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Fatwa CenterMeaning of 'man' and 'woman' in Arabic
Question
Could you give me the meanings of the words 'Man' and 'Woman' in Arabic? Somebody told me that woman means 'a hidden one' or 'something that must be hidden'. Is that correct?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
According to the lexicons of the Arabic language, the meaning of the word 'Rajul (man) is derived from power and strength.
As regards the word ‘Imra'ah (woman), the scholars of Tafseer (exegesis) stated that she was called so because she was created from the man (Mar’); i.e. she was created from Aadam (Adam), may Allah exalt his mention.
We have not come across any reference that suggests that the word 'Imra'ah' in Arabic means a hidden one or something that must be hidden.
Allah knows best.
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