What is meant by the sanskrit word shastra and arabic word Ilm?

The Sanskrit word shastra refers to a system of knowledge or a treatise on a specific subject. It is often used to denote texts or disciplines that provide a systematic body of knowledge, particularly in fields like philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and law. The word is derived from the root shas meaning “to teach” or “to instruct,” and shastra essentially signifies any form of knowledge that is organized, methodical, and authoritative. In ancient India, shastras were seen as important texts that guided various aspects of life, knowledge, and governance, encapsulating both practical and philosophical wisdom.