Book One
Glossary
Words, phrases and ideas that appear in the story.
You don’t need to understand every word here before reading the story. Most ideas are explored naturally through the characters and their experiences.
Section One
Faith, Language & Everyday Expressions
Amanah
An Arabic word meaning a trust or responsibility. It is something given to you that you must look after with honesty, care, and respect. In the story, it applies to people, knowledge, and the map itself.
Ayat ul Kursi
A well-known verse from the Qur’an that Muslims often recite for protection, safety, and reassurance.
Bismillah
“In the name of Allah (God).” Said before starting something important, to begin with intention and awareness.
Alhamdulillah
“All praise is for Allah (God).” Said to express gratitude, relief, or appreciation.
Insha’Allah
“If Allah wills.” Used when talking about the future, reminding us that we don’t control everything.
Masha’Allah
“Allah has willed it.” Said when admiring something good or beautiful, to express appreciation and humility.
Jazakallah khair
“May Allah reward you with goodness.” A way of saying thank you with a prayer for the other person.
Assalamu alaikum
A greeting meaning “Peace be upon you.”
Wa alaikum assalam
The reply: “And peace be upon you too.”
Khuda hafiz
Urdu phrase meaning “May God protect you,” often used when saying goodbye.
Du’a
A personal prayer asking Allah for help, guidance, protection, or comfort.
Salah / Namaz
The five daily prayers Muslims perform at set times throughout the day. They structure daily life and provide regular moments of reflection and connection to Allah.
- Fajr — before sunrise
- Dhuhr — early afternoon
- Asr — late afternoon
- Maghrib — just after sunset
- Isha — night
Section Two
Beings, Worlds & Hidden Realities
Djinn / Jinn
Unseen beings created from smokeless fire. Like humans, they have free will — they can choose to be kind, harmful, or neutral. They exist alongside our world but are usually unseen.
In-between
The space where worlds overlap. Corridors and Stations exist here — it is not a separate world, but a place of connection.
Guardian
A person or being who protects something important, like a Station or a shard. Guardians do not own what they protect.
Custodian
Someone entrusted with caring for something valuable over time. Being a Custodian is about responsibility, not ownership or control.
Section Three
The Map, Network & Magical System
Map
A living map that shows connections between places. It responds to people and their readiness. It does not behave like an ordinary map.
Corridor
A hidden pathway connecting different locations. It exists in the in-between and must be approached carefully.
Station
A fixed point in the network where a shard or important object is anchored. Stations help stabilise the Corridors.
Shard
A powerful fragment (often stone or glass) used to hold and balance the network. It needs careful guardianship.
Hall / Hall of Echoes
A central space where trials take place. It reflects thoughts, choices, and truths rather than giving direct answers.
Trial
A test that examines character, choices, and values — not just bravery or strength.
Boundaries
The rules and limits that exist for safety. In the story, these include both physical boundaries and ethical ones (like consent).
Wild threads
Unstable or uncontrolled pathways in the network. Unlike Corridors, they are not anchored to a Station and can shift, twist, or lead somewhere unintended. They may form when boundaries are broken or when power is used without care. They are unpredictable and often unsafe to follow.
Section Four
Themes, Roles & Key Ideas
Guardianship
The act of looking after something responsibly, especially when it belongs to others or to no one person alone.
Trust / Amanah
A key theme where trust must be handled carefully, whether between people, generations, or between humans and the world around them.
Consent
The idea that people — and sometimes places or beings — should be asked before decisions are made that affect them.
Safety
Explored throughout the story. Keeping someone safe can come from love, but it can also limit freedom if misunderstood.
Choice
The story shows that choices matter more than power. What you choose to protect — or change — defines who you become.
Section Five
Family, Culture & Relationships
Nani / Nanu
Urdu for maternal grandmother and grandfather.
Abu jaan
Esteemed father.
Ummi jaan
Esteemed mother.
Appa / Bhaiya
Urdu for big sister / big brother.
Dadi / Dadu
Urdu for paternal grandmother and grandfather.
Beti / Beta
Terms of affection meaning “daughter” or “child,” often used warmly, not just literally.
Aunty / Uncle
Used for relatives and for close family friends or respected adults.
Pup-ho
Father’s sister.
Cousin
Family members of a similar age, often treated like siblings in close-knit families.
In this story, different languages, beliefs and ways of seeing the world exist side by side.
You are not expected to understand everything at once — like the characters, you are allowed to notice, wonder, and learn as you go.