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Damage
الضرر (ad-darar) is an Arabic noun meaning 'damage,' 'harm,' or 'injury.' It refers to physical, financial, emotional, or abstract harm caused to a person, property, or situation. This word is commonly used in legal, medical, everyday conversation, and religious contexts to describe negative consequences or loss.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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سبب الحادث ضرراً كبيراً للسيارة.
Sababa al-hadith daraaran kabeera li-s-sayyara.
The accident caused significant damage to the car.
التدخين يسبب ضرراً صحياً خطيراً.
At-tadukheen yusabbib daraaran sehhian khateeran.
Smoking causes serious health damage.
لا نريد أن نلحق الضرر بالبيئة.
La nureed an nilhaq ad-darar bi-l-bee'a.
We don't want to cause harm to the environment.
الضرر الذي لحق به من هذا القرار كبير.
Ad-darar alladhi lihaq bihi min hadha al-qarar kabeer.
The harm that befell him from this decision was significant.
يمكنك مقاضاة الشركة لتعويض الضرر.
Yumkinuka muqadat ash-shirka li-ta'weeth ad-darar.
You can sue the company to compensate for the damage.
In Islamic law (Sharia), the concept of الضرر is fundamental to legal disputes and compensation. The principle 'لا ضرر ولا ضرار' (la darar wa la dirar - 'there is no harm and no reciprocal harm') is a cornerstone of Islamic jurisprudence. The word is extensively used in modern Arabic in legal documents, insurance claims, environmental discussions, and everyday conversations about accidents or misfortunes.
الضرر is typically used as a noun, often preceded by the definite article 'ال' (al-). When expressing that someone caused harm, use the verb 'لحق' (lihaq - 'befell') or 'سبب' (sababa - 'caused'). Remember that الضرر can be both tangible (physical damage) and intangible (emotional or financial harm). The word is frequently paired with adjectives like 'كبير' (big), 'بسيط' (simple/minor), or 'خطير' (dangerous).
The Arabic word الضرر (ad-darar) translates to 'damage,' 'harm,' or 'injury' in English. It is a masculine noun that encompasses both physical and abstract forms of harm—from material damage to emotional injury, financial loss, or environmental harm. The word comes from the Arabic root ض-ر-ر (D-R-R), which generally relates to concepts of harm and damage.
Pronunciation: ad-DAR-ar (with the stress on the first syllable) Part of Speech: Noun (masculine) Plural Form: أضرار (adraar) Definite Form: الضرر (al-darar - with the definite article 'al')
The word follows standard Arabic noun patterns and can be used in various grammatical contexts. When used with prepositions or possessive pronouns, it maintains its basic form: ضرراً (accusative case), الضرر (nominative with article), ضرر (indefinite nominative).
The concept of الضرر holds significant importance in Islamic jurisprudence. One of the most fundamental principles in Sharia law is: 'لا ضرر ولا ضرار' (La darar wa la dirar), which translates to 'There is no harm and no reciprocal harm.' This principle, attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, establishes that neither harm nor reciprocal harm is permissible in Islamic law. This foundation has shaped Islamic legal reasoning for over 1,400 years and influences modern Arabic legal discourse.
Physical Damage: When referring to material destruction, such as 'السيارة تضررت من الحادث' (The car was damaged in the accident).
Health and Safety: In medical and health contexts, such as 'التلوث يسبب ضرراً للصحة' (Pollution causes harm to health).
Financial Loss: In business and legal contexts, such as 'طالب بتعويض عن الضرر المالي' (He demanded compensation for financial damage).
Environmental Context: Modern usage includes 'الضرر البيئي' (environmental damage), increasingly relevant in contemporary Arabic discussions.
Understanding related words helps deepen your comprehension:
While الضرر is the primary word for damage, several synonyms exist with slight nuances:
The choice between these words depends on context and the type of damage being described.
In legal documents and formal Arabic, الضرر appears frequently in discussions of liability, compensation, and rights. Courts use terms like 'تقدير الضرر' (damage assessment) and 'دعوى الضرر' (damage lawsuit). This formal usage makes the word essential for anyone learning Arabic for professional or legal purposes.
Beyond formal contexts, الضرر is commonly heard in everyday Arabic conversations:
The word has adapted to modern terminology, including 'الضرر السيبراني' (cyber damage) and 'الضرر النفسي' (psychological damage).
English speakers should note that الضرر is more formal than some of its synonyms. When learning to use it correctly:
The word الضرر is fundamental to Arabic, appearing in legal, medical, environmental, and everyday contexts. Its deep roots in Islamic jurisprudence and its central role in modern Arabic discourse make it essential vocabulary for anyone serious about learning the language. Understanding not just the translation but the cultural and legal significance of this word enriches one's grasp of Arabic language and culture.