Iqra

Iqra is an Arabic term meaning "read" or "recite." It is the imperative form of the root q-r-ʾ and is often transliterated as Iqra, Iqraa, Ikra, or Iqrah. The word is used as a given name in many Arab and Muslim communities and frequently appears in educational and religious contexts.

In Islamic tradition, Iqra is notable as the first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel in 610 CE, marking the beginning of his prophethood. The revelatory passage comes from Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 96), which begins with the command to read in the name of the Lord who created. This moment is widely viewed as underscoring the importance of literacy, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge in Muslim societies.

As a personal name, Iqra is commonly given to girls in Arab, South Asian, and other Muslim communities, though naming practices vary by region. The name conveys the association of learning with faith and piety.

The term also appears in the names of educational and charitable organizations, schools, and media outlets that emphasize literacy and education. A notable example is Iqra University in Karachi, Pakistan, which uses the name to signal a commitment to higher learning.

Variants and transliterations of the name reflect different languages and romanization practices, including Iqraa, Iqrah, Ikra, and Iqra’.