What does « Qāb » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Qāb (قاب) 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.

قاب

Qāb

Root: ق - ب

Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Qāb

Al-Qāb refers to the measure between the middle of the bow and one of its ends.

The Almighty says: 'He was at a distance of two bows or nearer' (An-Najm 9), indicating extreme closeness.

Qāba al-qaws is the distance of a bow.

Qāb in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0

Surah An-Najm : 9 Meccan

﴿فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ﴾

And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer.

Words from the same root as Qāb

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 « Qāb » mean in the Quran?

Definition of Qāb

Qāb in the Quran (1)

Words from the same root as Qāb

What does « Qāb » mean in the Quran?