous, noble, friendly

Karif/ Kareef;  One who is born in autumn

Kaseem/ Kasim;  Divided

Kasib/ Kaseeb;  Fertile

Kateb/ Katib;  Writer, scribe

Kazim Well tempered, cool, patient

Khaafid;  Abaser

Khaaliq;  Creator

Khabeer/ Khabir;  Aware

Khair al Din/ Khair Udeen;  Goodness of the faith

Khairi/ Khairy/ Khayri;  Charitable, beneficent

Khalaf;  Descendent, successor

Khaldun/ Khaldoon;  Old Arabic name

Khalid/ Khaled/ Kalid; Eternal

Khalifah;  Caliph

Khalil/ Khaleel/ Kalil;  Good friend

Khalis;  Pure, clear

Khamis;  Born on a Thursday

Khatib;  Religious Minister

Khoury;  Priest

Khulus;  Clearness, purity

Khuzaimah;  old Arabic name

Kutaiba



L

Labib/ Labeeb;  Sensible, intelligent

Lablab;  Ivy

Latif/ Lateef;  Gentle, pleasant, friendly

Layth;  Lion

Luay/ Loay;  Shield

Lubaid/ Lubayd;  Old Arabic name

Luqman;  A Prophets name

Lutfi/ Lotfi;  Kind, gentle



M

Maahir/ Mahir;  Skilled

Maani;  Withholder

Maawiya/ Muawiyah;  A young dog or fox

Maazin/Mazin/ Mazen;  old Arabic name

Mad;  Old Arabic name

Madani;  Urban, civilized, modern

Mahbub;  Beloved, dear

Mahdi/ Mahdy;  Guided to the right path

Mahfuz;  Safe, protected by God

Mahjub;  Concealed, veiled

Mahmud/ Mahmoud/ Mahmood;  The praised one

Mahrus;  Protected by God

Maimun/ Maymun;  Lucky

Majeed/ Majid/ Majd;  Glorious

Makin;  Strong, firm, well-founded

Malik/ Maliq;  King

Mamdouh/ Mamduh;  Praised, glorified

Mamun/ Mamnoon;  Trustworthy, trusted

Man/ Maan/ Main;  Benefit

Mandhur;  Vowed, consecrated to God

Mansour/ Mansoor/ Mansur;  Divinely aided, victorious

Marghub;  Desirable, coveted

Marid/ Mareed; Rebellious

Maruf/ Maroof;  Well known, good

Marzuq;  Blessed by God, fortunate

Mashhur/ Mashor;  Famous

Masoud/ Masud/ Masood;  Fortunate, happy, lucky

Masrur;  Happy, joyful

Masun;  Well protected, sheltered

Mateen;  One with Power

Maysarah;  Of comfort, ease

Mazhar;  Appearance

Mazin;  Old Arabic name

Mihran;  One of the Prophet’s compainons

Mihyar;  Name of a famous poet

Mikail;  Name of an Angel (Michael)

Miqdad;  Name of a Sahabi

Misbah/ Misbaah/ Misbeh;  Lamp

Mishal/ Meshal/ Mashal;  Torch, light

Miyaz;  Distinguished, preferred

Mohammed

Muadh/ Muaath;  Protected

Muakhkhir;  Delayer

Muayyad/ Muayid;  Supported by God

Mubarak/ Mobarak/ Mubarek;  Happy, blessed

Mubdi;  Creator

Mubin;  Clear, evident

Mudar;  An Arabian tribe

Muddaththir/ Munthdur;  Covered

Mueed;  Reproducer

Mufid/ Mufeed;  Useful, helpful

Muflih;  Successful

Mughni;  Enriches

Muhab/ Mohab/ Muhaab/ Mohaab;  Dignified

Muhaimin;  Protector

Muhair/ Muhayr/ Muhayer;  Skilled

Muhammad/ Mohammed/ Mohamed/ Muhamed;  Praised, praiseworthy; the name of the Prophet

