Alima

/əˈliːmə/ noun

Definition

In Islamic tradition, a learned woman or female scholar, particularly one trained in Islamic law and theology.

Etymology

From Arabic 'ālimah, the feminine form of 'ālim (scholar), derived from the root 'ilm meaning 'knowledge.' The term has been used for centuries in Islamic cultures to denote educated women.

Kelly Says

Throughout Islamic history, alimas held significant authority in their communities as teachers and legal advisors—some of the earliest universities in the world, like Al-Azhar, trained alimas who shaped religious understanding for generations.

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