الله أعلم
Allahu a'lam
The English phrase "only God knows" is translated into Arabic as الله أعلم (Allahu a'lam).
This phrase is used to express uncertainty or to state that a particular piece of information is beyond human knowledge.
What does it mean word for word?
The word أعلم (a'lam) is the superlative/comparative form of the verb علم (to know), which is why the phrase carries the nuance of God knowing more than any human.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
الله أعلم is a standard way to conclude an uncertain statement in both formal and informal settings and is inherently respectful. For a formal version of the phrase, you can use فقط الله يعلم.
How do you pronounce it?
Allahu a'lam
Did you know?
- In traditional Islamic scholarship, الله أعلم is often used by scholars at the end of a legal opinion to signal intellectual humility.
- The word الله may have evolved from a contraction of الٱِلٰه, which combines the definite article 'the' with the word for 'deity'.
- The phrase is frequently used as a polite way to avoid giving a wrong answer without admitting complete ignorance.
Examples in context
- الله أعلم.Only God knows.This sentence demonstrates how to use الله أعلم.Tatoeba #1325821 by Eldad, translation #269633 by Eldad
- متى سيعود من السفر؟ الله أعلم.Matā sa-ya'ūdu min al-safar? Allāh a'lam.When will he return from the trip? Only God knows.
- هل سينجح المشروع؟ الله أعلم.Hal sayanjahu al-mashrū'? Allāh a'lam.Will the project succeed? Only God knows.
Example conversation
Layla and Ziyad are discussing the future of a project.
- ليلى Laylaهل سننهي العمل غداً يا زياد؟hal sanunhi al-amal ghadan ya Ziyad?Will we finish the work tomorrow, Ziyad?
- زياد Ziadالله أعلم، هناك الكثير من الضغط.Allahu a'lam, hunaka al-kathir min al-daght.Only God knows, there is a lot of pressure.
- ليلى Laylaأتمنى أن ننتهي في الوقت المحدد.atamanna an nantahi fi al-waqt al-muhaddad.I hope we finish on time.
- زياد Ziadسأبذل قصارى جهدي.sa-abdhul qusara juhdi.I will do my best.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أعلم, الله, الله أعلم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
