Discover the meaning of the word Afl (أفل) in the Quran, with 3 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.
أفل
Afl
Root: ء - ف - ل
Quranic language 3 verses
Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
📖 1 min read
Definition of Afl
Al-uful (setting): the disappearance of celestial bodies behind the horizon.
Allah says: 'When he saw it setting (âfilan)' (Al-An'âm: 76).
Everything that sets and disappears is 'âfil'.
This is used by Ibrahim to prove divine unity: what sets changes, and what changes cannot be divine.
And when he saw the moon rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray."
And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allah.
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.