Arabic & Fársí transcription list and glossary for Bahá’ís Contents

Ahmad Aḥmad more laudable, more commendable, more praised [Comparative form of ‘hamida’ (to praise)]—one of five names of Muḥammad

Ahmad-i-’Allaf Aḥmad-i-‘Alláf

Ahmad-i-Ahsa’i, Shaykh Aḥmad-i-Aḥsá’í, Shaykh

Ahmad-i-Azghandi Aḥmad-i-Azghandí

Ahmad-i-Bahrayni Aḥmad-i-Baḥrayní

Ahmad-ibn-i-Abi-Talib-i-Tabarsi Aḥmad-ibn-i-Abí-Ṭálib-i-Ṭabarsí

Ahmad-i-Ibdal Aḥmad-i-Ibdál

Ahmad-i-Ibdal-i-Maraghi’i Aḥmad-i-Ibdál-i-Marághi’í

Ahmad-i-Kashani Aḥmad-i-Káshání

Ahmad-i-Katib Aḥmad-i-Kátib

Ahmad-i-Khurasani Aḥmad-i-Khurásání

Ahmad-i-Kirmani Aḥmad-i-Kirmání

Ahmad-i-Mu’allim Aḥmad-i-Mu‘allim

Ahmad-i-Nukhud-Biriz Aḥmad-i-Nukhud-Biríz

Ahmad-i-Payvandi Aḥmad-i-Payvandí

Ahmad-i-Qazvini Aḥmad-i-Qazvíní

Ahmad-i-Ruhi Aḥmad-i-Rúḥí

Ahmad-i-Saffar Aḥmad-i-Ṣaffár

Ahmadiya, Ahmadiyyih Aḥmadíya, Pers. Aḥmadí, Aḥmadíy Belonging to Aḥmad (Muḥammad). A Muslim.

Ahmad-i-Yazdi Aḥmad-i-Yazdí

Ahmadiyyih Aḥmadíyyih Islamic religious movement founded in Punjab, India

Ahmar, Hamra, Humr Aḥmar, f. Ḥamrá, pl. Ḥumr red, red-coloured, ruddy; rosy, pink. Alhambra (Spanish), the Citadel of Granada, (“the Red Palace”; al-Ḥamrá, lit. “the red one”)

Ahrari Aḥrárí Ḍíyá’u’lláh Aḥrárí executed 1982. Aḥrár is pl. of Ḥurr

Ahsa Aḥsá al-Aḥsá, al-Ḥasá, or Ḥadjár (locally al-Aḥasá) is a traditional oasis region in eastern Saudi Arabia whose name is used by the Al-Aḥsá Governorate, which makes up much of that country's Eastern Province. The al-Ḥasá or al-Aḥsá Oasis is located about 60 km inland from the coast of the Persian Gulf. al-Hufúf is the major urban center in the oasis. Birthplace of Shaykh Aḥmad.

Ahsa’i Aḥsá’í of or from al-Aḥsá

Ahsanu’l-Qisas Aḥsánu’l-Qiṣaṣ The Best of Stories [Ar.]: a name for the Surih of Joseph.—Tafsír-i-Aḥsánu’l-Qiṣaṣ: the Báb’s commentary on the Súrih of Joseph, the Qayyúmu’l-Asmá’, called the Qur’án of the Bábís. Translated into Persian by Ṭáhirih.

Ahu Áhú Pers. a vice, fault, defect, stain, spot, villainy; flight, escape; an exclamation, cry for help; an asthma; a deer, roe, gazelle; any object of pursuit or chase; a beautiful eye; a mistress

Ahvaz Ahváz a city in south-west Írán

Ain, Uyun, A’yun ‘Ain f., pl. Úyún, A‘yun eye; evil eye; spring, source, fountain-head (of water); scout, reconnoiterer; hole; mesh; flower, choice, prime (of something); (pl. a‘yán) an eminent, important man, used esp. in pl.: people of distinction, important people, leading personalities, leaders, notables, prominent persons; substance, essence; self, individuality; chattel, object of material value, (corporeal or personal) property, personality, capital asset (Islamic law)

Aja’ibu’l-Makhluqat ‘Ajá’ibu’l-Makhlúqat “The marvels of creation” by Qazwíní

Ajab, A’jab ‘Ajab, pl. A‘jáb astonishment, amazement;—(pl.) wonder, marvel

Ajal Ajal, pl. Ájál appointed time, date, deadline; instant of death; respite, delay

Ajam ‘Ajam (collective) barbarians, non-Arabs, Persians. (collective; noun denoting an individual) stone kernel, pit, pip, seed (of fruit)

Ajami, A’jam ‘Ajamí, pl. A‘jám barbarian, non-Arab; Persian (adj. and n.)

Ajiba, ‘Aja’ib ‘Ajíba, pl. ‘Ajá’ib wondrous thing, unheard of thing, prodigy, marvel, miracle, wonder;—pl. remarkable things, curiosities, oddities

Ajja, Ajij Ajja, Ajíj to burn, blaze, flame (fire). e.g. Má’ ujáj bitter, salty water.

Ajudan-Bashi Ájúdán-Báshí (Chief Adjutant)

Ajuz, ‘Ajz, A’jaz ‘Ajuz, ‘Ajz, pl. A‘jáz backside, rump, posteriors. Also stem, stump, trunk (of palm tree) Qur’án 54:20 & 69:7

Ajwibatu’l-Masá’il, Ajwibatu’l-Masa’il Ajwibat al-Masá’il “Answers to some questions”, book by Shaykh Aḥmad. Pers. Ajwibatu’l-Masá’il (Ajvibatu’l-Masa’il)

Ajz ‘Ajz weakness, incapacity, disability, failure, impotence (for, to do something); deficit

Akbar, Akbarun, Akabir Akbar, pl. Akbarún, Akábir greater, bigger, larger; older; senior-ranking [comparative form of ‘kabura’ (to elevate)]. Note: akbar, اكبر, consists of four consonants: ر ب ك ا (right to left in Arabic, or Alif, Káf, Bá’ and Rá’ in English)—the first a is an Alif.

Akbar-ibn-i-’Abid Akbar-ibn-i-‘Ábid

Akh, Ikhwa, Ikhwan Akh, pl. Ikhwa, Ikhwán brother; fellow man, neighbour; friend;—pl. ikhwán specifically, brethren or members of an order; al-ikhwán religious brotherhood of the Wahabi sect, militant in character, established by Ibn Sa‘úd in 1910

Akhar Ákhar another, different, second

Akhbari Akhbárí school, founded by Mullá Muḥammad-Amír of Astarábád, in opposition to the mujtahids or the Uṣúlís. Akhbár (pl. of Khabar) means ‘news’ or ‘traditions’, and uṣúl means ‘principles’. The Akhbárí followers only accept the traditions ascribed to the Prophet and the Imáms; whereas the Uṣúlís (they constitute the vast majority of the Twelvers), maintain that the mujtahid has the right, as the deputy of the Hidden Imám, to deduce principles from the Qur’án as well as the traditions, and to use qiyás or ‘analogy’ to make an authoritative statement.

Akhdar (Akhzar), Khadra’, Khudr Akhḍar (f.), Khaḍrá’, pl. Khuḍr green. al-Khaḍrá’ “the Verdant” (epithet of Tunis); the sky. Persian forms are similar and the ḍ is replaced by a ẓ. Khaḍrá’—final Hamza is left out in some books.

