Equality
المساواة (al-musāwāh) is a feminine noun meaning 'equality' or 'equivalence,' referring to the state of being equal in rights, opportunities, status, or value. It is a fundamental concept in modern Arabic discourse, used in social, political, legal, and ethical contexts to describe fair treatment and equal standing among individuals or groups.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
تؤمن الدول الحديثة بمبدأ المساواة بين جميع المواطنين.
Tu'min al-duwal al-hadīthah bi-mabda' al-musāwāh bayna jamī' al-muwāṭinīn.
Modern states believe in the principle of equality among all citizens.
نضالت النساء من أجل المساواة في الحقوق والفرص.
Nāḍālat al-nisā' min ajl al-musāwāh fī al-ḥuqūq wa-al-furṣ.
Women fought for equality in rights and opportunities.
المساواة في التعليم حق أساسي لكل طفل.
Al-musāwāh fī al-ta'līm ḥaqq asāsī li-kull ṭifl.
Equality in education is a fundamental right for every child.
يجب أن تكون هناك مساواة كاملة في الراتب بين الرجال والنساء.
Yajib an takūn hunāka musāwāh kāmilah fī al-rātib bayna al-rijāl wa-al-nisā'.
There should be complete wage equality between men and women.
المساواة أمام القانون هي عماد العدالة.
Al-musāwāh amām al-qānūn hiya 'imād al-'adālah.
Equality before the law is the foundation of justice.
المساواة is a central concept in contemporary Arab political and social discourse, reflecting modern values of human rights and democratic governance. The term gained prominence during the Arab Spring and continues to feature prominently in discussions about women's rights, religious equality, and economic fairness. However, interpretations of المساواة vary across different Arab countries and communities based on religious, cultural, and political perspectives.
المساواة is typically used as an abstract noun to describe the principle or condition of equality, often preceded by a preposition like 'في' (in) or 'بين' (between). When discussing equality in specific areas, you can use phrases like 'مساواة في الحقوق' (equality in rights) or 'مساواة أمام القانون' (equality before the law). Remember that it's a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly.
The Arabic word المساواة (al-musāwāh) is a feminine noun that translates to 'equality' or 'equivalence' in English. It comes from the root word ساوى (sāwā), which means 'to make equal' or 'to be equal.' This fundamental concept is central to modern Arabic discussions about rights, justice, and social development.
As a feminine noun, المساواة requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs. For example: 'المساواة كاملة' (complete equality) uses the feminine form 'كاملة' rather than 'كامل.' When used with the definite article 'ال' (al-), it becomes 'المساواة,' and without the article, it appears as 'مساواة.'
المساواة refers to the state or principle of being equal in various contexts. It can describe:
In modern Arabic media, politics, and social discourse, المساواة is a prominent term used when discussing human rights, democratic values, and social justice. It appears frequently in official documents, constitutions, and speeches addressing governmental reforms or social movements. The concept has become increasingly important in Arab societies as discussions about modernization and democratic governance continue.
The word المساواة is closely related to several other important Arabic concepts:
You might hear المساواة used in sentences like:
المساواة represents a modern, progressive value in Arab culture, often associated with enlightenment, democracy, and human dignity. However, discussions about its implementation can be complex, as interpretations may vary based on religious, cultural, and political perspectives. In educational and professional contexts, promoting المساواة is generally viewed as a positive endeavor, though its application in practice may differ across regions.
When learning المساواة, remember that it functions as an abstract noun describing a principle or condition rather than a concrete object. You'll often see it used with prepositions like 'في' (in), 'بين' (between), or 'أمام' (before). Pay attention to how it agrees with other words grammatically, and note that when combined with other nouns, it often creates compound concepts like 'مساواة في الحقوق' (equality in rights). This word is essential for discussing contemporary social and political topics in Arabic.