What Does Kalam (Islamic Theology) Mean in Arabic?
كَلَام
kalam
Root: ك ل م
Kalam (Islamic Theology) Kalam is Islamic systematic theology — the discipline that establishes and defends the core beliefs of Islam through rational argumentation. It addresses the existence and attributes of Allah, prophethood, the Quran, and eschatology. The two main schools of Sunni kalam are Maturidism (founded by Imam al-Maturidi) and Ash'arism (founded by Imam al-Ash'ari). Kalam provides the intellectual framework underpinning Islamic creed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalam (Islamic Theology)
What does Kalam (Islamic Theology) mean in Islam?
Kalam is Islamic systematic theology — the discipline that establishes and defends the core beliefs of Islam through rational argumentation. It addresses the existence and attributes of Allah, prophethood, the Quran, and eschatology. The two main schools of Sunni kalam are Maturidism (founded by Imam al-Maturidi) and Ash'arism (founded by Imam al-Ash'ari). Kalam provides the intellectual framework underpinning Islamic creed.
What is the Arabic root of Kalam (Islamic Theology)?
The Arabic root letters of Kalam (Islamic Theology) are ك 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.
هِدَايَة
Hidayah (Guidance)
Hidayah means divine guidance — being shown and following the right path. Mentioned 316 times in the Quran, it is Allah's greatest gift to humanity. Every Muslim asks for hidayah at least 17 times daily in the Fatiha: "Guide us to the straight path." While ultimately from Allah, humans are responsible for seeking and accepting guidance.
قَلْب
Qalb (Heart)
Qalb (heart) in Islamic understanding is not just the physical organ but the seat of faith, intention, and spiritual consciousness. Mentioned 132 times in the Quran, the heart is where iman resides. The Prophet said: "There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound; if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt — it is the heart."