Haram (site) Haram (site) The Arabic term ḥaram () has a meaning of "sanctuary" or "holy shrine" in the Islamic faith or Arabic language. The Arabic language has two separate words, "ḥaram" () and "ḥarām" (, 'forbidden' or 'sacred'), both derived from the same triliteral Semitic root "Ḥ-R-M". Both of these words can mean "forbidden" and/or "sacred" in a general way, but each has also developed some specialized meanings. A third related word derived from the same root, that is "ḥarīm" (), most directly corresponds to English "harem". This article covers the word "ḥaram" (with short vowels in the singular form). As
Haram of halal and haram are used in a number of cultural phrases, most notably "ibn" (boy) "al-halal" and "bint" (girl) "al-halal". These phrases are often used to refer to appropriate spouses in marriage, and stand in contrast to "ibn al-haram" or "bint al-haram," which are used as insults. In this case, the term "haram" is used to mean ill-mannered or indecent, instead of strictly meaning 'unlawful'. Halal and haram are also used in regards to money "(mal)". "Mal al-haram" means ill-gotten money, and brings destruction on those who make their living through such means. These cultural interpretations of what is