الله أعلم
Allahu a'lam
The English phrase "allah knows" is translated into Arabic as الله أعلم (Allahu a'lam).
This phrase is used to express that the true answer to a question is known only to God.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'Allah' (God) and the comparative form of the verb 'to know', literally meaning 'God [is] more knowing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the form الله أعلم, the word أعلم (a'lam) is the superlative/comparative form of the verb علم (to know).
How do you pronounce it?
Allahu a'lam
Did you know?
- In traditional Islamic scholarship, it is a common custom to end a formal legal opinion or a theological treatise with the phrase الله أعلم to show intellectual humility.
- The word الله is closely related to the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah). Both words share a common ancestry in ancient Semitic languages.
- The phrase uses the elative form أعلم, which in Arabic functions as both a comparative and a superlative, meaning it can simultaneously mean 'more knowing' and 'most knowing'.
Examples in context
- الله أعلم.Allah knows.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase الله أعلم.Tatoeba #1325821 by Eldad, translation #4199511 by Alaakhalid
- متى سينتهي هذا المطر؟ الله أعلم.Mata sayantahi hadha al-matar? Allahu a'lam.When will this rain end? Allah knows.
- هل سينجح المشروع؟ الله أعلم.Hal sayanjah al-mashru'? Allahu a'lam.Will the project succeed? Allah knows.
Example conversation
Layla asks Omar about a future event during their walk.
- ليلى Laylaهل سنصل إلى البيت بسرعة؟Hal sanasila ila al-bayti bi-sur'ah?Will we arrive home quickly?
- عمر Omarالله أعلم، الطريق مزدحم جداً.Allahu a'lam, al-tariqu muzdahim jiddan.Allah knows, the road is very crowded.
- ليلى Laylaأتمنى أن نصل قريباً.Atamanna an nasila qariban.I hope we arrive soon.
- عمر Omarإن شاء الله.In sha' Allah.God willing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أعلم, الله, الله أعلم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