Muhanna;  Happy, delighted

Muhannad/ Muhanned;  Sword

Muhib/ Muhibb;  Noble, respected, loving

Muhsee/ Mohsee;  Counter, Reckoner

Muhsin/ Moosin;  Beneficent, charitable

Muhtadi/ Muhtady;  Rightly guided

Muhyi;  Giver of Life

Muhyi al Din;  Reviver of the faith

Muin;  Supporter, helper

Muiz;  Honour

Muizz;  Comforter

Mujab;  Prayers were answered

Mujahid/ Mujaahid;  Fighter

Mujeeb;  Responsive

Mukarram;  Honored

Mukhlis;  Faithful, sincere

Mukhtar/ Mukhtaar;  Chosen

Mulhim/ Mulham;  Inspiring

Mumin;  Believer, Guardian of Faith

Mummar;  Given or granted long life

Mumtaz;  Excellent

Munahid;  Strong

Mundhir;  Warner, cautioner

Munib;  Repentant

Munif;  Exalted, excellent

Munir/ Muneer;  Brilliant, shining

Munis;  Pleasant companion

Munjid;  Helper

Munsif;  Just, right

Muntasir;  Victorious

Munthir;  Cautioner

Muqaddim;  Expediter, Promoter

Muqeet;  Guardian, sustainer

Muqsit;  Just in judgment

Muqtadir;  Powerful, dominant

Murad/ Morad;  Wanted, desired

Murshid;  Guide

Murtada/ Murtadi;  Satisfied, contented, pleased

Musa/ Moosa;  A Prophet's name - Moses in English

Musab;  Old Arabic name

Musad/ Musaad;  Unfettered camel;  favored by fortune, lucky

Musaid;  Helper, supporter

Musawwir;  Fashioner

Mushtaq;  Longing, yearning

Muslih;  Conciliator, reformer

Muslim/ Moslim;  Submitting oneself to God

Mustafa;  Chosen; one of the Prophet's names

Mutaa/ Muta;  Obeyed

Mutaali;  Most Exalted

Mutakabbir;  Majestic

Mutasim;  Adhering to the faith in God

Mutawalli;  Entrusted

Mutazz/ Motaz;  Proud, honorable

Muthanna;  Old Arabic name

Muthil;  Dishonored, Humiliate

Muti/ Mutee;  Obedient

Muwaffaq;  Successful

Muyassar;  Fortunate, facilitated

Muzaffar;  Victorious

Muzzammil;  One who is wrapped up



N

Naail;  Acquirer, Earner

Naajy;  Safe

Naasih;  Advisor

Naathim;  Arranger, Adjuster

Nabighah;  Intelligent

Nabih;  Smart

Nabil/ Nabeel/ Nabeeh/ Nabhan;  Noble

Nader

Nadhir;  Warner

Nadim/ Nadeem;  Friendly, entertaining

Nadir/ Naadir;  Dear, rare, precious

Nafi;  Useful, Propitious

Nahid;  Generosity

Nail/ Naeem;  Acquirer, tranquility

Naji/ Naje;  Safe, survivor

Najib/ Najeeb;  Of noble descent

Najid;  Lion, brave

Najjar;  Carpenter

Najm al Din;  Star of the faith

Naman;  Old Arabic name,  name of the first Roman to embrace Islam

Namir/ Nameer;  Good, pure, dear

Nashah/ Nashat;  Growing up, youth

Nashwan;  Exultant, elated

Nasib;  Noble, relative

Nasih;  Advisor, counselor

Nasim/ Naseem;  Fresh air

Nasir;  Protector, helper, supporter

Nasr/ Nasser/ Nasri;  Victory

Nasuh;  Sincere, faithful

Natheer/ Nathir;  Warner

Nawaf/ Nawwaf;  High, lofty

Nawfal;  Generous

Nayif/ Naif;  Excellent; surplus, abundance

Nazih/ Nazeeh;  Pure, chaste

Nazim/ Nazeem;  Arranger, adjuster

Nidal/ Nedal;  Struggle

Nijad;  Tall, dominant

Nimr/ Numair;  Tiger

Nizar;  Old Arabic name

Noor/ Nuh/ Nooh;  Light, the one who guides

Noori/ Nuri;  Shining, brightness

Nuaim/ Nuaym;  Name of several of the Prophet's companions

Nuhaid/ Nuhayd;  Big

Numan;  Blood, red, Old Arabic name

Nusrah/ Nusrat;  Help, support



O

Omar;  Long life, first son

Omran;  Solid structure, most praised; variation of the name Muhammad

Ossama/ Osama/ Usama/ Usamah;  A lion



Q

Qaabid;  Constrictor, Withholder

Qaadir;  Able, Capable

Qahhaar;  Subdue, Dominant

Qasim/ Qaasim;  Divider, distributor

Qatadah;  A hardwood tree

Qawiyy/ Qays/ Qawyis;  Strong, oasis, firm

Qayyoom;  Self-Subsisting

Qudamah;  Courageous

Quddoos;  Holy

Qusay;  Old Arabic name

Qutaybah; Qutaibah;  Irritable, impatient

Qutb;  Leader

Qutuz



R

Raafi/ Rafe;  Exalter, Elevator

Raakin;  Respectful

Raamiz/ Ramez;  Symbol

Raatib;  Arranger

Rabah;  Winner

Rabi/ Rabee;  Spring, breeze

Radi;  Satisfied, content

Radwan/ Ridhwan/ Ridwan;  Satisfaction; name of the keeper of the gates of Heaven

