What Does 'Ilm (Knowledge) Mean in Arabic?
عِلْم
'ilm
Root: ع ل م
'Ilm (Knowledge) Ilm means knowledge and learning — one of the most emphasized concepts in Islam. The first Quranic revelation was 'Iqra' (Read/Recite), signaling the centrality of knowledge. Allah is Al-Alim (the All-Knowing). The Quran asks rhetorically: 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' (39:9). Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim, and scholars are exalted in the Islamic tradition.
The root of 'Ilm (Knowledge) ('ilm) appears 750 times in the Quran, reflecting its foundational importance in Islamic theology and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about 'Ilm (Knowledge)
What does 'Ilm (Knowledge) mean in Islam?
Ilm means knowledge and learning — one of the most emphasized concepts in Islam. The first Quranic revelation was 'Iqra' (Read/Recite), signaling the centrality of knowledge. Allah is Al-Alim (the All-Knowing). The Quran asks rhetorically: 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' (39:9). Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim, and scholars are exalted in the Islamic tradition.
How many times is 'Ilm (Knowledge) mentioned in the Quran?
The root of the word 'Ilm (Knowledge) appears 750 times in the Quran, underscoring its central importance in Islamic theology and practice.
What is the Arabic root of 'Ilm (Knowledge)?
The Arabic root letters of 'Ilm (Knowledge) are ع ل م.
Related Words
صَلَاة
Salah (Prayer)
Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam — the ritual prayer performed five times daily at fixed times. It consists of specific bodily postures, recitations from the Quran, and glorifications of Allah. Mentioned 99 times in the Quran, salah is described as the direct connection between the believer and Allah.
دُعَاء
Dua (Supplication)
Dua is the act of supplication — calling upon Allah with humility, seeking His help, mercy, and blessings. Mentioned 211 times in the Quran and described as "the essence of worship", dua can be made at any time. Allah promises to respond to sincere supplications: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." (Quran 40:60)
صَبْر
Sabr (Patience)
Sabr means patience and steadfast endurance in Islam. Appearing 90 times in the Quran, it encompasses three forms: patience in times of calamity, patience in refraining from sin, and patience in fulfilling acts of worship. Allah promises to be with those who are patient and grants them immeasurable reward.
صَوْم
Sawm (Fasting)
Sawm (fasting) is the third pillar of Islam — abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. It is a spiritual practice aimed at developing taqwa (God-consciousness), empathy for the poor, and self-discipline. The Quran explicitly commands fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah.