Discover the meaning of the term Al-ilham (إلهام) in Islamic vocabulary.
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Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM
📖 2 min readWhat is cast into the heart by way of effusion. It has been said: ilham is what falls into the heart as knowledge calling to action, without adducing a verse or examining a proof; it is not a proof with the scholars, except with the Sufis. The difference between it and il'am: ilham is more specific, for il'am may occur by way of acquisition or by way of prompting.
It is casting into the heart knowledge calling to action, without complete evidence or examination of a legal proof; it may occur by way of unveiling, and may come from the Truth without mediation of the kingdom, in the special manner He has toward every existent.
In language: il'am in general. As a technical term: the pouring of good into the heart; by good temptation departs, and by pouring, thought; for the attainment of what is sought is only by way of transition and motion, not by way of effusion and pouring. This comes only from the side of the Effuser, and by it intuition issues, for it is from the side of the Effused.
Casting a meaning into the heart by way of effusion.
What is cast into the heart by way of effusion (At-Ta'rifat, p. 35); it is exclusive to God's side and the higher realm; it is said: casting something into the heart by which the breast finds rest, God thereby singling out some of His chosen.
What is cast into the spirit by way of effusion.