Raed;  Leader, kind friend

Rafi/ Rafee;  Exalting

Rafid;  Support

Rafiq/ Rafeeq;  Kind, friend

Raghib/ Ragheb;  Desirous, willing

Raghid;  Pleasant

Raheem/ Rahim;  Merciful,

Rahmaan;  Compassionate, Beneficent

Raid;  Leader

Raif/ Rauf/ Raouf;  gentle, Compassionate

Rais;  Captain

Raja/ Rajah;  Hope

Rajab;  7th month of the calendar

Raji;  Hoping, full of hope

Rajih;  Upper hand, more acceptable

Rakin;  Respectful, firm, confident

Ramadan;  9th month of the calendar

Rami/ Ramee;  Marksman

Ramih;  Brightest star in the constelation Bootes

Ramiz;  Honored, respected

Ramzi/ Ramze;  Symbolic

Rani;  To gaze

Ranin

Raqeeb;  Watcher

Rashad;  maturity, wisdom

Rashid/ Rasheed;  Having the true Faith

Rasil;  Messenger

Rasin;  Composed

Rasmi;  Formal, official

Rasul/ Rasool;  Messenger

Ratib;  Regular, arranger

Rayyan/ Royyan;  One of the gates of paradise

Razin;  Composed, subtle

Razzaaq/ Razak/ Razaq;  Sustainer, Provider

Reda/ Rida/ Ridha;  Contentment, satisfaction

Rihab;  Vastness

Riyad/ Riyadh/ Rhyadh;  Gardens

Rizq;  Subsistence, blessing of God

Ruhi;  Spiritual

Rushd/ Rushdi;  Maturity, wisdom

Ruwaid/ Ruwayd; Walking gently



S

Saabir;  Patient

Saad;  Good luck

Saadah;  Happiness

Saahir;  Wakeful

Saajid;  One who worships God

Saalih/ Saaleh; Good, Righteous

Saariyah;  Clouds at night

Sab;  Lion

Sabih/ Sabeeh;  Beautiful, pleasant, fond

Sabir/ Sabeer/ Saboor/ Sabri;  Patient, persevering

Sad;  Good luck

Sadad/ Sadid;  Right thing to do, lucky hand

Sadiq; Sincere, truthful

Saeed/ Said/ Sadun;  Happy

Safi;  Pure, clear

Safiy;  Best friend

Safuh;  Forgiving

Safwah/ Safwat;  The best, the chosen

Safwan;  Rock, solid, pure

Sahib;  Companion

Sahir;  Wakeful

Sahl/ Sahal;  Easy to deal with

Saib;  Appropriate, correct

Said;  Happy

Saif/ Sayf/ Seif;  Sword

Sajjad/ Sajid/ Sajiid;  One who worships a lot

Sakhr;  Rock

Salaam;  Source of Peace

Salah/ Saleh/ Salih;  Good, right; a Prophet's name

Salim/ Saleem;  Safe, healthy, whole,

Salman;  Healthy, safe, wholesome

Samad;  Eternal, independent

Samee;  All hearing

Sami;  High, lofty, elevated

Samih/ Sameh;  Forgiver

Samir/ Sameer;  Entertaining companion

Samman;  Grocer

Saqr;  Falcon

Sariyah;  Clouds at night

Sati;  Shining, bright

Saud/ Suud/ Suoud;  Fortunate

Sayyid/ Sayed;  Master

Shaady/ Shadi;  Singer, enchanter

Shaban;  8th month of the Arabic calendar

Shadin;  Young deer

Shafi/ Shaafi/ Shafee;  Mediator

Shafiq/ Shafeeq;  Kind, compassionate, tender

Shaheed/ Shahid;  Witness

Shahin;  Hawk

Shahir;  Well-known, famous

Shakib;  Present, gift, reward

Shakir;  Thankful

Shakoor;  Grateful, appreciative

Shamal;  Wind from the north

Shamil/ Shamel;  All, comprehensive

Shamim;  Fragrant

Shams al Din;  Sun of the faith

Sharif/ Shareef/ Sharaf;  Honest, noble, distinguished

Shawqi;  Affectionate

Shihab;  Flame, blaze Star of the Faith

Shihad;  Honey

Shuaib/ Shuayb;  A Prophet's name

Shukri;  Thankfulness

Shumayl;  Complete

Siddiq;  Truthful, upright

Sinan/ Senan; Spearhead

Siraj/ Siraaj/ Suraj;  Lighted torch

Sofian;  Devoted

Subhi/ Subhy;  Early morning

Sufyan;  Old Arabic name

Suhaib/ Suhayb;  Red hair or complexion

Suhail/ Suhayl;  Gentle, the name of a star

Suhaim/ Suhaym;  Arrow