Akhir, Akhirun, Akhirat, Awakhir Ákhir, pl. Ákhirún, Ákhirát, Awákhir last, ultimate, utmost, extreme; end, close, conclusion; foot, bottom (of a paper). ‘Abdu’l-Bahá substituted ákhur on a number of occasions when referring to the ‘ulamá—see akhúr. “They have held to this stable (stability?) but they have not seen the ultimate of things.” Diary of Juliet Thompson, p. 102.

Akhirah Ákhira(h) afterlife. See dunyá and awwal

Akhtar, Akhtaran Akhtar, pl. Akhtarán Pers. a star; horoscope, predominant star at anyone’s nativity; an omen, augury; an ensign, standard; name of an angel. Name of a newspaper

Akhtaran Taban Akhtarán-i-Tábán Pers. brilliant stars

Akhtar-Khavari Akhtar-Khávarí

Akhu’th-Thamarah Akhu’th-Thamarah “the Brother of the Fruit”. Báb: “Akhu’th-Thamarah, 238”—The fruit is Mírzá Yaḥyá and 238 equals Ḥusayn-‘Alí (Bahá’u’lláh)

Akhund Ákhúnd Muslim priest [akhond] See ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Shahmírzádí

Akhur Ar. Akhúr, Pers. Ákhur a stall, stable or barn for horses; the collar-bone. See Ákhir

Akif, Akifan ‘Ákif, pl. ‘Ákifán Pers. assiduous, diligent; constantly staying in the mosque and employed in devotion

Akka ‘Akka (‘Akk) to be sultry, muggy (day)

Akka ‘Akká Also Akko or Acre (former name: Antiochia Ptolemais). Houses used by the Bahá’ís: Malik, Khavvám and Rábi’ih, ‘Údí Khammár and ‘Abbúd. Family left 1877 for Mazra‘ih

Akthar Akthar more; oftener, more frequently; more numerous; longer; most; major portion, greater part, majority

Al Ál family, relatives, kinsfolk, clan; companions, partisans, people; mirage, fatamorgana. Not the Arabic definite article al-

Al- al- the definite article in Arabic, often translated as “the” in English. Refer to the Arabic letters and abjad values section at the end of this list.

Ala ‘Alá’ high rank, high standing, nobility; loftiness

Ala, Uluw ‘Alá, ‘Ulúw to be high, elevated, rise high, loom, tower up; to rise, ascend; to ring out (voice); etc.

Ala’ Álá’ alá Pers. benefits, favours, kindnesses

Ala’i ‘Alá’í

Ala’u’d-Dawlih ‘Alá’u’d-Dawlih, Yúsúf

Alam al-Hayawan ‘Álam al-Ḥayawán the animal kingdom

Alam al-Ma’adin ‘Álam al-Ma‘ádin the mineral kingdom

Alam an-Nabat ‘Álam an-Nabát the vegetable kingdom

Alam Alam, pl. Álám pain, ache, suffering, agony

Alam, A’lam ‘Alam, pl. A‘lám sign, token, mark, badge, distinguishing mark, characteristic; harelip; road sign, signpost, guidepost; flag, banner; a distinguished, outstanding man; an eminent personality, an authority, a star, a luminary

Alam, Alamun, Awalim ‘Álam, pl. ‘Álamún, ‘Awálim world; universe, cosmos;—pl. ‘Álamún—inhabitants of the world, specifically human beings. al-‘álamán the two worlds = Europe and America.

Alama, Alamat, Ala’im ‘Aláma, pl. ‘Alámát, ‘Alá’im mark, sign, token; badge, emblem; distinguishing mark, characteristic

Alami ‘Álami worldly, secular, world (adj.); international; world-wide, world-famous, enjoying world-wide renown

Alamu’l-Amr ‘Álamu’l-Amr (lower) world of creation

Alamu’l-Haqq ‘Álamu’l-Ḥaqq (upper) eternally inaccessible world of God that is exalted beyond the grasp of the minds of men

Alamu’l-Huda ‘Alamu’l-Hudá “distinguished guide”

Alamu’l-Khalq ‘Álamu’l-Khalq (intermediate) world of the revelation of the divine command

Alamut Alamút eagle-nest. Name of a region in Iran on the western edge of the Alborz (Elburz) range and a ruined fortress (55 km ne of Qazvín and 110 km nw of Ṭihrán.

Alaniya ‘Aláníya openness, overtness, publicness, publicity (as opposed to secrecy)

Alaq, ‘Alaqat ‘Alaq(at), ‘Alaqun, pl. ‘Alaqát medicinal leech; leech; (coagulated) blood, blood clot. Note: the tá’ marbúṭa here is represented by ‘at’.

Alast, ‘A last ’A last “Am I not?” Cycle of ’A last is a reference to a pre historic Covenant between God and man. According to Qur’án 7:172, God called all the men in his presence before their creation and asked them “’A lastu bi Rabbikum?” “Am I not your Lord?” and all the men confirmed that by saying “yes, yes, thou art our Lord”. This demonstrates the total and inherent essential dependence of man to the continuous grace of God. So ’A last and Cycle of ’A last is a reference to this Covenant.

Alawi (Pers. Alavi) ‘Alawí upper; heavenly, celestial; Alawi (adj. and n.);—pl. the Alawis (official name of the Nusairis inhabiting the coastal district of Latakia in nw Syria)

Alawiyan (Alaviyan) ‘Alawiyán princes, lords (descendants of ‘Alí)

Alburz Alburz, Alborz the principal mountain range in northern Írán

Alf, Uluf Alf, pl. Ulúf, Áláf thousand; millennium

Alfi, ‘Id Alfí, ‘Íd millennial celebration, millenary

Alfiyyih Alfíya, Pers. Alfíyyih al-Khulása al-Alfíyya by Ibn-i-Malik

Ali Big Yuz-Bashi ‘Alí Big Yúz-Báshí

Ali ibn Abi Talib ‘Alí ibn Abí Ṭálib Cousin and son-in-law of Muḥammad

Ali Pasha ‘Álí Páshá ‘Álí Páshá, Muḥammad Amín

Ali ‘Alí High, eminent. ‘Alí was the first Imám, the fourth Caliph and the son-in-law of Muḥammad. al-‘Alí, the divine name for the All-Knowing.

Ali ‘Álí high, sublime, eminent, excellent, grand; the upper part; above

Ali-‘Askar-i-Tabrizi ‘Alí-‘Askar-i-Tabrízí Merchant from Tabríz

Ali-Abad (Aliabad) ‘Alí-Ábád a village 35 km sw of Ṭihrán

Ali-Ahmad ‘Alí-Aḥmad

Ali-Akbar-i-Ardistani ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Ardistání

Ali-Akbar-i-Mazgani ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Mázgání (MF)

Ali-Akbar-i-Najjar ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Najjár (MF)

Ali-Akbar-i-Quchani ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Qúchání

Ali-Akbar-i-Shahmirzadi ‘Alí-Akbar-i-Shahmírzádí Hájí Ákhúnd, a Hand of the Cause

Ali-Asghar ‘Alí-Aṣghar (MF)

Ali-Baba ‘Alí-Bábá

Alif Alif consonant

Ali-Hamzih ‘Alí-Ḥamzih

Ali-ibn-i-Abi-Talib ‘Alí-ibn-i-Abí-Ṭálib

Ali-ibn-i-Muhammad ‘Alí-ibn-i-Muḥammad

Ali-ibn-i-Musa’r-Rida ‘Alí-ibn-i-Músá’r-Riḍá

Ali-Jan ‘Alí-Ján

Ali-Khan ‘Alí-Khán

Alil, A’illa’ ‘Alíl, pl.A‘illa’ sick, ill, ailing; sick person, patient; soft, gentle, mild, pleasant. With place names—“lower”

Alim, ‘Ulama’ ‘Alím, pl. ‘Ulamá’ (Pers. ‘Ulamá) knowing; cognizant, informed; learned, erudite; al-‘Alím the omniscient (one of the attributes of God)

Alim, Ulama ‘Álim, pl. ‘Ulamá’ (Pers. ‘Ulamá) (adj. or noun) knowing; familiar, acquainted (with), cognizant (of); expert, connoisseur, professional.—pl. learned, erudite; scholar, savant, scientist. The ‘Ulamá’ is a body of Muslim scholars who are recognized as having specialist knowledge of Islamic sacred law and theology. The ‘ulamá are collectively known in Persian society as the Jámi‘a-i Rúḥáníyat (the spiritual concourse).

Alima (‘Ilm) ‘Alima (‘Ilm) to know; teach; tell, notify; to learn, study; to inquire, ask

Alima ‘Álima fem. woman of learning, woman scholar, e.g. singer, chanteuse

Ali-Mardan ‘Alí-Mardán

Ali-Mirzay-i-Shirazi ‘Alí-Mírzáy-i-Shírází

Ali-Muhammad ‘Alí-Muḥammad

Al-i-Muhammad Ál-i-Muḥammad children (or family) of Muḥammad

Ali-Murad (‘Alimurad) ‘Alí-Murád (sometimes shortened to ‘Alímurád)

Alin ‘Álin high, tall, elevated; loud, strong (voice); higher (as opposed to elementary); lofty, exalted, sublime, high-ranking, of high standing; excellent, first-class, first-rate, outstanding, of top quality (commodity)

Ali-Naqi ‘Alí-Naqí

Alipur ‘Alípúr village in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran

Ali-Qabl-i-Muhammad ‘Alí-Qabl-i-Muḥammad

Ali-Quli Khan (Ali-Kuli Khan) ‘Alí-Qulí Khán Better known as Ali-Kuli Khan, married Florence Breed (parents of Marzieh Gail)

Ali-Rida ‘Alí-Riḍá

Ali-Shawkat ‘Alí-Shawkat (GPB 241)

Aliy, ‘Aliya, ‘Ilya ‘Alíy, fem. ‘Alíya(h), pl. ‘Ilya high, tall, elevated: exalted, sublime, lofty, august, excellent. (pl.) upper class, people of distinction, prominent people. Pers. fem. also ‘Alíyyih.

Aliy-i-Baraqani ‘Alíy-i-Baraqání

Aliy-i-Barfurushi ‘Alíy-i-Bárfurúshí entitled Quddús

Aliy-i-Bastami ‘Alíy-i-Basṭámí ‘Alíy-i-Basṭámí, Mullá A Letter of the Living

Aliy-i-Kani ‘Alíy-i-Kání

Aliy-i-Kirmanshahi ‘Alíy-i-Kirmánsháhí

Aliy-i-Las-Furush ‘Alíy-i-Lás-Furúsh

Aliy-i-Miri ‘Alíy-i-Mírí

Aliy-i-Mudhahhib ‘Alíy-i-Mudhahhib

Aliy-i-Qazvini ‘Alíy-i-Qazvíní

Aliy-i-Sabzivari ‘Alíy-i-Sabzivárí

Aliy-i-Salmani ‘Alíy-i-Salmání

Aliy-i-Sardar ‘Alíy-i-Sardár

Aliy-i-Sayyah-i-Maraghih’i ‘Alíy-i-Sayyáḥ-i-Maraghih’í

Aliy-i-Tabib-i-Zanjani ‘Alíy-i-Ṭabíb-i-Zanjání

Aliy-i-Tafrishi ‘Alíy-i-Tafríshí

Aliy-i-Turshizi ‘Alíy-i-Turshízí

Aliy-i-Zanjani ‘Alíy-i-Zanjání

Aliy-i-Zargar ‘Alíy-i-Zargar

Aliy-i-Zunuzi ‘Alíy-i-Zunúzí

Aliyu’llah ‘Alíyu’lláh ‘Alí is chosen by, or from God

Aliyu’llahi ‘Alíyu’lláhí Sect of Islám

Aliyyu’l-’Ala ‘Alíyyu’l-‘Alá

Alizadih ‘Alízádih Maqṣúd ‘Alízádih

Alladhi, Allati, Alladhina Alladhí, fem. Allatí (relative pronoun) he who, that which; who, which, that. Plurals: m. alladhína, fem. allátí, allawátí (“allawati”), allá’í (“alla’i”)

Allaf ‘Alláf seller of provender (dry food such as hay and oats for livestock)

Allah Alláh God

Allahu-‘Azam, Allah-u-‘Azam Alláhu-‘Aẓam, Pers. Alláh-u-‘Aẓam God is Great

Allahu-A’zam, Allah-u-A’zam Alláhu-A‘ẓam, Pers. Alláh-u-A‘ẓam (greeting response to Alláh-u-Akbar—men) God is the Most Mighty

Allahu-Abha, Allah-u-Abha Alláhu-Abhá, Pers. Alláh-u-Abhá (greeting response to Alláh-u-Ajmal—women) God is Most Glorious, God is All-Glorious. A form of the Greatest Name. Bahá, or any of its derivatives such as Abhá, Yá Bahá’u’lláh, or Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá, are all referred to as the Greatest name. Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá (O Glory of Glories or O Glory of the All-Glorious) is an invocation used in the calligraphy designed by Mishkín-Qalam.

Allahu-Ajmal, Allah-u-Ajmal Alláhu-Ajmal, Pers. Alláh-u-Ajmal (greeting response to Alláh-u-Abhá—women) God is the Most Beautiful.

Allahu-Akbar, Allah-u-Akbar Alláhu-Akbar, Pers. Alláh-u-Akbar greeting by a man to a man. God is the Most Great or God is the Greatest. See Alláh-u-A‘ẓam above

Allahu-Aqdam, Allah-u-Aqdam Alláhu-Aqdam, Pers. Alláh-u-Aqdam God is the Most Ancient

Allahu-Athar, Allah-u-Athar Alláhu-Aṭhar, Pers. Alláh-u-Aṭhar God the Most Pure

Allahu-Azhar, Allah-u-Azhar Alláhu-Aẓhar, Pers. Alláh-u-Aẓhar God is Most Manifest

Allahumma Alláhumma “O Thou My God”. Permitted by the Báb to be tattooed on chest of men, in the most beautiful calligraphy.

Allah-Vardi, Allah-Virdi Alláh-Vardí, Alláh-Virdí

Allah-Yar Alláh-Yár Ḥájj Alláh-Yár. A village in Kermanshah

Allam ‘Allám knowing thoroughly

Allama ‘Alláma most erudite, very learned (of the ulama); learned in every branch of the Islamic sciences

Allamiy-i-Hilli ‘Allámiy-i-Ḥillí “the very erudite Doctor”, a title of the famed Shí’ih theologian, Jamálu’d-Dín Ḥasan ibn-i-Yúsuf ibn-i-‘Alí of Hilla (ad 1250–1325) (MF p. 169)

Allamiy-i-Nuri ‘Allámiy-i-Núrí

Alliyu’llahi ‘Allíyu‘lláhí a sect

Alus Álús Pers. amorous or angry side-glance

Alusi Álúsí (Alossy) Ibn-i-Álúsí, Muftí of Baghdád

Alvah-i-Laylatu’l-Quds Alváḥ-i-Laylatu’l-Quds Tablets of the Holy Night (by Bahá’u’lláh)

Alvah-i-Salatin Alváḥ-i-Saláṭín Tablets of the Sultans

Alvah-i-Tablighi-i-Amrika Alváḥ-i-Tablíghí-i-Amríká Pers. collection of Tablets by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America, translated as Tablets of the Divine Plan. Amríká also given as Imríká

Alvah-i-Vasaya Alváḥ-i-Vaṣáyá Tablets of Commandments by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Alwai, Alawiyyah ‘Alwaí, pl. ‘Alawíyyah upper; heavenly, celestial; Alawi or Alawite (Eng.);—(pl. Alawis, English), official name of the Nusayris (Nuṣayríyyah), Islamic sect in Syria founded by Ibn Nusayr.

