العليم
AL-ALIM
The All-Knowing, of the hidden and the manifest alike
Meaning and Explanation
Al-Alim comes from the root for knowledge in an intensive form and expresses that God's knowledge encompasses everything without distinction between past and future, hidden and manifest. In verse 32 of Surah Al-Baqarah, the angels invoke this name while acknowledging that God is the one who taught them — this context recalls how limited human knowledge is, in contrast to God's limitless knowledge. In Surah Al-Hujurat, this name is mentioned in the context of even the intention within one's heart not remaining hidden from God.
Traditional Note — Abjad Value
This name's abjad (letter numerical value) calculation is 150.
Letter-by-letter abjad calculation (root "عليم", excluding the definite article): ع (70) + ل (30) + ي (10) + م (40) = 150.
This number is not a religious prescription or a guarantee of any outcome.
This Name in the Quran
Dhikr Counter
Dhikr Counter
Historical abjad note: this name's abjad value is 150; reciting a specific count carries no religious obligation.
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Dhikr Tradition
Some sources describe reciting Al-Alim in moments of uncertainty, with the intention of trusting in God's knowledge, as a traditional practice; no specific count (including 150) carries a religious obligation in this context.
Remembrance (dhikr) through the beautiful names is a foundational act of worship in Islam. However, reciting a name a specific number of times (based on its abjad value) or at a specific day/time carries no religious obligation, and scholars are not unanimous on this point — some accept it as a traditional practice, others hold it has no basis in the primary sources. The information on this page does not constitute religious ruling.
Understanding This Name
Knowledge without discovery or forgetting
Al-Alim names complete knowledge of what is manifest and hidden. Created knowledge grows through observation, teaching, memory, and correction; divine knowledge is not acquired through those stages. Al-Baqarah 2:32 contrasts the angels' limited learning with God's knowledge and wisdom. The name therefore disciplines human certainty. Expertise deserves respect, but no scholar, leader, or algorithm becomes all-knowing.
Privacy, honesty, and restraint
Knowing that private acts are not hidden from God can strengthen integrity when no human observer is present. It does not give people permission to invade privacy or claim access to hearts. Decisions about others must rely on fair evidence. The name can also comfort someone unable to express a need fully: God knows what language cannot carry, while the person may still seek human help.
Other Names
Frequently Asked Questions
Does belief in Al-Alim let someone judge another person's intention?
No. Complete knowledge belongs to God. Human beings assess outward evidence and must remain cautious about hidden motives.
Sources
- Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Kur'an Yolu Tefsiri (Bakara 2:32, Hucurât 49:16)
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, "Alîm" maddesi
- Gazzâlî, el-Maksadü'l-Esnâ, El-Alîm bahsi
- English Translation — Noor International Center (v1.1.2)
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam — Esmâ-i Hüsnâ — in Turkish
- Diyanet High Council of Religious Affairs — The 99 Names of God — in Turkish
Prepared by: Kadir Özbek · Updated: