What does Al-ʿadam mean?

Islam > Glossary > Al-ʿadam

Discover the meaning of the term Al-ʿadam (عَدَم) in Islamic vocabulary.

Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM

📖 2 min read

Definition Al-ʿadam

Al-ʿadam according to Dustur al-'Ulama (Al-Ahmadnagari)

It is the opposite of existence and has two considerations: absolute existence and the absolute of existence. If its opposition to absolute existence is considered, it is the expression of the negation of absolute existence, which is absolute non-existence. If it is opposed to the absolute of existence, it is an explanation of the negation of the absolute of existence, which is the absolute of non-existence.

Absolute existence is realized by the realization of any individual and is negated by the negation of all its individuals, meaning mental and external ones, and the absolute of existence is realized by the realization of any individual and is also negated by its negation. On this basis, impossibility is measured: either it is the expression of the necessity of the absolute of non-existence, meaning absolute non-existence with absolute necessity or a necessity arising from another, or it is the expression of the necessity of the absolute of non-existence with absolute necessity or arising from another. You must refer to the absolute so that this statement becomes clear to you, and thank Allah, the Great, the Exalted.

Al-ʿadam according to Maqalid al-'Ulum (As-Suyuti)

The absence of being.

Related terms: Al-ʿadam

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