is the believer himself, or the believer’s heart, for the word is taken from karāma (nobility), and nobility is a cherished trait ascribed to the believer—especially when he is open-handed, devoting his status, wealth, or knowledge to the service of others. Such a person is far more entitled to this description than a bunch of grapes. Therefore one should call the fruit al-ḥabalah or simply al-ʿinab; to name it “karam” is unacceptable.

Allah knows best, but there is also a further reason: these very grapes may be turned into an impure, forbidden drink, for wine can be produced from them—may Allah protect us. The grapes are pressed and then fermented until they become that vile wine. For this reason the Prophet ﷺ forbade calling grapes “karam.”

Accordingly, whatever appears in some agricultural works—expressions such as shajar al-karam, al-kurūm, and the like—falls under the same prohibition. One should not refer to grapes or their vines as karam or kurūm; rather, one should say al-aʿnāb, al-ʿinab, al-ḥabalah, and similar terms. Allah is the One who grants success.