Sulaiman/ Sulayman;  A Prophet's name - Solomon in English

Sultan/ Sultan;  King

Sumrah;  Brownness

Suraqah;  Name of a companion of the Prophet



T

Tahir/ Taheer;  Pure, clean, chaste, modest

Tahsin;  Beautification

Taim;  Allah Servant of God

Taj;  Crown

Talal;  Nice, admirable

Talha;  Type of tree

Talib;  Seeker of truth

Tamam;  Generous

Tamim;  Strong, complete

Tamir/ Taamir;  Rich; owns palm trees

Tammam;  Perfection, strength

Taqiy;  Devout, God fearing

Tarfah;  Type of tree

Tarif/ Tareef;  Rare, uncommon

Tariq;  Name of a star

Taslim;  Submission

Tawfiq/ Towfeeq;  Success, reconciliation

Tawhid/ Tawwaab;  Believing in one God

Taymullah;  Servant of God

Taysir/ Tayseer;  Facilitation

Tayyib;  Good or delicate

Thabit/ Thaabit;  Firm

Thamer/ Thamir;  Fruitful, productive

Thaqib;  Shooting star

Thawab;  Reward

Thawban;  Name of a companion of the Prophet



U


Ubayy;  Old Arabic name, one with high self-esteem

Udail/ Udayl;  Old Arabic name

Uday;  One who runs fast

Umar/ Omar;  Name of the second Caliph

Umarah;  Old Arabic name

Umayr/ Umair;  Old Arabic name

Umayyah; Arab tribe

Uqbah;  The end of everything

Urwah;  Support, handle

Usaim/ Usaym;  lion cub

Utbah;  old Arabic name

Utha; l Name of a mountain

Uthman;  Name of the third Caliph



W



Waahid;  Unique

Waail/ Wail/ Wael [wah-eel];  Coming back for Shelter

Waajid;  Perceiver, finder, rich

Waarith;  Inheritor, heir

Waddah;  Bright, brilliant

Wadi/ Wadee;  Calm, peaceful

Wadid;  Favorable, devoted, fond

Wafiq/ Wafeeq;  Successful

Wahab/ Wahhaab;  Giving

Wahid;  Singular, exclusive

Wajdi;  Of strong emotion,

Wajid/ Wajed;  Smooth land

Wajih/ Waji/ Wajeeh;  Noble, notable, distinguished

Wakeel;  Trustee

Wakil/ Wakel;  Lawyer

Walee;  Governor

Walid/ Waleed;  Newborn male child

Walif;  Befriending

Waliy;  Supporter of the faith

Waqar;  Dignity, sobriety

Waqqas;  old Arabic name

Wasi;  Knowledgeable

Wasif;  Describer

Wasil;  Considerate, inseparable friend

Wasim/ Waseem;  Graceful, good looking

Wazir/ Wazeer;  Minister



Y

Yahya/ Yehya/ Yahyaa;  A Prophets name (John)

Yaman;  Good tidings, proper name

Yaqoob/ Yaqub;  A Prophets name (Jacob)

Yasin/ Yaseen/ Yaaseen;  One of Prophet Muhammad’s names

Yasir/ Yasser;  Wealth, comfort, ease

Yazan;  Old Arabic name

Yazid/ Yazeed;  Increase, grow, enhance

Younis/ Yoonus;  A Prophets name (Jonah in the Bible)

Yousif/ Yusef/ Yusuf;  increase in power; a Prophets name - Joseph

Yushua;  God saves

Yusri;  Wealthy



Z



Zaahid;  Abstemious, Ascetic

Zafar/ Zafir;  Victory

Zahid; Self denying, ascetic

Zahir/ Zaahir;  Bright, shining, flowery

Zaid/ Zayd;  Increase, growth, abundance

Zaim;  Brigadier General

Zain/ Zayn;  Beauty

Zakariyya/ Zakariya;  A Prophets name

Zaki/ Zaky;  Pure

Zakwan;  Intuitive

Zarif;  Nice, graceful, humorous

Ziad/ Ziyad/ Zeeyad;  abundance

Zubair/ Zubayr;  Strong, powerful, smart

Zuhair/ Zuhayr;  Bright, having flowers

Eid al Fitr & Eid Mubrak

Eid al Fitr [‘eed ul fit-terr] is the name of the holiday which follows the month of fasting during Ramadan; the first day for a month where you can eat and drink during daylight hours. It's also the first day of the 10th lunar month of the Arabic calendar.

