AlAlim

AlAlim, often transliterated as Al-’Aleem or Al-Alim, is commonly identified as one of the 99 Names of God in Islam, meaning “the All-Knowing.” The name denotes perfect, unlimited knowledge of all things—past, present, and future—as well as awareness of hidden matters and inner thoughts. It is used to emphasize God’s comprehensive understanding of creation and events.

Linguistically, Al-Alim comes from the Arabic root ʿ-ʿ-l-m (to know) with the definite article al-, forming the active participle meaning “the knower.” The form conveys an attribute inseparable from the divine essence in Islamic theology, distinguishing divine knowledge from human knowledge, which is finite and imperfect.

Theologically, Al-Alim expresses the attribute of omniscience. In Islamic belief, God’s knowledge encompasses everything without limitation and is not acquired or learned; it is intrinsic to God’s essence. This attribute is frequently paired with other divine names to articulate a balanced view of God’s power, wisdom, and sovereignty. Invocation of Al-Alim appears in prayers and devotional recitations, and the name is often depicted in Islamic calligraphy and liturgical texts as part of the broader framework of the 99 Names of God, known collectively as Asma’ al-Husna.

In contextual use, Al-Alim informs Muslim views on fate, accountability, and revelation, reinforcing the belief that God’s knowledge informs all aspects of existence and guidance. See also: Asma’ al-Husna, Omniscience in Islam.