What does Al-ʿbada mean?

Islam > Glossary > Al-ʿbada

Discover the meaning of the term Al-ʿbada (عبادة) in Islamic vocabulary.

Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM

📖 2 min read

Definition Al-ʿbada

Al-ʿbada according to Kitab at-Ta'rifat (Al-Jurjani)

It is the act of the legally obligated (mukallaf) done against the inclination of his own soul, in glorification of his Lord.

Al-ʿbada according to Dustur al-'Ulama (Al-Ahmadnagari)

The act of the legally obligated, done against the inclination of his own soul, in glorification of his Lord. In al-Talwih: worship is an act the servant performs against the inclination of his soul, seeking God Most High's pleasure. It is of three kinds: purely bodily, like prayer and fasting; purely financial, like zakat; and combined of the two, like pilgrimage.

Al-ʿbada according to Mu'jam al-Mustalahat al-Fiqhiyya

In language: yielding, humbleness and obedience. Al-Zajjaj said so concerning the word of the Most High: 'You alone we worship'.

Al-ʿbada according to Maqalid al-'Ulum (As-Suyuti)

The act devoted to God by free choice, in glorification of Him, by His permission.

Al-ʿbada according to At-Tawqif (Al-Munawi)

The act of the legally obligated, done against the inclination of his own soul, in glorification of his Lord.

Al-ʿbada according to At-Ta'rifat al-Fiqhiyya (Al-Barkati)

In language: obedience born of humbleness. In the Law: what combines the fullness of love, humbleness and fear.

Related terms: Al-ʿbada

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