Lexicon

Single cycle of prescribed Islamic prayer. Each rak‘a consists of a fixed sequence of physical postures and recitations: standing while reciting verses from the Quran, bowing, returning to standing, prostrating twice, and sitting briefly between the prostrations. Different daily prayers are made up of different numbers of rak‘as.

The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from drinking, eating, smoking, and sexual activity. After breaking the fast, Sunni Muslims also pray tarawih, a congregational prayer reciting sections of the Quran. In Jerusalem, Muslim Palestinians who are allowed access visit al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, to break their fast, pray, and perform a nightly vigil. 

Immovable property and anything attached to it

Inn or hospice

A traditional frame drum, considered one of the most important percussion instruments in Middle Eastern music. The frame of the drum, which resembles a tambourine, is crafted from hard wood, while the head is stretched goat or cowhide or fish skin. (Modern versions also use synthetic materials.) Set within the 9- or 10-inch round frame are small pairs of brass cymbals. The riqq is the only percussion instrument in the takht, a traditional ensemble.