What Does Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) Mean in Arabic?
الْعَلِيم
al-alim
Root: ع ل م
Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) Al-'Alim means the All-Knowing — Allah whose knowledge encompasses everything without limit or exception. Appearing 157 times, it is one of the Quran's most repeated names. Allah knows the seen and unseen, the spoken and unspoken, the past and future, and the innermost secrets of hearts. 'Allah's knowledge encompasses all things in the heavens and earth' (4:126). Awareness of Al-'Alim inspires consciousness (taqwa) in all circumstances.
The root of Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) (al-alim) appears 157 times in the Quran, reflecting its foundational importance in Islamic theology and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing)
What does Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) mean in Islam?
Al-'Alim means the All-Knowing — Allah whose knowledge encompasses everything without limit or exception. Appearing 157 times, it is one of the Quran's most repeated names. Allah knows the seen and unseen, the spoken and unspoken, the past and future, and the innermost secrets of hearts. 'Allah's knowledge encompasses all things in the heavens and earth' (4:126). Awareness of Al-'Alim inspires consciousness (taqwa) in all circumstances.
How many times is Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) mentioned in the Quran?
The root of the word Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) appears 157 times in the Quran, underscoring its central importance in Islamic theology and practice.
What is the Arabic root of Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing)?
The Arabic root letters of Al-'Alim (The All-Knowing) are ع ل م.
Related Words
إِحْسَان
Ihsan
Ihsan means excellence and perfection in worship and conduct. The Prophet Muhammad defined it as: "To worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you cannot achieve this, then worship Him knowing that He sees you." It represents the highest level of faith and is the third dimension of religion alongside Islam and Iman.
تَوْبَة
Tawbah (Repentance)
Tawbah means sincere repentance — turning back to Allah with remorse for one's sins, stopping the sinful act, and resolving never to return to it. Mentioned 87 times in the Quran, repentance is one of the most beloved deeds to Allah. The Prophet said: "All children of Adam sin, and the best of sinners are those who repent."
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
La ilaha illallah
"La ilaha illallah" — "There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah" — is the first part of the Islamic declaration of faith (Shahada). It is the most important phrase in Islam, representing the absolute monotheism at the core of the faith. The Prophet described it as the best form of remembrance and the key to Paradise.
شَهَادَة
Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith: "I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger." It is the first pillar of Islam. Reciting the Shahada sincerely is the entry point into Islam and the foundation upon which all other acts of worship rest.