What does « Understanding / Intellect » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Understanding / Intellect (فهم) in the Quran, with 1 verse in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

فهم

Understanding / Intellect

Root: ف - ه - م

Creed (aqida) 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Understanding / Intellect

Al-Fahm refers to the soul's aptitude to perceive knowledge.

It is more subtle than al-'ilm.

The Almighty says: 'And We gave understanding of it to Solomon' (Al-Anbiya 79).

Fahima ash-shay' means to perceive its meaning with precision.

Understanding / Intellect in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0

Surah Al-Anbiya : 79 Meccan

﴿فَفَهَّمْنَٰهَا سُلَيْمَٰنَ وَكُلًّا ءَاتَيْنَا حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا وَسَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوُۥدَ ٱلْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَٱلطَّيْرَ وَكُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ﴾

And We gave understanding of the case to Solomon, and to each [of them] We gave judgement and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains to exalt [Us], along with David and [also] the birds. And We were doing [that].