The word 'Eid' means happiness/ festivity whilst F’tr means 'to break'. For me Eid at F’tr is unique among festivals world wide, I can't think of another one which appears to be purely about personal achievement. It's also a time to be with the family.

Arabs will greet each other with the words Eid Mubarak [‘eed moo-ba-rrak] or, 'holiday congratulations'.

In Saudi Arabia a nine day national holiday always occurs at Eid al f’tr, which translates into two weeks off work.  In the rest of the Gulf, three days is the norm.

Ramadan Laterns

http://samah007.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/ramadan-mubarak-egypt.jpg


The lanterns [faa-nooh] which have filled Egypt every Ramadan for hundreds of years are so pretty they're slowly being introduced into the GCC and we're seeing them in hotel lobbies and hanging outside house or flat windows.



http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/ramadan-lantern.jpg


The lamps are cube-shaped and hollow, with a frame made from thin strips of tin and small pieces of hand-colored glass.

Apparently in Egypt names given to the different types and sizes:
large ones could be called ‘Bride of the Nile’ or ‘Musa’ [moo-sa], Moses whilst the smaller ones have names such as ‘Shaqqat Battikhah Kabirah’ [sha-khat bat-tee-car cab-bree-ah], a big piece of watermelon) and ‘Najmat al-Bahr’ [najj-mat al ba-harr], the star of the sea).

Creeds of Islam

I'm writing (and updating) this post in response to various blog posts and questions in which there seems to be some confusion between the differences between the two main Islamic schools of thought; Sunni and Shia/ Shi'ite/ Shiite/ Sheea.

This post does not attempt to explain all, or even most differences.  These have already been endlessly discussed in many forums and in reality is way outside the scope of my knowledge.   This post is simply a very short, 'helicoper overview' to the main differences between the different followers of Islam, as an outsider.  The aim being to remove all emotional words and to simply present the basic facts.





To make sure I didn't make any terrible mistakes I had the post checked before posting.  However, having said that, please bear with me; I'm not Muslim.  If you do want to add any basic information, to enlarge and expand the scope of this posting, please feel free to post in the comment section at the end.  I'd appreciate it.


Two Schools of Thought
I think most people know Islam has two schools of thought; the Sunnis and the Shi'ites. Whilst Sunnis are the majority in most Islamic countries, the Shi'ites are the majority in Iran, Iraq and Bahrain.


Sunnis [sun-nee]
Sunni Muslims recognize four main groups:

Maliki [maal-le-key]
Founded by Abd Allah Malik ibn Anas (715-795 AD). His book on the rules of law is the earliest known Muslim legal text.

Hanifite [han-nee-fite]
Founded by An Numan ibn Thabit Abu Hanifa (700-767 AD), this school of thought is based in Iraq and stresses the use of individual opinion when making legal judgments.

Shafii [shaar-fee]
Founded by Muhammad ibn Idris ash Shafii (767-820 AD). Shafii was a member of Muhammad's Quraysh tribe and was a distant relative of his. Shafii followed his own path, creating rules and legal opinions on matters which were not covered in direct statements made by Mohammed.

Hanbali [han-baa-lee]
Founded by Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal (780-855 AD). Hanbal's legal schoolhas become prominent in Saudi Arabia because it is the only school accepted by the Wahhabi Muslims. This school places its emphasis on the Hadith as the source of law and rejects later innovations made by other schools, scholars and religious figures.


In addition to the four groups there are various Sunni sects:

Sufi [sue-fee]


In Sufism the spiritual and mystical aspects are emphasized and singing is encouraged as a form of worship.

Wahhabi [wa-haar-bee]
Wah’habis believe every idea added to Islam after the 3rd century of the Mulsim era is/was false and should be ignored. The founder of the Wahhabis was Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.

Kahrijite [Khar-ree-jite]
In Arabic, their name means ‘to wander’ and were, in effect, dissidents and rebels and chose to separate from the main body of believers, feeling the majority of Muslims had lost the ‘true path’.



Shi'ites 
The word Shi'a is a shortened form of Shi'at Ali, which means ‘The followers of Ali’. Shi'ites belives the Phrophet should choose the mullahs and a mullah must be sinless if he is to lead the prayers.



In addition there are various Shi’ite sects:

Alawis [al-a-wee]
The term Alawis means ‘followers of Ali’ and are also known as Nusayris. Located mostly in Syria.

Baha'i [ba-high]
The Bahai’s came into being in Iran, then called Persia during the 19th century. Although the Bahai's are descended from Islam, neither they nor Muslims think of Bahai's as being Muslims.