Ama ‘Amá’ Ar. heavy clouds. [Pers. deviation, aberration, loss of the way; contention, litigation; a cloud, high, dense, rainy, thin; a black or white cloud; a cloud which has shed rain; blindness.] See root word ‘amiya. Hence, ‘Amá’ can be translated as blindness, secrecy, obscurity, etc.; though it also has the sense of “cloud”, possibly “heavy and thick clouds (which hide and obscure) or (the opposite!) light diaphanous clouds. See http://hurqalya.ucmerced.edu/

Ama, Ima, Amawat Ama, pl. Imá’, Amawát Ar. bondmaid, slave girl

Amad Ámad Pers. he came; arrival

Amada ‘Amada to baptize, christen

Amadan Ámadan Pers. to come, to arrive; to exist, to be found; to become

Amal, A’mal ‘Amal, pl. ‘A‘mál doing, acting, action, activity; work, labour; course of action, way of acting, practice; achievement, accomplishment; activity (for), work (in the service of something); making, production, manufacture, fabrication; performance, execution; make, workmanship; practical work, practice;—pl. act, action; operation (military); work, job, chore, labour; deed, feat, achievement, exploit; occupation, business; trade, craft, handicraft; vicegerency, province, district; administrative district

Aman Amán Ar. security, safety; peace; shelter, protection; clemency, quarter (mil.); safeguarding, assurance of protection; indemnity, immunity from punishment

Aman’u’llah Amán’u’lláh the protection of God

Amanat Amánat Pers. a deposit, charge, anything given in trust; security, safety, protection; safe-guard, safe-conduct; sincerity, faith, religion.

Amara, Amr, Awamir, Umur Amara, Amr, pl. 1 Awámir, 2 Umúr to order, command, bid, instruct (someone to do something), commission, charge, entrust (someone with something or to do something); (pl. #1) order, command, instruction (to do something); ordinance, decree; power, authority; (grammar) imperative; (pl. #2) matter, affair, concern, business

Amasiya Amásiyá (Amasya) city in Turkey, 84 km sw of Samsun

Amat, Amih Amat, Amih Pers. a female servant, a handmaid. Ar. Ama

Amatu’l-A’la Amatu’l-A‘lá “the Handmaid of the Most High”. Title given to Dr Susan Moody by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Amatu’l-Baha Amatu’l-Bahá Hand of the Cause of God, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum Rabbani (née Mary Sutherland Maxwell) (08-08-1910–19-01-2000). [“It was Amatu'l-Bahá’s preference that Rabbani not be” transcripted. Letter from her Literary Executors, 9 January 2007 to M.W.T.] “The Handmaiden of the Glory”, “Spiritual” and “Lady”

Amatu’llah Amatu’lláh The Handmaiden of God

Amil, Awamil, Ummal ‘Ámil, pl. ‘Awámil, ‘Ummál active; effective; (pl. ‘Awámil) factor, constituent, element, (causative) agent, motive power; word governing another in syntactical regimen, regent (grammar); (pl. ‘Ummál) maker, producer, manufacturer; doer, perpetrator, author; worker, workman, workingman, labourer; wage earner, employee; governor.

Amin, Amina Ámin, fem. Ámina(h) peaceful. Áminah bint Wahb, mother of Muḥammad; died ad 577

Amin, Umana Amín, pl. Umaná’ reliable, trustworthy, loyal, faithful, upright, honest; safe, secure; authorized representative or agent; trustee; guarantor (of); chief, head; superintendent, curator, custodian, guardian, keeper; chamberlain; master of a guild [Superlative form of amuna or amána (to be faithful, reliable, trustworthy)]

Amini Amíní Persian name. Office of amín; trust, guardianship, custody; security; commission, deputation; secure, safe.

Amin-i-Halabi Amín-i-Ḥalabí, Shaykh [Amín Ḥalabí]

Amin-i-Ilahi Amín-i-Iláhí Trusted of God

Aminu’d-Dawlih Amínu’d-Dawlih

Aminu’l-’Ulama Amínu’l-‘Ulamá

Aminu’l-Bayan Amínu’l-Bayán “Trusted of the Bayán”

Aminu’llah Amínu’lláh “Trust of God”

Aminu’s-Sultan Amínu’s-Sulṭán (MF)

Amir ‘Ámir inhabited; peopled, populated, populous; full, filled, filled up; jammed, crowded, filled to capacity (with); amply provided, splendidly furnished; civilized; cultivated (land); flourishing, thriving, prosperous

Amir Ámir commander; lord, master; orderer, purchaser, customer, client

Amir, Umara, Amirat Amír, pl. Umará’, pl. fem. Amírát commander, governor, lord; prince, emir; title of princes of a ruling house; tribal chief

Amira’l-Mu’minin Amíra’l-Mu’minín Commander of the Faithful

Amir-Divan Amír-Díván

Amir-i-Kabir Amír-i-Kabír Great Prince

Amir-Kiya Amír-Kíyá

Amir-Nizam Amír-Niẓám Grand Vizir or General of the Army

Amir-Tuman Amír-Túmán

Amiru’l-Kuttab Amíru’l-Kuttáb Prince of Calligraphers

Amiru’sh-Shu’ara’ Amíru’sh-Shu‘ará’ (The Emir of Poets) (sing. shá‘ir)

Amir-Zadih Amír-Zádih or Amírzádih (Pers.) see Mírzá

Amiya, ‘Aman ‘Amiya (‘Aman) to be or become blind, lose one’s eyesight; to be blind (to something); to be obscure (to someone); form II to blind, render blind (someone); to blindfold (someone); to obscure, render cryptic, enigmatic or mysterious, mystify (something); form IV to blind, render blind (someone); to blindfold (someone); to make (someone) blind (to a fact); form V to be or become blind, lose one’s eyesight; form VI to shut one’s eyes (on something), pretend not to see (something); to be blind (to). That is, ‘to become blind, to be obscure’

Amma, ‘Ammatan, ‘Awamm ‘Ámma, pl. ‘Awámm singular: (noun) generality; commonalty; the masses, the people;—‘ámmatan (adverb) in general; generally; commonly, altogether, in the aggregate, collectively. Plural: al-‘Awámm the common people, the populace; the laity (Christian)

Amman ‘Ammán Ancient Philadelphia, capital city of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Ammar Ammár constantly urging, always demanding (to do something); inciting, instigating

Amr va Khalq Amr va Khalq Revelation and creation, compilation by Fáḍil Mázandarání

Amr, Awamir, Umar Amr 1. pl. Awámir order, command, instruction (to do something); ordinance, decree; power, authority; (grammar) imperative;— 2. pl. umúr matter, affair, concern, business. Hence, can be defined as “divine order” and “acts of obedience and pious deeds that are ordained” by God.

Amr-i-Abda’ Amr-i-Abda‘ (the Most Wondrous New Cause)

Amr-i-Badi’ Amr-i-Badí‘ (the Wondrous New Cause)

Amrika Amríká America

Amru’llah Amru’lláh “command of God”, “House of God’s command” or “cause of God”

Amu ‘Amú Mullá Ḥasan ‘Amú

Amud, A’mida, Umud ‘Amúd, pl. A‘mida, ‘Umud flagpole, shaft (of a standard); pale, post, prop, shore, pier, buttress; lamppost; (telephone, telegraph) pole; column, pillar, pilaster; stem (of a glass); (pl.) column (of a newspaper)

Amud, Awamid (Avamid) ‘Ámúd, pl. ‘Awámíd column, pillar. See ‘Amúd.

