Iqra
/ʔiqraʔ/noun
An Arabic imperative meaning “read” or “recite,” widely known from the opening command traditionally associated with the first Quranic revelation.
Did you know?Iqra is traditionally identified as the first word revealed to Muhammad in Quran 96:1, though its Arabic sense can mean either “read” or “recite.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*q-r-ʾ
“A consonantal root associated with calling out, reciting, or reading aloud.”
Pre-Islamic Arabic
Arabic
qaraʾa
“To read, recite, or proclaim aloud.”
7th Century
Quranic Arabic
اقْرَأْ (iqraʾ)
“The imperative “read!” or “recite!” in the opening verse traditionally regarded as the first revelation.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
iqraʾ
“An imperative command to read or recite, especially in religious and educational contexts.”
Modern English
English
Iqra
“An Arabic religious term and personal name used in English-language writing and communities.”