Delil

Delil is a term meaning evidence or proof in Arabic and related languages. It denotes information or signs that support a claim, conclusion, or ruling. The word derives from Arabic dalīl, meaning indication, sign, or proof, and has been borrowed into Turkish, Persian, and other languages with the same general sense.

In logic and law, delil refers to information used to substantiate a proposition. Delil can be direct, such as a document or eyewitness testimony, or indirect (circumstantial), such as patterns or correlations. The value of delil depends on its reliability, relevance, and the context in which it is applied. Different legal systems set rules about what counts as admissible delil, how much weight it carries, and what burden of proof is required.

In Islamic jurisprudence, dalil denotes a source or argument used to derive a ruling. The Qur’an and the Sunnah are considered primary dalil; jurists also employ methods such as ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy) to extend rulings to new cases. Dalil in this context encompasses textual evidence, rational argument, and accepted customary practice when treated as a source of law.

Beyond religious and legal usage, delil appears in modern discourse to mean evidence in science, policy, and everyday decision-making. Across contexts, the core idea remains: delil is information that supports or demonstrates the truth of a claim.