ilmu

Ilmu is a noun found in Indonesian and Malay languages meaning knowledge or science. It derives from the Arabic ilm meaning knowledge, which entered Malay and Indonesian through religious and scholarly vocabularies. In everyday usage, ilmu can refer to systematic knowledge about a subject, while pengetahuan is a broader term for knowledge in general. The phrase ilmu pengetahuan denotes science broadly, and more specific fields are indicated with compound terms such as ilmu pengetahuan alam (natural sciences) and ilmu pengetahuan sosial (social sciences).

In educational contexts, students are expected to seek ilmu, with common expressions such as menuntut ilmu (to seek knowledge). The acquisition of ilmu is central in both secular and religious education; in Muslim communities, ilmu, derived from the Arabic ilm meaning knowledge, is valued as a virtuous pursuit, and traditional maxims such as "Tuntutlah ilmu dari buaian hingga liang kubur" emphasize lifelong learning.

In modern usage, ilmu also forms compound terms for disciplines (for example ilmu linguistik, ilmu ekonomi) and is used in philosophical discussions about epistemology and the nature of knowledge. The term can refer to both practical knowledge and theoretical understanding. Overall, ilmu serves as a foundational concept in Indonesian and Malay intellectual life, linking education, religion, and culture.