GLOSSARY
(frequently
used entries in the text)
Ahl al-Bayt the
people of the house, the immediate family of the Prophet which includes beside
the Prophet, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Hussain.
Alijah one
who holds eminence in the jamat, a
title
Allah-o-Akbar God is Great
Amaldari an
officer holding any rank or title
Amen so
be it, an expression uttered after asking each prayer
Amir nobleman, chief
Baitul Khiyal house of concentration
Barbhahiya twelve brethren, who filed suit against Imam during
the Aga Khan Case-1866
Batin inner, an esoteric aspect
Bayt the convenant entered into with an Imam by every
follower.
Chadar cover of cloth worn on head or shoulder
Chand Raat full
moon
Chhanta sprinkling of water, a ceremony for forgiveness
Count nobleman equal in rank of an English earl, a highest
title introduced in Africa
Dai one who summons, a missionary
Darbar court, also the audience held by native princes of
high-ranking British officials.
Darkhana headquarters
Dastboshi kissing the hand, a ceremony to kiss Imam’s hand
Dawat mission’s work
Dewali Indian festival of lights on the last day of the
dark-half of the month of Aswin
Dewan prime minister, a highest title
Didar beholding
Fana fil
li’llah annihilation in divinity
Farman words
or guidance of the Imam
Fatiha opening chapter of Holy Koran, prayer during burial
ceremony
Fidai one who sacrifice for a cause
Gazal a Persian tune or mode of song
Ginan a sacred corpus of devotional and didactic hymn
composed by the Indian Pirs.
Gupti the secretive who professed Ismailism in secret
Hadith the sayings of the Holy Prophet
Hakim head, ruler
Haqiqi Momin believer in reality
Hazar Imam Imam of the time, evidently
refers in this text for the Aga Khan IV, the present Ismaili Imam
Hujjat proof, a high rank representing the Imam
Huzur Kamadia assistant officer in Imam’s staff, a title
Huzur Mukhi officer attached to Imam’s staff, a title
Ibadat worship
Imam a living spiritual guide and successor of the Holy
Prophet.
Imamate the office of the Imam.
Iman a faith
Inshallah If
God so wills
Itmadi trustworthy, a title
J.P. Justice of Peace, a title introduced by British
India.
Jamat an assembly
Jamatkhana community centre, congregation place with prayer
hall
Justi an old traditional council.
Kamadia assistant of the mukhi.
Khana Abad may your house flourish, a special blessing for
followers
Khanavadan multiplication of prosperity, a special blessing
Khilat robe of officer or a special dress gifted as a mark
of respect.
Koran the last Divine Book revealed on Holy Prophet.
Kul Kamadia the provincial or district treasurer collecting the tithe
Lac one hundred thousand
Majalis assembly, brotherhood
Mata Salamat mother of peace, title of Um-e-Habiba, the wife of 48th Imam
Mawla title used by the followers for the Imam.
Mazhar epiphany of God.
Mehmani hospitalization, an offering to be presented to the
Imam.
Momin one who believes, the faithful
Mu’allim teacher, head of the mission in a particular region
Mukhi foremost, the headman of Jamatkhana
Munajat connotation
of conveying reverence to a sanctified person
Murid follower
Musafarkhana inn
Mushkil Asaan warding off trouble
Navroz new
day, a spring festival falls on 21st March
Nikah nuptial ceremony
Noor light
Pachhedi a long piece of clothe to be wrapped round the
shoulder and head
Pajibhai Club an association of brotherhood
Pandit a man rooted in Hindu literature
Panjibhai brotherhood
Raga pleasant sound, tune
Rai a roving officer, a title
Salgirah birthday anniversary
Shah’jo
Didar beholding of the Lord, an act of shaking hands in prayer.
Shah king, lord or prince of noble lineage
Shaitan devil
Shawl precious woolen blanket to be wrapped on shoulder
Siratul
Mustaqim true path
Tabara an act of reviling
Takhat Nashini enthronement ceremony
Talika communique, an official letter of the Imam
Tasbih rosary
Ulema (sig. alim) scholars
Vakil representative
Varas high officer, the title equal to Wazir
Waez sermon, discourse.
Wazir high officer, the title corresponds to Varas
Zahir outer, the exhoteric aspect