الله أعلم
Allahu a'lam
The English phrase "God knows" is translated into Arabic as الله أعلم (Allahu a'lam).
الله أعلم is used to express uncertainty or to state that the truth of a matter is known only to God.
Meaning: only known to God, only known to the gods (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of الله (God) and أعلم, which is the superlative form of the verb "to know". Literally, it means "God knows more" or "God knows best".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, the phrase يعلم الله is commonly used in informal conversations to mean "God knows". In the Levant region, the expression بعلم ربّنا is frequently used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word أعلم is in the superlative form, implying that while humans may have some knowledge, God's knowledge is superior and complete.
How do you pronounce it?
Allahu a'lam
Did you know?
- The word الله shares ancient roots with the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ and the Aramaic ܐܰܠܳܗܳܐ. These are all cognates that descend from the same Proto-Semitic root.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, using الله أعلم is not just about uncertainty but is a way to remain humble and avoid claiming absolute authority over a fact.
- The phrase الله أعلم is frequently used by scholars and speakers at the end of a lecture or religious ruling to signal that human interpretation has reached its limit.
Examples in context
- الله أعلم.Only God knows.This example is useful for seeing how to use الله أعلم to express that only God knows.Tatoeba #1325821 by Eldad, translation #269633 by Eldad
- I have done my best to solve this problem, but عند الله الأمرI have done my best to solve this problem, but God knows best.
- I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but ربك يعلمI don't know what will happen tomorrow, but God knows.
- It's been a challenging day, but الله أعلمIt's been a challenging day, but God knows best.
- I hope everything goes well, but يعلم اللهI hope everything goes well, but God knows.
- متى سينتهي هذا المطر؟ الله أعلم.Mata sayantahi hadha al-matar? Allahu a'lam.When will this rain end? God knows.
- هل نجح في الامتحان؟ الله أعلم.Hal najaha fi al-imtihan? Allahu a'lam.Did he pass the exam? God knows.
Example conversation
Layla and Ziad are discussing a mysterious event in their neighborhood.
- ليلى Laylaلماذا غادر المنزل فجأة؟Limadha gharada al-manzil faj'atan?Why did he leave the house suddenly?
- زياد Ziadالله أعلم، لم أرَ شيئاً.Allahu a'lam, lam ara shay'an.God knows, I didn't see anything.
- ليلى Laylaهل تعتقد أنه سيعود؟Hal ta'taqid annahu sayu'ud?Do you think he will return?
- زياد Ziadالله أعلم يا ليلى.Allahu a'lam ya Layla.God knows, Layla.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أعلم, الله, الله أعلم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
