Notes 1. In traditional Islamic sources the name of the Prophet of Islam is always followed by the formula “May blessings and peace be upon him” (s. alla’Llāhu ‘alayhī wa sallam), while the name of other prophets is followed by “May peace be upon him” (‘alayhi’ssalām). Throughout this book, whenever the word “Prophet” is used in a capitalized form, it is in reference to the Prophet of Islam. Traditional phrases of praise and respect for both God and the Prophet have been omitted. 2. The Quranic translations throughout this book, unless otherwise noted, are based on M. Pickthall (The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, New York: New American Library, 1963, and many other editions) and A. J. Arberry (The Koran Interpreted: A Translation, New York: Macmillan, 1955 and there are many other editions), with modifications whenever necessary. 3. The date on the left refers to the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the migration of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina in 622 c.e. , and the date on the right to the Western calendar. 4. The term imām, literally “the person who stands before or in front,” has many meanings in Islam. In its most ordinary sense, it refers to the person who leads the prayers and by extension the person in a mosque who usually leads the congregational prayers. It also
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