'alim

Encyclopedia : A : AL : ALI : 'alim

'alim (Arabic: عالم) This islamic term literally means 'learned person'. The term alim usually refers to the person who holds a degree in shariah sciences. In times of doubt the alim will give a fatwa resolving matters because he unlike others in the community will have the most knowledge. A recognised 'alim can use the prefix sheikh before his name.

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