Amul Ámul companion. A town in Mázindarán province, on the Haraz River, near the Caspian Sea.

An ‘An (preposition) off, away from; from (designating the source); out of (a feeling); about, on (a topic); according to, as attested or declared by, from what … says, on the authority of; on the basis of, on the strength of; for, in defence of; as a substitute for

Anahita Anáhítá Old Pers. immaculate, undefiled. Venus, Aphrodite (Greek) and Venus Erucina (Roman). See modern form Náhíd

Andalib, ‘Anadil ‘Andalíb, pl. ‘Anádil Pers. a nightingale

Andarun Andarún Pers. within; the inside; the heart, bowels; intrinsic, interior, internal. Village 190 km ese of Ahvaz, Iran

Andaruni Andarúní interior; inner women’s apartments. See biruni

Andirmani (Andarmani) Andirmání probably Andarmání. Andarmán is a village on the south side of Ṭihiŕan.

Andulus al-Andalus Spain

Anfusihim Anfusihim themselves

Angiz Ángiz Pers. village 84 km sw Ardabíl, and 95 km east of Tabríz, Iran

Angur Angúr Pers. a grape, a raisin; granulations in a healing sore [angoor]

Anis, Anisa Anís, fem. Anísá close, intimate; close friend; friendly, kind, affable, civil, polite, courteous. Close Companion is the title of Muḥammad-‘Alí-i-Zunúzí, the companion of the Báb in martyrdom, and Ḥájí Muḥammad-Ismá‘íl (referred to as Anís in Súriy-i-Ra’ís). ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: By the symbolic Tree of Anísá is meant the divine Lote-Tree, the Tree of Life (Bahá’u’lláh)—see The Hidden Words, Persian 19 and Qur’án 24:35

Ankabut, Anakib ‘Ankabút, pl. ‘Anákib spider

Anqurah Ánqurah (modern Ankara)

Ansar, al-Ansar Anṣár (plural) adherents, followers, partisans, sponsors, patrons, friends; al-Anṣár the Medinan followers of Muḥammad who granted him refuge after the Hegira

Ansari, Ansariyyah Anṣárí, pl. Anṣaríyyah related to Anṣár, the Helpers. Those who rallied around Muḥammad after His flight from Mecca to Medina. Anṣaríyyah is believed to be a mistranscription of Nuṣayríyyah. See ‘Alwaí

Anton Haddad Anṭún Ḥaddád known in the West as Anton Haddad

Anud ‘Anúd (“anoud”, not ánúd) contumacious (stubbornly or wilfully disobedient to authority), refractory, wayward; a cloud big with rain

Anushirwan (Anushirvan, Nushirvan) Anúshírwán (Núshírván) Sásáníyán king of Persia known for his just rule (ad 531–578). The Prophet Muḥammad was born in Arabia at the time of his reign (about 570-1).—SDC p. 68. Persians some times use Anúshírván or even Núshírván. There are instances of Núshíraván and Núshíruván.

Anwari (Avari) Anwárí (Anvárí) Name of a famous Persian poet, who died ah 586/ad 1190. See núr

Anyabuli Anyábulí now Inebolu. A Black Sea port in Turkey, 225 km wnw of Samsun

Anzali Anzalí Bandar-i-Anzali, Port of Enzeli, sw end of Caspian Sea, Iran.

Aqa Fatu’llah Áqá Fatu’lláh (Fatollah)

Aqa Ghulamu’llah Ahmaduff Áqá Ghulámu’lláh Áhmadúff

Aqa Jan Áqá Ján Mírzá Áqá Ján, Bahá’u’lláh’s amanuensis, later known as Khádimu’lláh (“Servant of God”)

Aqa Mirza ‘Abdu’-r-Rahim-i-Burujirdi Áqá Mírzá ‘Abdu’-r-Raḥím-i-Burújirdí (Boroodjerdy)

Aqa Najaf-’Aliy-i-Zanjani Áqá Najaf-‘Alíy-i-Zanjání

Aqa Siyyid Áqá Siyyid [Asseyid is an abbreviation]

Aqa, Aqayan Áqá, pl. Áqáyán (Pers.) master, sir, gentleman; when affixed to a name means Mr (A male honorific title—‘the Master’ was given to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Bahá’u’lláh)

Aqa-Baba Áqá-Bábá

Aqasi Áqásí Turkish proper name, e.g. Ḥájí Mírzá Áqásí (Grand Vizier of Persia)

Aqay-i-Kalim Áqáy-i-Kalím (MF)

Aqay-i-Munir Áqáy-i-Munír

Aqay-i-Rikab-Saz Áqáy-i-Rikáb-Sáz

Aqay-i-Tabrizi Áqáy-i-Tabrízí (MF)

Aqdas Aqdas more hallowed, more sacred, holier. The Most holy. See Quds

Aqida, Aqa’id ‘Aqída, pl. ‘Aqá’id article of faith, tenet, doctrine; dogma; creed, faith, belief; conviction

Aql al-Awwal al-‘Aql al-Awwal first intellect

Aql, ‘Uqul ‘Aql, pl. ‘Uqúl intellect, intelligence, reason, insight, mind, rationality and wisdom;—(pl.) sense, sentience, reason, understanding, comprehension, discernment, insight, rationality, mind, intellect, intelligence

Aqsa Aqṣá “The Most Remote” al-Masjid al-Aqṣá—Aqṣá Mosque at southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Name by which the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem is referred to in the Qur’án and in the Writings. See aṣ-Ṣakhrah

Arab, Urab, A’rub, Urban ‘Arab (collective), pl. ‘Urúb, A‘rub Arabs; true Arabs, Arabs of the desert, Bedouins. Other plurals: ‘Urbán, A‘ráb.

Arabi, al-‘Arabiya ‘Arabí Arab, Arabic, Arabian; truly Arabic; an Arab; al-‘Arabíya, the language of the ancient Arabs; classical, or literary, Arabic.

Arabistan ‘Arabistán the land of Arabia

Arafa, Ma’rifa, ‘Irfan ‘Arafa (Ma‘rifa, ‘irfán) to know (someone, something); to recognize, perceive (someone, something); to be cognizant, be aware (of something), be acquainted (with something), to discover, experience, find out (something)

Arafat ‘Arafát Mt. ‘Arafát

Arafih ‘Arafih The day before the festival of Immolation of ‘Ídu’l-Aḍḥá (vigil of the Feast of Sacrifice, when Mecca pilgrims proceed to Mount ‘Arafát. The ninth day of the month of Dhi’l-Ḥijjih).

Araja, ‘Uruj ‘Araja, ‘Urúj to ascend, mount, rise

Arak Arák capital of Markazi Province, Iran (formerly Sulṭánábád)

Aran Árán now Aran va Bidgol, 9 km ne of Kashan

Aras Aras name of a river near Tiflís, the Araxes of the ancients. See Ras and Rass

Arast, Arasta Arasṭ, Arasṭá Pers. Aristotle

Arastu Hakim Arasṭú Ḥakím

Arba’a, Arba’, Arba’at Arba‘a (fem. Arba‘), Pers. masc. Arba‘at four. Pers. Arba‘ih

Arba’un Arbá‘ún, Pers. Arbá‘úna, Arbá‘ína forty; a ceremony held on the 40th day after someones death. “Arba‘in” in The Kitáb-i-Íqán p. 242.

