What does « ʿbath » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word ʿbath (عبث) 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.

عبث

ʿbath

Root: ع - ب - ث

Quranic language 2 verses

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of ʿbath

Al-'abath: mixing play with one's action, like saying: he mixed the dried cheese.

The Almighty says: 'Did you think We created you in vain?' (Al-Mu'minun 115).

Creation has a wise purpose, not futile.

ʿbath in the Quran (2)

Meccan: 2 Medinan: 0

Distribution of verses by surah

Al-Mu'minun 1

Ash-Shu'ara 1

Surah Al-Mu'minun : 115 Meccan

﴿أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ﴾

Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?"

Surah Ash-Shu'ara : 128 Meccan

﴿أَتَبْنُونَ بِكُلِّ رِيعٍ ءَايَةً تَعْبَثُونَ﴾

Do you construct on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves,

Words from the same root as ʿbath

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 « ʿbath » mean in the Quran?

Definition of ʿbath

ʿbath in the Quran (2)

Words from the same root as ʿbath

What does « ʿbath » mean in the Quran?