What does « Rtaʿ » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Rtaʿ (رتع) 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.

رتع
Rtaʿ
Root: ر - ت - ع
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Rtaʿ

Al-rat': originally, animals' grazing.

One says 'rata'a yarta'u'.

Allah says: 'Let him graze (yarta') and play' (Yûsuf: 12).

Joseph's brothers wanted to take him to play and enjoy.

Rtaʿ in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0
Surah Yusuf : 12 Meccan
﴿أَرْسِلْهُ مَعَنَا غَدًا يَرْتَعْ وَيَلْعَبْ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ﴾
Send him with us tomorrow that he may eat well and play. And indeed, we will be his guardians.

Words from the same root as Rtaʿ

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