Arbil Arbíl (Erbil, Irbil) city 80 km ese of Mosul, Iraq

Ard al-Muqaddasa al-Arḍ al-Muqaddasa the Holy Land, Palestine. Shoghi Effendi stated it became the Most Holy Land (al-Arḍ al-Aqdas) after the arrival of Bahá’u’lláh.

Ard wa Sama’ Arḍ wa Samá’ earth and heaven. ‘Earth’ is the earth of knowledge and understanding, the earth of new insight, etc. ‘Heaven’ is the heaven of new teachings and religion. By the shattering of the heaven (sky) on the day of resurrection, is meant that the heaven of the old religion is removed and a new one is raised through the Advent of a new Manifestation and the earth of recognition of God is decorated with Faith.

Ard, Arz, Aradin, Aradun, Arazi Arḍ fem., pl. Aráḍín, Aráḍún earth; land, country, region, area; terrain, ground, soil. Pers. arẓ, pl. aráẓí

Ardabil Ardabíl or Ardibíl city 175 km east of Tabirz,in the province of Ádhirbáyján, near the Caspian Sea

Ardakan Ardakán or Ardikán city 55 km nw of Yazd

Ardakani Ardakání

Ardashir, Ardishir Ardashír, Ardishír Pers. name of Persian rulers (Ardshír and Ardashír are derived from Middle Persian Artakhishatr, which was derived from the Greek Artaxerxes) and a village in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

Ard-i-A’la Arḍ-i-A‘lá the Exalted Spot, the Shrine of the Báb and Zanján

Ardibili Ardibíl city on west side of Caspian Sea, Iran

Ard-i-Jannat Arḍ-i-Jannat the Land of Paradise, Mílán

Ardikan (Ardakan) Ardikán city 55 km nw of Yazd

Ard-i-Sirr Arḍ-i-Sirr the Land of Mystery, Adrianople

Ardistan Ardistán Province in Iran

Ardshir Ardshír Pers. intrepid, courageous

Arf ‘Arf fragrance, perfume, scent, aroma

Arg Arg Pers. the inner fortress or citadel of a walled city

Arid, Irad ‘Aríḍ, pl. ‘Iráḍ broad, wide; extensive, vast

Arif ‘Áríf Pers. one who knows; an acquaintance; the next man to a chief or general, a deputy, lieutenant; an usher at a school.

Arif, ‘Urafa’ ‘Aríf, pl. ‘Urafá’ knowing (something), cognizant, aware (of something); expert, authority, specialist; teaching assistant, monitor (an older pupil assisting the teacher of a Qur’anic school)

Arjmand (Arjumand) Arjmand Pers. rare, excellent, worthy of great price, valuable, exquisite, beloved, dear, brave, generous, noble, distinguished; wise

Arjumand, Arjmand, Arzaman Arjumand, Arjmand, Arzamán Pers. town, formerly Arzamán, in and the capital of Arjumand District, in Firuzkuh County, Ṭihrán Province, Iran. Also written “Arjomand”.

Arjumandi Arjumandí of, from Arjumand

Arsh, Urush, A’rash ‘Arsh, pl. ‘Urúsh, A‘rásh a throne, chair of state; the throne of God; the empyrean (heaven); a palace, citadel; roof of a house; a canopy; a tent; a prop, buttress, stay, support; a leader or chief of the people

Arshin Árshín Russian cubit (арши́н)

Arshiyyih ‘Arshíyyih followers of Mullá Ṣadrá, DB, p. 207. See ‘Arsh

Arslan Árslán, Arslán Pers. from Turkish. A lion; surname adopted by several kings of Persia

Arus, ‘Urus, ‘Ara’is, ‘Arusan ‘Arús, pl. ‘Urus bridegroom; f. (pl. ‘ará’is) bride; doll; al-‘arúsán bride and groom, the newlyweds

Asad, Usud, Usd Asad, pl. Usud, Usd, Usúd, Ásád lion; Leo (astron.)

Asadu’llah Asadu’lláh Lion of God. Compound proper name

Asadu’llah-i-Isfahani Asadu’lláh-i-Iṣfahání

Asadu’llah-i-Mazandarani Asadu’lláh-i-Mázandarání (MF, p. 4)

Asadu’llah-i-Sabbagh Asadu’lláh-i-Ṣabbágh (GPB 297)

Asadu’llahzadih Asadu’lláh-i-Zádih, Ḥusayn Ḥusayn Asadu’lláhzádih

Asadyari Asadyárí, ‘Abdu’l-‘Alí

Asafu’d-Dawla Áṣafu’d-Dawla

Asas, Usus Asás, pl. Usus foundation (also, of a building), fundament, groundwork, ground, basis; keynote, tonic (music)

Asaturiyan Marcard Ásátúriyán Márcárd (Dr Marcard Assadorian)

Asbah, Asbahi Aṣbaḥ Pers. Of a handsome face; a tearing lion; red-coloured; name of a king of Yemen. [Aṣbahí (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 158) Aṣbaḥí (Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 4:438)

Asdaq Aṣdaq Ibn-i-Aṣdaq (Mírzá ‘Alí-Muḥammad). Designated by Bahá’u’lláh as Shahíd Ibn-i-Shahíh (Martyr, son of the Martyr). Son of Mullá Ṣádiq-i-Muqaddas-i-Khurásání

Asdaqi Aṣdaqí

Asfiya’, ‘Asfiyyih Aṣfiyá’, Pers. Aṣfiyyih Druse village of ‘Isfiya, east side Mt Carmel. See Ṣafíy

Asghar, Sughra, Asaghir Aṣghar, fem. Ṣughra, pl. m. Aṣághir smaller, younger [Comparative form of ṣaghíra (to belittle)]. Ṣughra is the name of a half-sister of Bahá’u’lláh.

Asgharzadih Aṣgharzádih Pers. surname, e.g. Ḍíyá’u’lláh Aṣgharzádih

Ash’ar Ash‘ar hairy, hirsute, long-haired, shaggy

Ash’ari Ash‘arí Ash’arism—early theological school of Islam. Followers: Ash’arites. See Sha‘r

Ash’ath Ash‘ath Pers. one whose hair is dishevelled and soiled with dust

Ashab al-Kahf Aṣḥáb al-Kahf “Companions of the cave”, a Christian and Islamic tradition that tells the story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (a group of youths) who hide inside a cave outside the city of Ephesus around ad 250 to escape a religious persecution and emerge 300 years later.

Ashab Aṣḥáb Companions of Muḥammad (pl. of ṣáḥib) Súriy-i-Aṣḥáb (Bahá’u’lláh)

Ashab, Sahba’, Suhb Aṣhab, f. Ṣahbá’, pl. Ṣuhb reddish; wine

Ash-i-kashk Ásh-i-kashk (MF p. 68) barley soup with whey

Ashiq, Ushshaq, Awashiq (Avashiq) ‘Áshiq, pl. ‘Ushsháq, ‘Awáshiq lover; fancier, fan;—pl. knucklebone; (game of) knucklebones. ‘Aváshiq is a village near Baghdád.

