The term 'arkan' refers to the fundamental pillars or essential elements of a structure or concept.

Origin: The word 'أركان' (arkan) originates from Classical Arabic. It is derived from the root ر-ك-ن (r-k-n), which means to lean or rest upon something, indicating a sense of support or foundation.Historical and Cultural Context: Historically, 'arkan' has been used to describe the foundational principles in various contexts, including Islamic jurisprudence, where it denotes the essential duties or pillars of faith.Evolution: Over time, the word has maintained its meaning related to foundational elements. It has cognates in other Semitic languages, like Hebrew, where 'רָכַן' (rakan) means to lean.Modern Relevance: Today, 'arkan' is commonly used in both religious and secular contexts to describe the core principles or components of various systems or structures, such as the 'arkan al-Islam' (pillars of Islam).

In the context of Islam, 'arkan' specifically refers to the five pillars of Islam, which are foundational acts of worship and practice.