What does « Zannam » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Zannam (زنم) 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.

زنم
Zannam
Root: ز - ن - م
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Zannam

Az-zanim and al-muzannam: one who attaches himself to a group without belonging to it, like an appendage that grows without truly belonging.

The Almighty says: 'cruel, after all that, a usurper of lineage' (Al-Qalam 13), meaning known for evil as one recognizes a marked sheep.

It may also refer to one of doubtful origin who affiliates with those who are not his ancestors.

Zannam in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0
Surah Al-Qalam : 13 Meccan
﴿عُتُلٍّۭ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ زَنِيمٍ﴾
Cruel, moreover, and an illegitimate pretender.

Words from the same root as Zannam

Share

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Mon 21 Jumada al-Awwal
الاثنين 21 جمادى الأولى
التربيع الأخير Last Quarter Day 22.2 / 29.5
Illumination 49%
New moon in 7 days
حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل Allah is sufficient for us, the best guardian

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