Islah
/ɪsˈlɑːh/noun
An Islamic concept or movement concerned with reform, moral improvement, reconciliation, or restoring what is right.
Did you know?Islah comes from the same Arabic root associated with ṣulḥ, or reconciliation, and the Qur’an repeatedly uses related forms when urging people to restore peace between parties.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ṣ-l-ḥ
“A reconstructed root connected with being sound, whole, suitable, or at peace”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣalaḥa
“To be sound, right, صالح, or in good condition”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
aṣlaḥa
“To make right, repair, improve, or reconcile”
7th Century
Qur’anic Arabic
iṣlāḥ
“Reconciliation, restoration, or the act of setting matters right”
19th–20th Century
Arabic
iṣlāḥ
“Religious, social, or political reform and renewal”
20th Century–Present
English
islah
“An Islamic reform movement or principle of moral and social restoration”