Ansar

American  

[an-sahr] / ˈæn sɑr /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. the first inhabitants of Medina to accept Islam.

2. any of those who helped Muhammad after he began his preaching.

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Other Word Forms

• Ansarian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Ansar

< Arabic anṣār, plural of nāṣir helper

Example Sentences

Ansar Allah’s informal name, Houthis, comes from the surname of the late political and religious leader, Hussein Badreddin Houthi.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

He also reactivated the Ansar al-Afifat brigade, which was tasked with gathering intelligence inside the camp and recruiting youths, U.N. investigators said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Police said the men were linked with Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based Islamist group, and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a Kashmir offshoot of the jihadist group Al-Qaeda.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Many of these smaller factions, including independent jihadist groups like Ansar al-Islam and Ansar al-Tawhid, actively participated in the latest offensive, which highlights their potential vested interest in shaping the future of the new Syria.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2024

It is quite an ordinary occurrence for the Ansar to relate dreams flattering to the Khalifa, in the hope of getting some bakshish.

From Ten Years' Captivity in the Mahdi's Camp 1882-1892 by Wingate, F. R.