The Kite Runner
khanum = “wife” (134)
An Informal Guide to Arabic/Afghani Words
bachem = “child” (139)
Dedication: “the noor of my eyes” = “light”
balay = “yes” (140)
Acknowledgments: Baba = “father”
nang and namoos = “honor” and “pride” (145)
“did nazr” is like doing a charitable deed (see p. 182)
“Khoda hafez” = “farewell,” more literally “May God remember you on your journey” (146)
appending jan to the end of someone’s name is a term of endearment
ahesta boro = “wedding song” (148)
Rahim Khan is symbolic because Rahim means “merciful” and Khan is used to show respect
to someone (1).
Alef-beh = “alphabet” (151)
“buy some naan” = “bread” (8)
laaf = an exaggeration that grows until it becomes a lie (12)
ghazal = “folk song” (166)
ihtiram = “respect” (168)
hijabs are long veils (174)
zakat = one of the five pillars of Islam, donating money to charity (15)
maghbool = “pretty” (178)
hadj = another pillar, journeying to Mecca (if possible)
yar = “lover” or “what you love” (195)
The other three pillars, which represent the foundation of Muslim life, include 1) faith in
God and the prophet Muhammad, 2) daily prayers, and 3) fasting to purify oneself.
lawla = “tulip” (218)
http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html
mast = “drunk” (24)
Agha = “mister” (25)
kaka = “uncle” (32)
Mashallah is like “congratulations,” more literally “praises to you”
Inshallah = “God willing” (33)
pirhan-tumban = an Afghani shirt and pants combo (230)
Shari’a = Islamic law
mehmanis = “parties” (232)
“Bakhshesh, bakhshesh!” = “Forgive, forgive!” (245)
“Allah-u-akbar!” = “God is great!” (248)
Sufism (249) = (a definition from the Internet) “It develops an inner way to mystical union
“the quwat to do” = “power” (40)
with God. It frequently wears the cloak of Islam, and is sometimes seen as the esoteric
dimension of the Islamic faith. A Sufi may or may not embrace Islam, but will be respectful of
all faiths, seeing the path of truth that lies within their core.”
www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=definition+of+Sufism
“Salaam alaykum” = “hello” (45)
yateem = orphans (253)
kursi = hot coals in a bowl under a table, covered by a cloth, to keep feet warm (57)
bia = “come” (280)
ayat = “verse” (62)
Toopham = “tornado” (295)
diniyat = “religion”
“Al hamdullellah!” is like “Thank God!” (297)
halal = “kosher” (76)
masjid = “mosque” (317)
“Wah wah” is like “wow” (84)
Haddith is the book of Muhammed (324)
tandoor = a kind of oven in the ground (85)
tashweesh = “worry” (325)
pari = “bird” or “fairy” (98)
“Rawasti?” = “Seriously?” (343)
raka’ts = “verses” (108)
seh-parcha = “kite” (366)
“Bismillah!” = “in the name of Allah” (110)
“Sawl-e-nau mubabrak” = “Happy New Year!” + “congratulations”
“Bas, you donkey” = “enough” (37)
The Kite Runner
A More Detailed Guide to Arabic/Afghani Words
Some extra terms (with expanded information) in addition to the short list:
Isfahan- Considered one of the Jewels of Iran, Isfahan has been the artistic epicenter of Iran for hundreds of years. It is important here because it shows how wealthy Amir’s
family is. Even in Iran, to have material from Isfahan shows your taste and extravagant wealth.
Mashhad- One of the most important religious cities in all of Iran, containing the shrine/mausoleum of one of the 12 imams of Shia Islam (Imam Reza, the 8 th of the 12 Shiite
Imams), Mashhad is located very close to the Afghan-Iranian border. Religious Shiites consider a pilgrimage to Mashhad as important and try to make the trip often. To travel to
Mashhad shows your piety and wealth since you are able to make the trip.
Shahnameh- The national epic of the Persian-speaking world single, written by Ferdowsi, the book is similar to Homer’s Iliad in that it incorporates history and mythology. Many
present-day Iranian names come from this book. This epic is considered a treasure of Iranian literature, preserving traditional Iranian language and only using 60 Arabic-based
words. (Literally translated, it means the “book of kings” because one king had requested Ferdowsi to write the epic and promised him a lavish reward. After 30 years, Ferdowsi
completed the epic only to be paid in silver rather than gold. Ferdowsi refused the underpayment, and when the king heard the news, he sent the full gold payment only for it to
reach Ferdowsi as his funeral precession had just finished.)
jadeh- highway
Ghargha Lake- Ironically, it means “the lake of the drowned.”
Sahib- “owner”
The constant use of this term “agha sahib” means “Mr. Owner.” The term demonstrates how the hired help takes on more of a master/slaver relationship.
Showravi- a term used to refer to Communist/Soviet Union
Nazar/isfand- Isfand is an inscnece or type of dried seeds that are burned and believed to ward off evil spirits. Nazar is the term used to describe the bad vibes that evil eyes or
negative gossip can lead to. Isfand is burned, so a person doesn’t get “nazar.” This is a cultural superstition that is a compliment to the Muslim superstition of NAZR, which is to
fast and sacrifice an animal to give the meat to the needy.
Istiqlal- independence (name of Amir’s middle school)
Names
Amir- Arabic for “leader”
Oftentimes the title “Amir al-mu’menin” (leader of the righteous) is used when referring to Imam Ali.
Ali- the name of the first Imam in Shi’ite islam (first of 12). [Full name is Ali abu IbnTalib]. He is often referred to as a lion for his amazing strength, and stories of his strength and devotion reach mythical proportions (note that Baba in the story was known to have
fought a bear, and Ali was the physically disabled one…almost as if naming him Ali is to accent his physical shortcomings). He had two children by the name of Hassan and
Hussein with the prophet Muhammad’s daughter. Hussein is considered the martyr of Shi’ism, and his massacre along with 73 other members of his caravan is considered to be the
beginning of the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam. Imam Ali’s strength is a sharp contrast, almost an ironic name for Ali in the book.
Hassan- the first son of Imam Ali, considered the second Imam in Shiite Islam. He was very obedient and subservient, preferring diplomacy and peace than violence. He abdicated
his “birth right” as the successor to the title of leader of the Muslim world in order to avoid bloodshed. His actions can are shockingly similar to Hassan’s in their altruistic tones.