Druze [druze]
This group diverged from mainstream Islam in the 11th century when some Isma'ilis started to believe God could be found in the personality of a Prophet or Imam.  Located in/ around Lebanon and Israel.

Ismailis [ish-mai-lees]
the Ismailis split from the main group of Shi'ites because of a dispute over who should be considered the next Imam.

Fatimids [fa-tee-mids]
The Fatimids are a successor movement to the Isma'ilis and are descendants of Fatima and Ali through the line of Isma'il. In the 10th century, their descendants became Caliphs in North Africa, and ruled Egypt from 969 to 1171.

Zaidi [zay-aye-dee]
Formed by Zaid, a grandson of Hussain, the Zaidis believe the true Imam must publicly assert his claim to the title.

Nizari [niz-zar-ree]
This sect is well known, but under a different name: the Assassins.




Image: Al-Idrisi’s map of the world, taken from: www.islaminchina.wordpress.com

Arabic - English Loan Words: H-M

Today's posting follows on from various wgaw blog archives and continues the list of English words whose roots are said to have been borrowed, or loaned from the Arabic.

Words in the list below start with the letters 'H' to 'M' and are listed in alphabetical order. The English word is followed by the root word in Arabic [xxx] and then the Arabic meaning. On the line below is the meaning in English.

If I needed help with the English definition I used: 'The Oxford English Reference Dictionary' ISBN: 0-19-860046-1


H

Hadith
hadit: tradition
A collection of traditions containing saying of the prophet Mohammed which with accounts of his daily practice constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims after the Koran

Haik
Outer covering for head and body worn by Moroccan Arabs

Hajj
hajj: pilgrimage
The annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca

Hajji
one who has been on a pilgrimage

Halal
halal: lawful
Food that is fit for a Muslim to eat because it has been killed as prescribed by Muslim law

Halvah
halwa: sweet confection of sesame flour and honey

Harem
literally the pronoun meaning more than one woman
The women of an Arabic household, living in a separate quarters

Hashish
hasis: dry herb
The resinous product of the top leaves and tender part of hemp, smoked or chewed for its narcotic effects

Hazard
az-zahr: chance luck
Danger or risk

Hegira
hijra: departure from one’s country
Mohamed’s departure from Mecca to Medina in AD 622 which marks the consolidation of the first Muslim community

Henna
tropical shrub having small pink, red or white flowers
The plant gives off a reddish dye form its shoots and leaves and is used to colour hair

Hezbollah
Hizbullah: party of God
A Shi’ite Muslim group which has close links with Iran and whose flag depicts an AK 45 rifle against a yellow background

Hookah
huqqah: casket
An oriental tobacco-pipe with a long tube passing through water for cooling the smoke as it is drawn through

Houri
hawra: gazelle like eyes
A beautiful young woman, esp. in Muslim paradise


I

Imam
Leader of prayers in a mosque

Islam
submission to God, the religion of the Muslims, a monotheistic faith, as revealed through Mohammed as the prophet of Allah


J

Jar
jarrah: large earthenware container

Jasmine
yasmin

ornamental shrub with white or yellow fragrant flowers

Jerboa
yarbu: flesh of loins
Small desert rodent

Jihad
jihad: fight, struggle
A holy war

Jinn
jinn: spirits, plural of genie

Julep
gulab: rose water
A sweet drink, esp. as a vessel for medicine


K

Kaaba
ka-ba: square house
A building in the centre of the great mosque at Mecca, containing a sacred black stone, in the direction of which Muslim must face when praying

Kaffir
kafir: infidel

Kasbah
kas-ba: citadel
The citadel of a North African city

Keffiyeh
kaffiyah: a bedouin’s kerchief worn as a head-dress;  qirmiz: related to crimson
Small evergreen oak, of the Mediterranean region

Khamsin
khamseen: fifty
An oppressive hot south or south east wind occurring in Egypt for about fifty days in March, April and May

Kismet
Kisma: destiny, fate

Kohl
black powder usually used as eye make-up

Koran or Qur'an
kuran: recitation;  karaa: read
The holy book of Islam


L

Lemon
laymun

Lilac
Small tree or shrub with fragrant pale pinkish-violet or white blossoms

Lime limah rounded citrus fruit, like a lemon, but smaller

Loofah
lufah; the plant
A climbing gourd like plant, producing edible marrow like fruits. The dried fibrous vascular system of this fruit are used as a sponge

Lute
al ud
A plucked stringed musical instrument, fretted and with a round body resembling a halved pear


M

Macramé
mikrama
The art of knotting cord or string in patterns to make decorative articles

Magazine
makhazin: plural of makzan storehouse;  khazan: to store up
A place to keep ammunition and provisions for use in war

