What does « Zaḥf » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Zaḥf (زحف) in the Quran, with 1 verse in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

زحف

Zaḥf

Root: ز - ح - ف

Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Zaḥf

The origin of al-zahf: advancing while dragging feet.

Allah says: 'When you meet in mass (zahfan) those who disbelieved' (Al-Anfâl: 15).

Zahfan: as an army marching toward the enemy.

Zaḥf in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1

Surah Al-Anfal : 15 Medinan

﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ زَحْفًا فَلَا تُوَلُّوهُمُ ٱلْأَدْبَارَ﴾

O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight].

Words from the same root as Zaḥf

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Mon 21 Jumada al-Awwal
الاثنين 21 جمادى الأولى

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.

Al-Ahzab 33:56

Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ

What does « Zaḥf » mean in the Quran?

Definition of Zaḥf

Zaḥf in the Quran (1)

Words from the same root as Zaḥf

What does « Zaḥf » mean in the Quran?