What does « ʿūl » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word ʿūl (عول) 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.

عول

ʿūl

Root: ع - ل

Creed (aqida) 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 2 min read

Definition of ʿūl

'Alahu and ghalahu are close.

Al-'awl is said for what destroys.

Al-'awl in inheritance: when shares exceed the total.

The Almighty says: 'Lest you be unjust' (An-Nisa 3).

Justice in shares is essential.

ʿūl in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1

Surah An-Nisa : 3 Medinan

﴿وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا۟ فِى ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُوا۟ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَٰثَ وَرُبَٰعَ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ فَوَٰحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُكُمْ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا۟﴾

And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].

Words from the same root as ʿūl

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 « ʿūl » mean in the Quran?

Definition of ʿūl

ʿūl in the Quran (1)

Words from the same root as ʿūl

What does « ʿūl » mean in the Quran?