Mahdi
The spiritual and temporal leader who will rule before the end of the world and restore religion and justice

Marabout
murabit: holy man;  ribat: frontier station

Muslim
hermit or monk

Mask
maskara: buffoon;  sakira: ridicule
Covering for all or part of the face

Mastaba
mastabah: bench
Ancient Egyptian tomb, rectangular in shape with sloping sides and a flat roof, standing to a height of 5 - 6 metres

Mattress
al matrah: the place, a cushion;  taraha: throw
A fabric case stuffed with soft, firm or springy material used on or as a bed

Mecca
A city in western Saudi Arabia which was the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed

Mocha
The port on the red sea from where the coffee first came from - coffee of fine quality

Mohair
mukayya: choice, select
The hair of the Angora goat

Monsoon
mawsim: fixed season;  wasama: to mark
A seasonal wind in southern Asia, especially the Indian ocean

Mosque
masjid: a Muslim place of worship

Mudejar
mudajja: permitted to remain
A subject Muslim during the christen re-conquest of the Iberian peninsula from the moors who was allowed to retain Islamic laws and religion in return for loyalty to a Christian monarch

Muezzin
muadhdhin: criers;  adhana: proclaim

Mufti
mufti; part of afta, decide a point of law
A Muslim legal expert empowered to give ruling on religious matters

Mujahidin
mujahidn: one who fights a jihad

Mullah 

a Muslim learned in Islamic theology and sacred law

Mummy
mumiya
body of a human being or animal embalmed for burial, esp. in ancient Egypt

Muslim
muslim: part of aslama
A follower of the Islamic religion

Muslin
Mussolo
a fine delicately woven cotton fabric from Mosul in Iraq where it was made

Myrrh
A gum resin from trees in the near east, used in perfumery, medicine, incense etc

Arabic - English Loan Words: D-G

Today's posting follows on from the previous postings on Arabic - English and continues the list of words whose roots are said to have been borrowed, or loaned from the Arabic.

Words in the list below start with the letters 'D' to 'G' and are listed in alphabetical order. The English word is followed by the root word in Arabic [xxx] and then the Arabic meaning. On the line below is the meaning in English.

If I needed help with the English definition I used: 'The Oxford English Reference Dictionary' ISBN: 0-19-860046-1


D

Damask
from Damascus
A figured woven fabric (esp. silk or linen) with a pattern visible on both sides

Dhow
A lateen rigged ship used on the Arabian Sea

Dinar
The monetary unit of Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman

Dirham
The monetary unit of the UAE

Dragoman
tarjama [tarr-ja-ma]
interpret An interpreter or guide, esp. in countries speaking Arabic, Turkish or Persian

Drub
daraba [dar-rra-ba]  beat, thump
Beat in a fight

Dura mater
al umm al jafiya [al umm al jaa-fee-ya]
hard mother, indicating the relationship of things
The tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cords


E
Elixir
al iksir [al ik-see-rr] alchemy
A preparation supposedly able to change metals into gold

Emir
amir [aa-meer]
title of various Muslim rulers, interchangeable but different from a king [ma-lick]

Emirates

The rank, domain or reign of an emir


F
Falafel
Small round comet-like food, made from crushed chick peas and deep fried ~the national dish of Egypt~

Fakir
mean/tight
a poor man; A Muslim or Hindu ascetic or holy man, originally a mendicant dervish

Fatwa
instruct by a legal decision
An authoritative (usually written) ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a mufti or Islamic leader

Fedayeen
fidaiyin [fee-day-yeen] adventurer
Arab guerrillas operating esp. against Israel

Fellah
falaha [faa-la-ha] till the soil
An Egyptian peasant

Felucca
fulk [fulk] ship
Small Mediterranean coasting vessel with oars, or lateen sailsm or both

Fez
A flat topped conical red cap with a tassel, named after the city in northern Morocco and worn by men in North African countries

Fomalhaut
fum ul haut [fom al haut] mouth of the fish
The brightest star in the constellation of Piscis Austrinus, which is only briefly visible from the northern hemispheres


G
Garble
gharbala [gHaa-ba-la] sift
Unintentionaly distort or confuse (facts, messages, etc)

Gauze
Thin transparent fabric of silk, cotton, etc. From Gaza in Palestine

Gazelle
ghazal; a small graceful African or Asian antelope

Genie
jinni [jinn] bad spirits
Jinn are the bad spirits frequently mentioned in the Koran The word is also used in the story of the gene in the bottle in the book, “1001 Arabian nights”

Ghoul
gul; desert demon
Evil spirit or phantom, a spirit in Arabic folklore preying on travellers

Gibraltar
gebel al tarik [jh-bul al Tarr-rik] hill of Tarik (an 8th century Saracen commander)

Giraffe
zarafa [za-ra-fa]
extremely tall African mamal

Wosta

Wosta (also spelt, woster/ waster/ waster but all pronounced in the same way, [wass-ter]) is an Arabic word which describes a polite form of corruption.

