Tariq
The one who knocks at the door by night — and, in classical usage, the bright star that appears then.
- Root
- ṭ-r-q (ط-ر-ق)
- Gender
- Male
- Meaning
- One who comes by night; the morning star
- Origin
- Arabic
Meaning and root
From ṭ-r-q (ط-ر-ق), 'to strike, to knock'. A *ṭāriq* is one who arrives at night — because a night traveller must knock to be let in.
The star
The same word names a bright star seen at night, and the Qur'an has a sura called *al-Ṭāriq* — cited here for attestation, not etymology; the meaning is the root's.
Related
The root also gives *ṭarīq*, 'a road' — the thing that is struck by feet.
Frequently asked questions
What does Tariq mean?
One who arrives by night — a night traveller must knock to be let in. The same word names a bright star seen at night.
Sources
- ابن منظور، لسان العرب، 711هـ — مادة: طرق
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27