Ashiqa, Ishq ‘Ashiqa (‘Ishq) to love passionately (someone, something), be passionately in love (with someone, with something)

Ashjari Ashjárí ‘Azízu’lláh Ashjárí

Ashraf Ashraf more or most noble. Ashraf Garden—large garden adjacent to the Riḍván and Firdaws Gardens (Paradise Garden west of Riḍván). Original owner Mullá Abú-Ṭálib. Son, ‘Alí-Ashraf later donated it. Ashraf, Áqá Siyyid (mother of Ashraf—Umm-i-Ashraf) Ashraf-i-Zanjání

Ashrafi Ashrafí Pers. a gold coin

Ashu (Asho) Ashu Pers. heavenly Ashu Zarathushtra

Ashura Áshúrá the tenth day of the Muslim month Muḥarram—Shí’ih Muslims observe the first 10 days of the month as a period of mourning for the Imáms, ending with the Áshúrá, the commemoration of the martyrdom of the Imám Ḥusayn

Ashyab, Shaiba, Shib Ashyab, fem. Shaibá, pl. Shíb Ar. white, grey (hair); white-haired, grey-haired (person); old, aged; old man.

Asi, Asiyih Ásí, fem. Ásíyih Pers. Melancholy, solicitous, sorrowful; a physician, surgeon. Ásíyih is the name of Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued Moses. See Navváb, title given to Bahá’u’lláh’s wife (Ásíyih Khánum)

Asif ‘Áṣif blowing violently

Asifu’d-Dawlih Áṣifu’d-Dawlih

Asiya Ásíya Asia

Askar, Asakir ‘Askar, pl. ‘Asákir army, host, troops

Askari ‘Askarí, pl. ‘Askariyún, ‘Asákir military, army- (in compounds);—(pl. al-‘askariyún) the military;—(pl. ‘asákir) soldier; private (military); policeman;—pl. enlisted men, ranks. The hidden Imam Mahdí, Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-‘Askarí (disappeared ad 874)

Asl, Usul Aṣl, pl. Uṣúl root; trunk (of a tree); origin, source; cause, reason; descent, lineage, stock (esp., one of a noble character); foundation, fundament, basis; the origins!;—pl. principles, fundamentals, rudiments, elements (e.g., of a science)

Aslam Aslam safer; freer; sounder; healthier (“most peaceful”)

Aslas Aslas more tractable, more pliable, more obedient; more flexible, smoother, more fluent. See salis

Asli Aṣlí Pers. original, primary, primal, initial; genuine, authentic, pure; basic, fundamental, principal, chief, main

Asl-i-Qullu’l-Khayr Aṣl-i-Qullu’l-Khayr “Words of Wisdom” (by Bahá’u’lláh)

Asma’u’l-Husna Asmá’u’l-Ḥusná Most Beauteous Names (of God)

Asman Ásmán Pers. heaven, the celestial orb; the ceiling of a house; name of the angel of death

Asmar, Samra’, Sumr, Samrawat Asmar, f. Samrá’, pl. Sumr brown; tawny;—pl. Samráwát brown-skinned women

Asqalan, Ashkelon, Ashqelon, Ascalon ‘Asqalán, Heb. Ashkelon city in the Southern District of Israel on the Mediterranean coast, 50 km south of Tel Aviv

Asr ‘Aṣr Form I of ‘aṣara: (act of) pressing (out), squeezing (out); (act of) wringing (out)

Asr, A’sir, ‘Usur, A’sar ‘Aṣr, pl. A‘ṣur, ‘Uṣúr, A‘ṣár Form III of ‘aṣara: age, era, time; period; epoch; afternoon; (fem.) afternoon prayer (Islamic Law)

Asrar-i-Shihadat-i-Imam Asrár-i-Shihádat-i-Imám

Ast Ast Pers. is (from búdan, to be); he willeth, he seeketh

Astan Ástán Pers. the place where the shoes or slippers are pulled off; a threshold; lying supine; a king’s court, royal palace; the Ottoman Porte; the tombs of prophets and other holy men

Astani Ástání, Yadu’lláh

Astarabad (Gurgan, Gurgin or Gorgan) Astarábád “City of Mules”, now called Gúrgán (Gorgán) or Ástárá (Astara)—on south eastern Caspian Sea border of Írán.

Aswad, Sawda (Sauda), Sud, Sudan Aswad, fem. Sawdá, pl. Súd black; dark-coloured;—pl. súdán a black, Negro

Ata, A’tiys, Ata’at ‘Aṭá’, pl. A‘tyis gift, present; (pl. ‘Aṭá’át) offer, tender

Ata’u’llah ‘Aṭá’u’lláh Gift of God

Ataba, Atab, A’tab ‘Ataba pl. ‘Atab, A‘táb Ar. doorstep, threshold; (door) lintel

Atabak Atábak Pers. (from atá, a father, and bak, a lord), the lord father (a title given to the governors of Shiraz); a guardian, preceptor, teacher; the prime minister, or vizir; honorary title of an amír

Atabak-i-A’zam (Atabik-i-A’zam) Atábak-i-A‘ẓam title of Mírzá ‘Alí-Asghar Khán

Atabat ‘Atabat, pl. ‘Atabát Pers. a gate, a port; the threshold; the lintel of a door; the round of a ladder, a step; a royal court; anything adverse or disagreeable. Plural: Steps, thresholds. The Shi‘ite holy shrines in Iraq and the cities of their location: Karbalá’, Najaf, Káẓimayn, and Sámarrá—locations of the tombs of the first six Imams.

Atabat-i-Aliyat ‘Atabát-i-‘Álíyát (lit. Supreme Shrines) applied by Shí’ih Muslims to cities of Karbalá’, Najaf, Káẓimayn, and Sámarrá. Bahá’í Shrines of Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

Athar Aṭhar Pers. more or most pure

Athar Athar, pl. Áthár track, trace, vestige; sign, mark; touch; impression, effect, action, influence (on); tradition (relating the deeds and utterances of Muḥammad and his Companions); work (of art, especially of literature); ancient monument

Athari Atharí, Áthárí archaeologic(al); archaeologist; old, ancient, antique

Athim, Athama, Uthama’ Áthim, pl. Athama, Athím, Uthamá’ sinful, criminal, wicked, evil; sinner

Athir Athír ether. Pers. the sphere of fire; the sun; tears

Athiriy Athíriy ethereal

Atifi ‘Áṭifí sentimental; emotional; emotive, feeling; tender, affectionate, loving

Atish Átish Pers. fire; light, splendour; rage; levity, fickleness; valour, value, dignity; dearness, scarceness; (metaphorically) the Devil; a courageous man, bold, brave; a lover; fire of Jove; desire, appetite, greed; digestive heat; sulphur. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said Marzieh Gale had átish and namak. Arches of the years, p. 87.

Atish-Parast (Atishparast, Atishparastan) Átish-Parast, pl. Átish-Parastán fire-worshippers

Atiya (Pers. ‘Atiyyah), ‘Ataya ‘Aṭíya(h), pl. ‘Aṭáyá gift, present

Atqan Atqan more perfect, more thorough

Atri ‘Aṭrí (distiller of ‘Aṭṭár Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh IV) probably should be ʻAṭṭárí

Attar ‘Aṭṭár perfumer, perfume vendor; druggist; sweet-smelling, fragrant, aromatic

Attari ʻAṭṭárí Pers. of or relating to a druggist; the business of a perfumer or druggist

Avih, Aveh, Awah Ávih (Áveh) villages in the provinces of Fárs, Markazí and Qazvín. The village mentioned in God Passes By, p. 298, is 26 km sse Sávih (Sáveh) and 45 km nw of Qum.

Aw (Au) Aw or (with following subjunctive) unless, except that

Awalim, Avalim ‘Awálim, Pers. ‘Aválim “Worlds” secondary plural of ‘álam. Pers. a compilation of Shi’ite traditions.

