AL-‘ÂLAM – العالم

Literally, ‘âlam is a world. A realm. A universe. A class of beings. A state or period of life. A condition or circumstance of life. The generality of mankind. The public.

This word is derived from the same root as the word ‘alam (علم ), which means “a mark or sign by which a thing is known.” Beings other than Allah are called ‘âlam because they are a means of their Creator being known.

(For further explanation, please refer to the Compilation on Al-‘Âlam.)