What are Root Words? A Simple Guide with Examples

Have you ever noticed that in Quranic Tafsir lectures, some Arabic words are often accompanied by their root words. You must be wondering What are these Root Words? and why are they so important? 

In this simple guide, I will explain about root words and how they function in Arabic language. 

What are Roots words in Arabic?

Arabic, the language of Quran is a root-based language.

In Arabic, most words usually built from 3 main letters called “roots”. These roots give the core meaning of the word. By changing the form of the root, we can create a different word but all of them are related to the original meaning. 

 عربی زبان میں زیادہ تر الفاظ تین اہم حروف سے بنتے ہیں جنہیں "روٹس"کہا جاتا ہے۔

 یہ روٹس کسی لفظ کا اصل مطلب بتاتے ہیں۔جب ہم ان روٹس کی شکل بدلتے ہیں تو نیا لفظ بنتا ہے، لیکن اس کا تعلق اصل مطلب سے ہی ہوتا ہے۔

For Example:

The root (ك ت ب) gives us several words,

1. Kitab كتاب - Book
2. Kataba  كتب - To Write
3. Maktab مكتب - Office or place where writing is done

Although these are different words but there meaning is somehow related to writing or book because they come from same root.

Importance of Root Words:

• Learning one root helps guessing meaning of many words.
• It makes learning Arabic easier and more meaningful.
• It also deepens your understanding of Tafsir and Tadabbur (reflection) on the Quran.
• They helps you understanding the real meaning.

How Root Words Help You Understand the Quran:

 Root Words are like keys to unlocking the Quran language. When you know the root of a word, you know how it is connected to other words with similar meanings. It also helps you to reflect more deeply and feel  more connected to what Allah is saying. Even if you do not know Arabic fully, understanding root words can make the meaning of the Quran better and more powerful. Learning root words also make it easier to remember new vocabulary, reducing the need to memorize each word separately.

Tips to start Learning Root Words:

Here are a few tips for you if you want to start learning Root words,

• Start with Common Quran Words

             (Words like Salah (prayer), Sabr (patience), Ilm (knowledge). Learn their roots.

• Use a Quran App with Root Words Feature

             ( Apps like Islam360, Word-for-Word Quran, etc)

• Make a Root Words Note Book.
• Learn and memorize one Root a day.
• Listen Quran recitation and Repeat.

Some Examples of Root Words:

1-  ع ل م (Ilm) Root 

•  Ilm (علم) - Knowledge
• Alim (عالم) - Scholar
• Ta'lim (تعليم) - Teaching
• Mu'alim (مُعلِم) - Teacher

2-  ر ح م (r-h-m) - mercy

• Rahmah (رحمة) - mercy
• Raheem (رحيم) - Merciful
• Rahman (رحمن)-  Entirely Merciful (Name of Allah)
• Rahimoon (راحِمون) - Those who show mercy

I have try my best to explain the concept of Root words in a simple and easy way for everyone to understand. I hope you find this post helpful.

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