Ma'ruf
/məˈruːf/noun
An Islamic ethical concept referring to what is recognized as good, right, or socially honorable.
Did you know?In the Qur’an, ma’ruf is repeatedly paired with munkar—“the recognized good” versus “the rejected wrong”—making the word part of a moral vocabulary of discernment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ʕ-r-f
“To know, recognize, or become acquainted with”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʿarafa
“He knew, recognized, or became familiar with”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
maʿrūf
“Known, recognized, customary, or approved”
7th Century
Qur'anic Arabic
maʿrūf
“What is morally recognized as good or right, often contrasted with munkar”
Modern English
English
ma'ruf
“An Islamic term for accepted good conduct, decency, or moral rightness”