'-l-n

Description

The Arabic root ع-ل-ن (ʿ-l-n) carries the core meaning of making something manifest, public, or openly visible, in contrast to what is hidden or concealed. In the Quran, this root appears frequently in opposition to what is secret (sirr), emphasizing that God knows both what people declare publicly and what they conceal in their hearts, and it often relates to the public declaration of faith, open proclamation of truth, or the manifestation of deeds that will be revealed on the Day of Judgment. This distinction between the public and private realms is theologically significant as it underscores divine omniscience and the importance of sincerity, where one's open declarations should align with inner beliefs.