حرام
haram
The English word 'forbidden' is translated into Arabic as حرام (haram).
In a religious context, حرام means forbidden by God or prohibited under Islamic law. Colloquially, however, it is frequently used to describe something that is morally wrong, unfair or socially unacceptable.
Meaning: forbidden by Islam (adj)
Which one should you use?
The opposite of حرام is حلال (halal), which refers to something that is permissible under Islamic law.
How do you pronounce it?
haram
Did you know?
- The word حرام is used in many dialects to mean 'it is a shame' or 'what a pity', often used when seeing a stray animal or hearing about a child's misfortune.
- While حرام refers to what is forbidden, the related word حرم (haram) refers to a sacred sanctuary that is protected and inviolable, such as the Great Mosque in Mecca.
- The word حرام shares an ancient Semitic root with the Hebrew ḥērem, a term used for things that are 'taboo' or 'set apart' for a deity.
Examples in context
- أَكْلُ الخَنزِيرِ مُحَرَمٌ.Eating pork is haram.
- هذا الأكل حرام.hadha al-akl haram.This food is forbidden.
- الكذب فعل حرام.al-kadhib fi'l haram.Lying is a forbidden act.
- هذا المال حرام.hadha al-mal haram.This money is forbidden.
Example conversation
Ziad and Layla are discussing a business deal.
- زياد Ziadهل هذا العمل حرام؟hal hadha al-'amal haram?Is this work forbidden?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، هو حرام يا زياد.na'am, huwa haram ya Ziad.Yes, it is forbidden, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadيجب أن نبتعد عنه.yajibu an nabta'id 'anhu.We must stay away from it.
- ليلى Laylaأنت على حق يا زياد.anta 'ala haq ya Ziad.You are right, Ziad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries حرام, CC BY-SA 4.0.
