Al-Asma al-Husna
Al-Alim: meaning, transliteration and explanation
Who knows all things, hidden and manifest, with eternal knowledge
- Appears in the Quran
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Arabic
الْعَلِيم
- Transliteration
- al-ʿAlīm
- Meaning
- "Al-Alim" means the One who knows what has been, what is, and what will be, all things hidden and manifest, with eternal, boundless knowledge. His knowledge neither increases through learning nor decreases through forgetfulness. Even the most hidden thought that crosses a heart is known to Him.
In the Quran
«They said, "Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the All-Knowing (Al-Alim), the All-Wise (Al-Hakim)."»
Surah Al-Baqarah, 32Explanation
Knowledge that encompasses all things
The Quran states, "With Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him... not a leaf falls but that He knows it" (Surah Al-An'am, 59). Allah's knowledge encompasses the past, the future, and everything hidden.
The effect of faith in this name
A person who believes that Allah knows everything behaves rightly both in private and in public, because they know that even their most hidden intention is known to Him. This name directs a person toward sincerity and caution.
Sources
This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.
- QuranSurah Al-Baqarah, 32
This verse contains the angels describing Allah as Al-Alim and Al-Hakim.
- QuranSurah Al-An'am, 59
This verse states Allah's knowledge of the unseen and His knowledge that encompasses all things.
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Esmâ-i hüsnâ"
Academic source for the explanation of the name Al-Alim.
Related Names
Other Names with closely connected meanings.
As a personal name
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Name.
What does the name Al-Alim mean?
"Al-Alim" means Allah who knows all things, hidden and manifest (what has been, what is, and what will be), with eternal and boundless knowledge.What kind of knowledge is Allah's knowledge?
His knowledge is not acquired through learning; it is eternal. It neither increases, nor decreases, nor is it forgotten. Even the most hidden thought that crosses a heart is known to Him (Surah Al-An'am, 59).