What does « Shakl » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Shakl (شكل) 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.

شكل

Shakl

Root: ش - ك - ل

Jurisprudence (fiqh) 2 verses

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 2 min read

Definition of Shakl

Al-mushakala: resemblance in form and appearance.

An-nidd: in kind.

Ash-shabih: in quality.

The Almighty says: 'Everyone acts according to his manner' (Al-Isra 84). 'Matched spouses' (An-Naba 33).

Resemblance can be in form, character or age.

Shakl in the Quran (2)

Meccan: 2 Medinan: 0

Distribution of verses by surah

Al-Isra 1

Sad 1

Surah Al-Isra : 84 Meccan

﴿قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِۦ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا﴾

Say, "Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way."

Surah Sad : 58 Meccan

﴿وَءَاخَرُ مِن شَكْلِهِۦٓ أَزْوَٰجٌ﴾

And other [punishments] of its type [in various] kinds.

Words from the same root as Shakl

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 « Shakl » mean in the Quran?

Definition of Shakl

Shakl in the Quran (2)

Words from the same root as Shakl

What does « Shakl » mean in the Quran?