Wosta is the non-monetary method way of circumnavigating the prevaling system, or, short cutting the rules and getting what you want without waiting.

For example, say you need a job. What you will do is go visit your friend explain your situation, suggest they might be able to help and their friend goes and sorts you out a job.



Or you need a specific police report to disapear which mentions you attacked your wife.  You go to your friend in the police/ traffic department and there it is, gone.

An 'old boy's network' if you will.


Grammar Points
In English, the term 'wosta' is used as a noun, for example; "He's got lots of wosta."
You can not say, "He's wosta-ing" (verb) or "She's a wosta-ly girl" (adjective)

Urban Legends
1
A friend of a friend worked for a very large shipping company. One day he received a phone call from a man who was shipping lots of fireworks from China to the Middle East for the opening event of a festival.

The shipment was late and the man who was supposed to be supplying the fireworks was beginning to panic and the pressure was beginning to build.

He asked,
“Why hasn’t the shipment arrived yet?” to which he replied,
“Fireworks aren’t just any old shipment, they need lots of paperwork and clearance. Surely you were aware of this before you said you’d ship the consignment?”
The man replied,
“Do you know who these fireworks are for? They are for xxxx, now do something.”
My friend had heard it all before, and so replied,
“I'm sure they’re not bothered in Hong Kong or Singapore about xxxx, they want the paperwork. And that’s why your shipment is stuck in Beijing.”



2
Years ago, whilst in an Australian railway station a friend was getting a cup of coffee when the Gulfie man ~man from the Gulf~ behind the counter spotted some Arabic writing on one of her posessions. He struck up a conversation and found out she worked in the Middle East and immediately suggested she find him a job.

3
A friend of a friend had an accident in her car and had the car fixed at the dealership garage. Several years later when she wanted to sell the car, someone went to the garage to make sure the car’s history would not be divulged to anyone who might come along and ask.  The car was now accident free.



Some Background Information
Al-Faleh (1987) found the Arab management style has the following characteristics:
1. Organisation members are motivated by friendship and power needs, rather than by performance objective
2. Social formalities are extremely important
3. Managers rely heavily on kinship ties to get things done4. Nepotism is regarded as natural and acceptable
5. Punctuality and time constraints are much less concern than in western cultures
6. Subordinates act with deference and obedience to those above them in the hierarchy





The Images
The Images on today's posting come from a variety of Arabic blogs including:
www.blog.sweetestmemories.com
www.alarcheef.com
www.mab3oos.com
www.assennara.net

Children's Games

Today's post is a trip back in time - my husband has very fond memories of three games he used to play in childhood and which are desribed below:


Dawama [daa-waa-mah]
Dawama is a spinning top made from wood and string - the centre of the spinning top is taken out and a small piece of metal (made by a blacksmith) is inserted to make it stronger. The idea was to damage the other person’s top.


Image taken from: www.helga.com/collections/yemen/people/8kids2.jpg (faboulous images from across the Arabian peninsula)


Gutalaguti [gut-ta-la-gut-ti]
This involves two teams of children, two sticks made from dried palm leaves and a small stone. One stick needs to be about 1 ½ to 2 feet and the other needs to be about 6 inches long.

The smaller stick is put on the ground, with one end resting on the stone – one end touches the floor and the other end is in the air. The idea is to hit the small stick with the big stick and curl it into the air. As the stick flies up you then hit it again to see how far you can hit it.

The person who has hit the stick has to run around an area marked out like a baseball or cricket pitch. Whilst this is happening the other team has to catch the stick.

Whilst the person is running they must repeat the name of the game, “gut-ta-la-gut-ti, gut-ta-la-gut-ti, gut-ta-la-gut-ti”. It is impossible to score a run if you don’t repeat the name of the game whilst running.


Hayshaysha [hay-shay-shah]
This game would be played only on Ramadan evenings when parents were safely out of the way. It is like a military game without weapons and involves two teams.

At the beginning of the game the rules are decided by the size of the team and all who are playing; where to go and where not to go.

One team hides and the other team counts to 10 or 100. Once the number has been reached, the team who has counted runs around to find the team which has hidden. The aim of the game is to catch members of the opposition one by one, if you see someone you must run after him until you catch him.

The best place for this game to be played is in the small alleys and deserted houses in the suq, and it also needs darkness in order to hide effectively.