'-r-m

Description

The Arabic root ع-ر-م ('-r-m) appears in the Quran in reference to the great dam of Ma'rib in Yemen, specifically in Surah Saba (34:16) where it describes the catastrophic flood (sayl al-'arim) that destroyed the prosperous gardens of the people of Saba (Sheba). The core meaning relates to something strong, constructed, or a barrier, with 'arim referring to a massive dam or the devastating flood released when it broke. This Quranic usage serves as a historical example of divine punishment, illustrating how Allah transformed the abundant blessings of a once-thriving civilization into desolation due to their ingratitude and turning away from faith.