What does « Azf » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Azf (أزف) in the Quran, with 2 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

أزف
Azf
Root: ء - ز - ف
Creed (aqida) 2 verses

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 3 min read

Definition of Azf

Al-azf: rapid approach.

Allah says: 'The Approaching has approached (azifat)' (An-Najm: 57), meaning the Hour has drawn near.

Allah says: 'Warn them of the Approaching Day (al-âzifa)' (Ghâfir: 18).

Al-âzifa is a name for the Resurrection because it is near.

Azf in the Quran (2)

Meccan: 2 Medinan: 0
Distribution of verses by surah
Ghafir 1
An-Najm 1
Surah Ghafir : 18 Meccan
﴿وَأَنذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْءَازِفَةِ إِذِ ٱلْقُلُوبُ لَدَى ٱلْحَنَاجِرِ كَٰظِمِينَ مَا لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ مِنْ حَمِيمٍ وَلَا شَفِيعٍ يُطَاعُ﴾
And warn them, [O Muhammad], of the Approaching Day, when hearts are at the throats, filled [with distress]. For the wrongdoers there will be no devoted friend and no intercessor [who is] obeyed.
Surah An-Najm : 57 Meccan
﴿أَزِفَتِ ٱلْءَازِفَةُ﴾
The Approaching Day has approached.

Words from the same root as Azf

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Mon 21 Jumada al-Awwal
الاثنين 21 جمادى الأولى
التربيع الأخير Last Quarter Day 22.4 / 29.5
Illumination 47%
New moon in 7 days
سبحان الله Glory be to Allah

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