AlDurr

alDurr, often rendered as al-Durr or al-Dur in transliteration, is the Arabic term meaning “the pearl.” It is formed with the definite article al- attached to dur (durra being the root form in some spellings). The phrase is used in Classical and Modern Arabic to convey value, beauty, rarity, or preciousness, and appears in poetry, literature, religious writings, and everyday speech.

Etymology and usage: Derived from the Arabic word for pearl, al-Durr has been a common metaphor across Arabic linguistic and literary traditions. Transliteration varies, with forms such as al-Dur, al-Durr, or Ad-Dur encountered in different texts and regions. Beyond its literal sense, al-Durr functions as a stylistic emblem in titles and expressions that aim to evoke refinement and worth.

Notable uses: In Islamic scholarly literature, the title Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur fi taʼsir al-Qurʼan bi al-Ahadith wa al-Athar (often simply Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur) is a well-known exegesis of the Qur’an compiled by Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti in the 15th century. This work gathers hadith-based commentary and classical authorities to illuminate Qur’anic verses, and it remains a frequently cited reference in academic and religious study.

Modern usage: The term continues to appear in literary and cultural contexts, including as part of book titles, poetic allusions, and names that draw on classical Arabic imagery. In English-language texts, diacritics are commonly omitted, producing variants such as dur or al-Durr.

See also: Pearl, Arabic language, Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur.