What if some of the most talked-about Islamic concepts are also the most misunderstood? There are a lot of Islamic terms that the media often portrays as dangerous or something to fear. Because of this, people sometimes form judgments about an entire faith without really understanding what these words mean. Taking the time to explore their true meanings can help clarify misconceptions and encourage more thoughtful conversations.

Jihad

Jihad does not mean “Holy War.” Holy War is a Christian term, popularized during the Crusades to justify religious wars against non-Christians. In Islam, Jihad is an Arabic word meaning “struggle,” referring to exerting one’s utmost effort in word or deed. Jihad is of two types: greater jihad, which is a spiritual struggle against one’s vices and immoral inclinations in order to draw closer to God, and the lesser jihad, which involves fighting in self-defense. [1]

Sharia

The word “Sharia” simply means “a path to life-giving water.” [2] Since water is necessary for survival, this refers to a path that leads us to healthy spiritual life or to God. Sharia can also be thought of as a collection of Islamic injunctions, laws or systems—none of which are new to the world. The US legal system has roots in Abrahamic injunctions, tribal law allows for Native cultural practices, and American-Jews consult the beit din. All “Sharia” refers to are Islamic laws about the various duties of Muslims such as prayer, honesty, kindness, and justice.

Fatwa

Ever since “Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, pronounced a death sentence on Salman Rushdie for his book ‘Satanic Verses,’” the word Fatwa has been taken to mean death sentence. [3] But really, Fatwa refers to a “religious opinion,” which occurs when qualified religious scholars respond to a question that has not been directly addressed by the Holy Quran, or the actions or sayings of the Holy Prophet. People can ask for fatwas on any topic and they are only suggestions and not legally binding. [4]

Halal

Many people believe that halal only means avoiding pork, but it encompasses much more than that. The word halal refers to what is permissible. God has protected people by commanding them to avoid things which may be harmful to them, such as pork, any animal that has naturally died, blood, and any food on which the name of someone or something other than God was invoked. “The first three categories are prohibited because they are harmful to the body” and the last prohibition aims to directly protect the soul by avoiding any association of others with God (Id.). But in a case of life or death, it’s permissible to eat food that isn’t halal. [5]

Hijab and Burqa

The hijab is frequently viewed as a sign of patriarchy or oppression, making people think that they need to save Muslim women from it, but in reality, “it is a means of protecting women, [providing]them with freedom from many social ills.” [6] “If someone had a diamond, they would keep it hidden from strangers to protect it, but allow their family to see its beauty, since they would know how to value and respect it. Likewise, modesty and the hijab protect women’s dignity from the broader world, but not from those closest to her … The hijab is a representation of respect and a barrier.” [7] There’s also a misconception that Islam mandates wearing burqas or niqabs. The burqa is the Afghani interpretation of modesty, and other places have their own cultural garments that work within Quranic guidelines. “The Holy Quran states that believing women should draw their head-coverings across their bosoms; and should not disclose any part of their beauty (24:32).” [8] Islam only provides general guidance on modesty for believing women, not advocating for any specific garment.

Allah

At my school, a teacher once explained that Muslims believe in a God called Allah, implying that Muslims worship a different God. However, the word Allah is the personal name of the One and Only God in Arabic. Arab Christians also say this, proving that “Allah” and “God” are interchangeable terms. [9]

Ummah

The general population has taken the word “Ummah” to mean a political group; however, this word simply refers to the global Muslim community. [10] Psychology has proven the human need for communities, which “provide us with support” and “help to reduce stress and isolation.” [11]

Caliphate

The terms Khilafat or Caliphate are often misunderstood as referring to a Muslim extremist state, however, “in Arabic ‘khalifa’ means ‘successor/deputy/vicegerent’” [12] A divinely appointed Khilafat or Caliphate is an apolitical, spiritual, and just governance.

Dawah

The word Dawah is misunderstood to mean forced conversion, but the word itself means invitation. In every faith, there are preachers who aim to spread the message of their own beliefs through peaceful means, and Islam does the same. The Quran clearly states, “There shall be no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:257), meaning that while preaching, Muslims should only “advise others using a gentle approach in an attempt to attract thirsty hearts and souls to the path of Allah.” [13] Dawah is not a forced conversion, but a peaceful invitation characterized by understanding and knowledge.

Understanding the true meaning of these words and how they apply to the world today clarifies Islam’s core values of peace and can be a starting point of dialogue between different faith’s traditions.

References:

1. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “What Does Jihad Mean?” Al Islam, https://www.alislam.org/question/what-does-jihad-mean/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026
2. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “What Is Shariah Law?” Al Islam, https://www.alislam.org/question/what-is-shariah-law/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026
3. Warsi, Tauseef. “The Fatwa Fallacy.” The Friday Post, Medium, 7 Sept. 2018, https://medium.com/the-friday-post/the-fatwa-fallacy-dfa30c65894d
4. Khan, Maulana Wahiduddin. “What Is a Fatwa?” The Seeker’s Guide, Centre for Peace and Spirituality International, https://cpsglobal.org/books/the-seekers-guide/48-what-is-a-fatwa. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
5. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “What Can a Muslim Eat?” Al Islam, https://www.alislam.org/question/what-can-muslim-eat/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
6. Lajna Imaillah U.S.A. Pathway to Paradise: A Guidebook to Islam. Islam International Publications Ltd., 1996. Al Islam, https://new.alislam.org/library/books/pathway-to-paradise/info
7. Kauser, Aneelah. “Why Hijab Bans Aren’t Freedom; They’re Control.” The Opinion Pages, 24 Nov. 2025, https://theopinionpages.com/2025/11/why-hijab-bans-arent-freedom-theyre-control/
8. Kauser, Aneelah. “Islamic Dress Does Not = ‘Burqa.’” Blue Marble Review, https://bluemarblereview.com/islamic-dress-does-not-burqa/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
9. Christian Answers. “Allah.” ChristianAnswers.Net, Films for Christ, https://christiananswers.net/q-eden/allah.html. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. Al-Hadi, Umarrah Javed. “The Meaning of Ummah in Islam.” Quranic Arabic for Busy People, GetQuranic, 2 Oct. 2023, https://www.getquranic.com/meaning-of-ummah/
10. Al-Hadi, Umarrah Javed. “The Meaning of Ummah in Islam.” Quranic Arabic for Busy People, GetQuranic, 2 Oct. 2023, https://www.getquranic.com/meaning-of-ummah/
11. Stein, Samantha. “The Importance of Community.” Psychology Today, 18 July 2023, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202307/the-importance-of-community
12. Ahmad, Mubasher. “Khilafat and Caliphate.” Al Islam, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, https://www.alislam.org/articles/khilafat-and-caliphate/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
13. Badr, Kamal. “How to Perform Dawah?” About Islam, 7 Nov. 2025, https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/how-to-perform-dawah/