Allahu A’lam (الله أعلم) is an Arabic phrase that means “Allah knows best” or “Allah is the most knowledgeable.” Muslims use this phrase when they are uncertain about something, or when they want to acknowledge that ultimate knowledge belongs to Allah alone.
Allahu Alam in Arabic
The phrase consists of 2 words which are written in Arabic as
الله اعلم
Allahu Alam Meaning in English
- Allah: Refers to God in Islam, the all-knowing and all-powerful Creator.
- A’lam: Means “knows best” or “most knowledgeable.”
So, the phrase “Allahu A’lam” translates to “Allah knows best.” It reflects the belief that humans have limited knowledge, but Allah’s knowledge is complete and perfect.
Why Do Muslims Say “Allahu A’lam”?
Muslims say “Allahu A’lam” when they:
- Are unsure about something: When someone doesn’t know the answer to a question or is uncertain, they say “Allahu A’lam” to acknowledge that Allah is the one who truly knows.
- Show humility: It is a way of being humble, recognizing that human knowledge is limited, and only Allah has full knowledge of everything.
- Express trust in Allah: It reminds Muslims that even if they don’t understand something, Allah’s knowledge and wisdom are beyond human comprehension.
When Do People Say “Allahu A’lam”?
- In discussions, when someone gives their opinion but isn’t 100% sure of the answer, they might say “Allahu A’lam” at the end to show humility.
- When facing life’s uncertainties or difficult situations, people may say “Allahu A’lam” to remind themselves that Allah knows what is best, even if they do not.
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Uses In the Qur’an
The Qur’an uses Allahu A’alam frequently. It is often used as “wa-Allahu A’alam” meaning “and Allah knows best.” “wa” literally means “and” in Arabic but its use is considerably wider and carries more shades of meaning than in English.
Allah knows about people
He knows difference the genders of babies better than their own mothers:
So when she brought forth, she said: My Lord! Surely I have brought it forth a female– and Allah knew best what she brought forth– and the male is not like the female, and I have named it Marium, and I commend her and her offspring into Thy protection from the accursed Shaitan. Quran 3:36
He knows of the hypocrites who refuse to engage in jihad:
And that He might know the hypocrites; and it was said to them: Come, fight in Allah´s way, or defend yourselves. They said: If we knew fighting, we would certainly have followed you. They were on that day much nearer to unbelief than to belief. They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts, and Allah best knows what they conceal. Quran 3:167
He knows that some Muslims secretly disbelieve and commit sins:
And Allah knows best what they hide, Quran 84:23
He knows who are the bad people:
Say: If that which you desire to hasten were with me, the matter would have certainly been decided between you and me; and Allah best knows the unjust. Quran 6:58
Allah knows better than people
He knows that Abraham, Ishmael and Jacob were neither Jews nor Christians (secular scholars tend to see them as totally mythological):
Nay! do you say that Ibrahim and Ismail and Yaqoub and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Are you better knowing or Allah? And who is more unjust than he who conceals a testimony that he has from Allah? And Allah is not at all heedless of what you do. Quran 2:140
You might think that some people (Jews and Christians, in this case) are your friends, but they are your enemies:
Have you not considered those to whom a portion of the Book has been given? They buy error and desire that you should go astray from the way.And Allah best knows your enemies; and Allah suffices as a Guardian, and Allah suffices as a Helper. Quran 4:44-45
Allah knows what is good for humans better than they can themselves know what is good for themselves:
Fighting is enjoined on you, and it is an object of dislike to you; and it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is evil for you, and Allah knows, while you do not know. Quran 2:216
People say “Allah knows best”
Jesus says he doesn’t know what Allah knows:
And when Allah will say: O Isa son of Marium! did you say to men, Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah he will say: Glory be to Thee, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to (say); if I had said it, Thou wouldst indeed have known it; Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I do not know what is in Thy mind, surely Thou art the great Knower of the unseen things. Quran 5:116
Joseph believes that Allah knows that what some people said is false:
Said the brothers: “If he has stolen (no wonder), his brother had stolen before.” But Joseph kept this secret and did not disclose it to them, and said (to himself): “You are worse in the degree of evil, for God knows better of what you allege.” Quran 12:77
“Allah knows best” in response to critics
In some verses, “Allah knows best” seems to be an excuse used by the Qur’an against its critics.
In this example, the unnamed critics wanted to get some message directly from Allah, not via the messengers. But the Qur’an “reveals” that “Allah knows best” and then threatens the people with punishment.
And when a communication comes to them they say: We will not believe till we are given the like of what Allah´s messengers are given. Allah best knows where He places His message. There shall befall those who are guilty humiliation from Allah and severe chastisement because of what they planned. Quran 6:124
People wondered why the message seems full of contradictions and why it needs an abrogation principle. The Qur’an responds by revealing that “Allah knows best and you don’t”.
And when We change (one) communication for (another) communication, and Allah knows best what He reveals, they say: You are only a forger. Nay, most of them do not know. Quran 16:101
In this example, the Jews knew some religious stories. They asked for Allah to reveal to them those stories, so that they can compare them and if his stories are the same as theirs, and ascertain if Muhammad is the messenger of god.
One part of those stories was information about how long did the companions of the cave dwell in their cave. Muhammad revealed 309, which was incorrect. So in response came the verse “Allah knows best”:
Say: Allah knows best how long they remained; to Him are (known) the unseen things of the heavens and the earth; how clear His sight and how clear His hearing! There is none to be a guardian for them besides Him, and He does not make any one His associate in His Judgment. Quran 18:26
The Qur’an gives a command for Muslims to use the phrase to respond to critics of Islam:
And if they contend with you, say: Allah best knows what you do. Quran 22:68
Conclusion
The phrase “Allahu A’lam” is a humble acknowledgment that Allah has complete knowledge of everything. By saying this, Muslims remind themselves that while they may not know everything, Allah’s wisdom and knowledge are perfect. This phrase helps to show trust in Allah and submission to His will, especially in times of uncertainty.