Explanation
Al-‘Aleem is the name of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. The Omniscient, All-Knowing. The one whose knowledge is complete and encompasses all that is obvious and concealed, present and future, close by and far away. He has knowledge of things before they transpire and has a premonition of everything. Nothing escapes his attention, and he is the knower of all particulars. He truly is the All-Knowing.
The word “aleem” derives from the root “ayn-laam-meem,” which denotes four different meanings. The first main meaning is to know, to be aware of, and to be sure. The second is knowledge gathering. The ability to comprehend even the most minute details is the third main meaning, and acting in accordance with information is the fourth main meaning.
14 derived versions of this root are used 854 times in the Quran. These terms include “ilm” (knowledge), “alima” (to know), “allama” (to teach), and “aalemeen,” among others. (the worlds). According to linguistics, Aleem is ‘alim’s more forceful version. (knower). Al-‘Aleem is the All-Knowing, Always. The Quran mentions the name Al-‘Allam four times, emphasizing Allah’s wisdom’s perfection and completeness. It is the strongest form of the word. Al-‘Aleem has complete knowledge of everything; nothing is hidden from Him, and He is aware of everything, even before it happens.
In several verses of the Quran, ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ refers to Himself as Al-Aleem. For example, ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ states in Surah Al-An’am, Ayat 22 (Quran 59:22)
“He is ALLAH: there is no god but He; the Knower of the unseen and the manifest, He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.”
ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ emphasizes His comprehensive understanding of the visible and invisible worlds in this verse. He knows of everything that occurs in the universe, including all living things’ emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This verse serves as a reminder that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the ultimate source of knowledge, wisdom, and guidance and that we should seek His help and guidance in all facets of our lives.
There is nothing in creation that compares to the knowledge of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Our ignorance comes before our information, which we acquire through learning. We also forget. How frequently do we study something only to forget it the following day? Nothing in the heavens or on Earth escapes the notice of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ; His ‘ilm is neither preceded by knowledge nor acquired through it.
Al-‘Aleem says:
“There is not a leaf which falls that He does not know about and there is not a grain in the darkness of the earth or anything green or dry which has not been recorded in a Clear Book”.
This verse is all about the wisdom and strength of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. It says that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is aware of everything, even the fall of a solitary leaf. He is aware of everything that is dry or green, hidden in the depths of the ground. All of them are recorded in a big book. It shows us that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is constantly keeping an eye on us and managing everything.
We believe that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the ultimate source of knowledge, wisdom, and guidance. We turn to Him for help and support in all aspects of our lives, and we trust in His infinite wisdom and mercy.
Understanding the importance of Al-Aleem can assist us in developing a spirit of humility and obedience to ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. The name is Al-Aleem is a beautiful reminder of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ greatness and our own potential for growth and learning. It encourages us to be curious, seek knowledge, and trust ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ plan for us.
Quran References
Surely, al-Safa and al-Marwah are the symbols of Allah. Hence, whoever performs Hajj (Full Pilgrimage) to the House (of Allah) or makes ‘Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage), will find that it is no sin for him to ambulate between the two. And whoever does good work voluntarily should know that Allah is Appreciative, All-Knowing. (Quran 2:158)
You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love (in the way of Allah). Allah knows whatever you spend. (Quran 3:92)
And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allāh will cause it between them. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Aware. (Quran 4:35)
Do you not see that Allāh is exalted by whoever is within the heavens and the earth and [by] the birds with wings spread [in flight]? Each [of them] has known his [means of] prayer and exalting [Him], and Allāh is Knowing of what they do. (Quran 24:41)
Muḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing. (Quran 33:40)