Madina
The second holiest place in Islam after Mecca. The city where Muhammad settled after the migration from Mecca. (associated with Islam)
Madrasa (Madrassa, Madrasah)
A building that functions as a school, secular or religious. It is primarily used, however, to describe those that teach the Islamic sciences. (associated with Islam)
Magen David
Shield of David or Star of David. The recognized symbol of Judaism. (associated with Judaism)
Maghrib
The fourth of the five daily prayer services that can be offered in the period starting after sunset and ending when there is still some light left on the horizon. (associated with Islam)
Mahaparinirvana
The final nirvana, which occurs once the body of someone who has attained bodhi (enlightenment) dies. (associated with Buddhism)
Makroohat
Acts that are considered improper during prayer. (associated with Islam)
Malikis
One of the sects of Islam. (associated with Islam)
Mantle
An elaborate purple or blue garment worn by the bishop in various church ceremonies and services, such as Vespers, but not during the liturgy. (associated with Orthodox)
Mantra
A sound, syllable, word or verse spoken or chanted as an aid to meditation. (associated with Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism)
Mara
A demon of Buddhism who tempted and attacked the Buddha in an attempt to prevent him from finding enlightenment. Mara represents the "death" of the spiritual life, as he is a tempter that distracts humans from spiritual practice. (associated with Buddhism)
Mass
The Eucharistic celebration in the liturgical rites of the Roman Catholic Church. (associated with Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran)
Maundy Thursday
A holy day or feast held on the Thursday of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ last supper and His washing of the disciples’ feet. (associated with Anglican)
Maya/Mara
The Hindu goddess of death. (associated with Hinduism)
Menorah
A seven-branched candelabrum displayed in the temple, representing the seven days of creation. A nine-branched menorah is used to celebrate Chanukah. (associated with Judaism)
Mescit
Turkish term meaning small mosque or prayer room.
Mezuzah
A small roll of parchment containing biblical verses, usually inserted in a case and affixed to doorposts of Jewish homes. (associated with Judaism)
Mikvah
Literally means "collection," referring to a collection of water or a ritual bath used for purifying immersion in Judaism. (associated with Judaism)
Millenarianism
The belief in a future 1,000-year period of Christ's rule on earth. Pre-millennialists believe it will come after the second coming of Christ, while post-millenialists believe that it will prepare for the second coming by spreading righteousness over the earth.
Minyan
A gathering of 10 Jewish men, the minimum required to conduct a public prayer service. (associated with Judaism)
Mishnah
The first written account of Judaism's oral laws. (associated with Judaism)
Missal
A book containing mass prayers and readings. (associated with Roman Catholic)
Mithuna
The loving couple – a Hindu symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity. (associated with Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism)
Moderator
The presiding leader of the United Church of Canada who presides over its highest governing body, known as the General Council, and is elected for a three-year term. (associated with the United Church)
Mohel
A Jewish man who performs ritual circumcisions. (associated with Judaism)
Mohelet
A female mohel (ritual circumciser). (associated with Judaism)
Moksha
One of the goals of ancient Hindu life, salvation and spiritual liberation. (associated with Hinduism)
Monks
Ascetic men in religious orders committed to a balanced life of work and prayer in stable communities. (associated with multiple faiths)
MountMeru
A sacred mountain in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain mythology. It is where Brahma and other demigods are believed to live. (associated with Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism)
Muadhin
The person who says the Adhan (the call to prayer). (associated with Islam)
Mudras
Ritual hand movements and gestures used to express the mood and meaning of icons and images of the Buddha and other gods. (associated with Buddhism and Hinduism)
Muhammad (also known as Mohammad)
The Holy Prophet of Islam and messenger of God. Muhammad reported receiving messages from God. These revelations form the basis of the Qur'an, regarded by Muslims to be the "Word of God." (associated with Islam)
Musalla
Literally a place where prayer is performed, although – in practice – it has come to refer to large open spaces outside cities used for prayer purposes. (associated with Islam)
Musawwir
The Islamic word for "creator" or God the Creator. (associated with Islam)
Mustahab; Mustahabbat (plural)
A preferable, recommended or praiseworthy form of worship or manner of performing prayer. (associated with Islam)