Quranic root
لهم
l · h · m
The root is oriented toward taking something in fully—swallowing or absorbing it—and, by extension, to something being cast into the inner self and received as inspiration.
The literal image of swallowing or taking in is extended metaphorically to inspiration: what is placed in the inner self is received as ilhām. Related Classical usages apply the image to swift movement, overwhelming calamity, and largeness or generosity.
- Maqāyīs · row 4240
- Mufradāt · row 1326
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 1
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
أَلْهَمَ
ʾalhama
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form IV
- Form
- IV
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To inspire or direct by placing a prompting, awareness, or guidance into the inner self; in the Quran, God inspires the soul with its wickedness and piety.
Form IV. The construction denotes inward impartation or direction through inspiration. In 91:8, the object is the soul and the inspired content is its فجور and تقوى.
- Lane · entry 20738
- Mufradāt · row 1326
Selected Quran examples
Quran 91:8word 1
“And He inspired it”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 91:8فَأَلْهَمَهَاAnd He inspired it
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 5 Classical meanings
اِلْتَهَمَ
To gulp or swallow, taking something in fully.
Form VIII; used for the act of swallowing or gulping.
- Lane · entry 20739
- Maqāyīs · row 4240
لَهِمّ
Swift-running; especially an exceptionally fast horse.
An epithet applied to a horse, figuratively likened to gulping the ground because of the speed of its running.
- Maqāyīs · row 4240
- Mufradāt · row 1326
اللُّهَيْم
A great or overwhelming calamity; also called أُمُّ اللُّهَيْم.
An intensive figurative designation for a disaster conceived as consuming whatever it encounters.
- Maqāyīs · row 4240
اللِّهَمّ
A great, ample, or sufficient one.
A Classical term for something characterized by greatness and sufficiency.
- Maqāyīs · row 4240
اللُّهْمُوم
A generous man.
A Classical descriptive term for a person marked by munificence.
- Maqāyīs · row 4240