Awamid (Avamid) ‘Awámíd see ‘Ámúd

Awarih, Avarih (Avareh) Áwárih, Ávárih Pers. straggler, gadabout, immigrant, runabout, wanderer. After the death of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, one of the prominent Iranian Bahá’í, Mírzá ‘Abdu’l-Husayn Taftí, known as Ávárih (1290/1873–1953), pressed for a position of leadership in the Bahá’í community. When he failed, he withdrew from the Bahá’í Faith and began to publicly denounce it and he published Kashfu'l-Hiyal (The Uncovering of Trickery) in three volumes.

Awj (“Auj”), Awji Awj noun. highest point, acme, pinnacle; culmination, climax; apogee (astron.); peak (fig.; of power. of fame). Adj. Awjí

Awrang (Aurang) Awrang Pers. a throne; wisdom, understanding; beauty, gracefulness; life; a manufacturing village; fraud, deceit; mirth; a worm which eats into wood; a line whereon things are hung to dry; glory, honour; a man's name; (metaphorically) heaven. A low mountain near the village of Tákur, in the province of Núr, Persia, the summer residence of Bahá’u’lláh.

Awraq-i-Nariyyih Awráq-i-Náríyyih Pers. form “the Infernal Letters” See waraq (paper) and nárí

Awsat (“Ausat”), Awasit, Wusta, Wusat Awsaṭ, pl. Awásíṭ middle, central; the middle finger

Awtad Awtád pegs or tent stakes. See Watad/Autád

Awwal, Ula, Awwalun, Awa’il Awwal, f. Úlá, pl. m. Awwalún, Awá’il first; foremost, most important, principal, chief, main; first part, beginning; (with definite article also) earlier, previous, former. al-úlá “pre-existence”—ad-dunyá (earthly life) and al-Ákhirah (afterlife)

Ay Ay that is (to say), i.e.; namely, to wit

Aya (Ayat or Ayah), Ay, Ayat Áya(t) or Áya(h), collective Áy, pl. Áyát [sing. ends with a tá’ marbúṭa] sign, token, mark; miracle; wonder, marvel, prodigy; model, exemplar, paragon, masterpiece. Commonly used to refer to each of the 6,236 verses in the Qur’án (6,348 áyát if all the Bismi’lláh [no plural] verses are included). Muslims regard each áya of the Qur’án as a sign from Alláh. (The Bahá’í Proofs).

Ayadi Ayádí Pers. pl. of yad (hands; favours, benefits)

Ayadiyi-Amru’llah Ayádíyi-Amru’lláh Pers. Hands of the Cause of God (Cause or Command)

Ayatu’l-Kursi Áyatu’l-Kursí verse of the throne Qur’án 2:255

Ayatu’llah al-’Uzma’ Áyatu’lláh al-‘Uzmá the greatest sign of God, a Marja‘ at-taqlíd

Ayatu’llah Áyatu’lláh “sign of God” A Shí’ih religious leader in Írán and a title given to Shoghi Effendi by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will and Testament

Ayatu’llah-i-Khurasani Áyatu’lláh-i-Khurásání (MF)

Ayaz Áyáz and Ayáz Pers. name of a favourite of Sulṭán Maḥmúd of Ghaznah; name of one of the Emirs of Sulṭán Ibrahím bin Mas‘úd bin Maḥmúd Ghaznawí.

Aydil-Khani Aydil-Khání

Ayn (‘Ain), ‘Uyun, A’yun ‘Ayn fem., pl. ‘Uyún, A‘yun eye; evil eye; spring, source, fountainhead (of water); scout, reconnoiterer; hole; mesh; flower, choice, prime (of something);—(pl. a‘yán) an eminent, important man, used especially in plural: people of distinction, important people, leading personalities, leaders, notables, prominent persons; substance, essence; self, individuality;—chattel, object of material value, (corporeal or personal) property, personality, capital asset (Islamic Law);—ready money, cash; name of the letter ع (18th in Arabic and 21st in Persian alphabets—see hijá’í)

Ayn-’Ayn ‘Ayn-‘Ayn = ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás

Aynu’l-Baghar ‘Aynu’l-Baghar [ain o’lbagar]—a well outside ‘Akká

Aynu’l-Baqar ‘Aynu’l-Baqar an ancient spring (“The spring of the cow”) between the moat around ‘Akká and Tel ‘Akká

Aynu’l-Sitt ‘Aynu’l-Sitt “Spring of the woman”—about 200 m south of ‘Aynu’l-Baqar

Ayyam-i-Ha Ayyám-i-Há “Days of Há” Intercalary days

Ayyam-i-Shidad Ayyám-i-Shidád “Days of stress”

Ayyub (Aiyub) Ayyúb Job (the prophet)

Ayyubiyun al-Ayyúbíyún the Ayubites

Az Áz Pers. desire, love, passion, lust; avidity, avarice, covetousness; (at the end of compounds) greedy; name of a city.

Az Az Pers. from; of; for; by; out of; with; belonging to; by means of; in

Azad Ázád Pers. free, independent, liberated, delivered, manumitted, exempted; fault, less; solitary, lonely; a kind of faqír, or devotee; a lily; a cypress; a fresh date; an evergreen; a delicious kind of fish

Azadi Ázádí Pers. liberty; freedom from worldly cares; praise, thanksgiving

Azal Azal Pers. eternity (without beginning)

Azali Azalí, pl. Azálál Pers. existing from all eternity, eternal; God. Also a follower of Mírzá Yaḥyá, Ṣubḥ-i-Azal (“Morn of Eternity”)

Azamat ‘Azamat, ‘Azamút, pl. ‘Azamát Pers. magnitude, magnificence, pride, pomp, grandeur; (met.) a grandee.

Azamatu’llah ‘Aẓamatu’lláh Magnificence of God

Azamut ‘Aẓamút Ar. greatness, magnitude, grandeur, dominion

Azan Áẓán or Aẓán (also Adhán) Pers. announcing, giving notice; the signal for summoning to prayers, by the Mu’aẓẓin or crier, from the minarets or towers of the mosques; listening to

Az-Bagh-i-Ilahi Az-Bágh-i-Iláhí “From the Garden of Holiness” (by Bahá’u’lláh)

Azghand Azghand village (130 km sw Mashhad) and rural district

Azhar Aẓhar more distinct, more manifest, clearer

Azhar Azhar shining, luminous, radiant, brilliant; bright. Al-Azhar University, Cairo

Azim, Uzama, Izam, Aza’im ‘Aẓím, pl. ‘Uẓamá, ‘Iẓám, ‘Aẓá’im great, big, large; strong, powerful, mighty; significant, important; grand, grandiose, imposing, stately, magnificent; lofty, exalted, august, sublime, splendid, gorgeous, glorious, superb; huge, vast, prodigious, enormous, tremendous, immense, stupendous; hard, distressing, gruesome, trying, oppressive (see A‘ẓam) The Great One (Superlative form of ‘aẓuma)

Azim-i-Khu’i ‘Aẓím-i-Khu’í

Azim-i-Tafrishi ‘Aẓím-i-Tafríshí (MF)

Aziz ‘Azíz strongest, most powerful (superlative form of azza). Also dear, beloved, valuable.

Azizi ‘Azízí

Azizu’llah Khan Bahadur ‘Azízu’lláh Khán Bahádur (Unfolding Destiny, p. 44)

Azm, A’zum, ‘Izam ‘Aẓm, pl. A‘ẓum, ‘Iẓám bone

Azuma, Izam, Azama ‘Aẓuma, ‘Iẓam, ‘Aẓáma to be or become great, big, large, grand, grandiose, magnificent, imposing, powerful, or mighty; etc.

Azurdigan (Azordegan, Azordigan) Ázúrdigán Pers. name

Azza, Izz, Azaza ‘Azza (‘Izz, ‘Izza ‘Azáza) to be or become strong, powerful, respected; etc.