Detailed list of Arabic conjunctions used in Quran and their different meaning in different situations and contexts.
Here's a comprehensive and detailed list of conjunctions (حروف العطف) used in the Qur’an, along with their different meanings, forms, and how they are interpreted depending on context.
Conjunctions in Arabic (حروف العطف) connect words, phrases, or sentences, and their meaning often changes subtly based on the surrounding words or rhetorical intent.
📘 Major Conjunctions (حروف العطف) in the Qur'an
| Conjunction | Arabic | Core Meaning | Extended Meanings Based on Context | Qur'anic Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| And | وَ | and | while, then, so, but (rare) | 2:2 – وَهُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ |
| Then | ثُمَّ | then (delayed sequence) | moreover, after a pause | 2:29 – ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ |
| So / Then (Immediate) | فَ | so, then | result, reason, quick sequence | 94:5 – فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا |
| Or | أَوْ | or | choice, possibility, explanation | 2:19 – أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ |
| Rather / But | بَلْ | rather | correction, contrast, emphasis | 2:88 – بَلْ طَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهَا |
| But | لَٰكِنْ / لَٰكِنَّ | but | exception, correction | 2:8 – وَمَا هُم بِمُؤْمِنِينَ |
| Even / But Rather | بَلَىٰ | yes indeed | negation response or contrast | 7:172 – بَلَىٰ شَهِدْنَا |
| Nay / Rather | كَلاَّ | never / no way | emphatic negation | 75:11 – كَلاَّ لَا وَزَرَ |
| Until / Up to | حَتَّىٰ | until | cause, limit, condition, result | 19:76 – حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوْا۟ |
| Because / That | أَنَّ | that / indeed | explains cause, introduces clause | 2:106 – أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ |
| That / To / Lest | أَنْ | that / to | subjunctive verb, fear, intention | 12:13 – أَخَافُ أَنْ يَأْكُلَهُ الذِّئْبُ |
| Or else / Otherwise | إِلَّا | except / unless | exception, limitation | 2:2 – لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ |
| If | إِنْ | if | conditional clause | 2:6 – إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا |
| Indeed | إِنَّ | indeed | emphasis, assertive introduction | 108:1 – إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ |
| Or (after a negation) | أَمْ | or (question form) | rhetorical or alternative question | 52:35 – أَمْ خُلِقُوا۟ مِنْ غَيْرِ شَىْءٍ |
| Even though | وَلَوْ | even if | concessive condition | 26:4 – وَلَوْ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ |
| That / So that | كَيْ / لِكَيْ | so that, in order that | purpose clause | 57:23 – لِكَيْ لَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ |
| Or (in oath form) | أَوَ | or (and) | interrogative, linked with oath | 6:94 – أَوَ لَمْ نُعَمِّرْكُم |
| That not / Lest | أَنْ لَا | that not | fear, avoidance | 2:106 – أَنْ لَا تَعْلَمُوا |
| So that not / In order not | لِئَلَّا | so that not | purpose + negation | 9:120 – ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ لَا يُصِيبُهُمْ |
🔍 Notes on Usage:
✅ 1. وَ (wa) – "And"
-
Can join words, clauses, or verses.
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Sometimes implies sequence, simultaneity, or even contrast depending on context.
وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (2:173)
"And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."
✅ 2. فَ (fa) – "So / Then"
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Shows immediate result, consequence, or logical flow.
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Stronger than "وَ".
فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ ٱلْقُرْآنَ فَٱسْتَعِذْ (16:98)
"So when you recite the Qur’an, then seek refuge..."
✅ 3. ثُمَّ (thumma) – "Then" (delayed)
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Indicates delay or ordering after a gap.
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Often used for great transitions, even between this world and the next.
ثُمَّ يُرَدُّ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ (2:245)
"Then he will be returned to Allah..."
✅ 4. بَلْ (bal) – "Rather"
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Used for correction, emphasis, or contrast.
بَلْ قَالُواْ أَضْغَٰثُ أَحْلَٰمٍ (21:5)
"Rather, they said: muddled dreams..."
✅ 5. حَتَّى (ḥattā) – "Until"
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Denotes endpoint, but also used for cause, outcome, or gradual progression.
حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ كَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِيَ ٱلْعُلْيَا (9:40)
"Until the word of Allah becomes supreme..."
✅ 6. لِكَيْ / كَيْ – "So that / In order that"
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Used to express purpose or goal.
كَيْ لَا تَعْلَمُوا = "So that you do not know"
✅ 7. إِنْ – "If" (conditional)
إِن تَنْصُرُوا ٱللَّهَ يَنْصُرْكُمْ (47:7)
"If you help Allah, He will help you."
✅ 8. أَنْ / أَنَّ
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أَنْ = "that / to" → + verb
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أَنَّ = "that / indeed" → + noun clause
🧾 Tip: Differentiating similar conjunctions
| Conjunction | Use For... | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| أَنْ | action/verb clause | subjunctive verb | أن تؤمنوا |
| أَنَّ | factual statement | noun clause (اسم + خبر) | أن الله غفور |
| كَيْ | purpose | فعل منصوب (verb) | كي لا يعلموا |
| إِن | condition | verb (مرفوع) | إن تقولوا |
Would you like a printable chart, practice quiz, or breakdown of specific verses using these conjunctions in different contexts?
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The Arabic conjunction ثُمَّ (thumma) is rich in meaning and varies slightly based on context, tone, and placement. It's used extensively in the Qur’an, so understanding its different forms and meanings is key to deeper Qur’anic interpretation.
🔷 Primary Meaning of ثُمَّ
✅ 1. "Then" (Chronological sequence — delayed)
This is the most common and literal meaning:
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Indicates sequence in time, but with a pause, delay, or distance between the two actions or events.
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Stronger than فَ (which implies immediate sequence).
🔹 Example:
ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ ثُمَّ رَزَقَكُمْ (Ar-Rum 30:40)
"Allah is the one who created you, then provided for you..."
✔️ Creation came first, then provision came after a period.
🔷 Other Contextual Meanings of ثُمَّ
✅ 2. "Moreover" / "In addition to that" (non-chronological)
In rhetorical contexts, ثُمَّ can be used to:
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Elevate what comes next.
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Show that something is greater, more serious, or deserving more attention.
🔹 Example:
ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ لَمَيِّتُونَ (Al-Mu’minun 23:15)
"Then indeed, after that, you will surely die."
✔️ Not just sequence — it adds emphasis and seriousness.
✅ 3. "Then (in the Hereafter)" – metaphysical or eschatological transition
Often used in passages discussing the Day of Judgment or transitions from this life to the next.
🔹 Example:
ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ (Al-Mumtahanah 60:3)
"Then to Us you will be returned."
✔️ Indicates an inevitable return, not just a time delay.
✅ 4. "After that, but later still" – extended delay
Used to indicate a long-term or final stage, not just immediate next steps.
🔹 Example:
ثُمَّ يَمُوتُ فَيُقْبَرُ، ثُمَّ إِذَا شَاءَ أَنشَرَهُ (Abasa 80:21–22)
"Then he dies and is buried. Then, when He wills, He will resurrect him."
✔️ "ثُمَّ" used to separate life, death, and resurrection — vast time spans.
✅ 5. "But" / "Yet" – rhetorical shift or contrast (rare usage)
In some rhetorical verses, ثُمَّ can resemble contrast, similar to "yet" or "but then..."
🔹 Example:
ثُمَّ قَسَتْ قُلُوبُكُم (Al-Baqarah 2:74)
"Then your hearts became hardened..."
✔️ Here, the emotional tone shifts — it’s a sad contrast to prior blessings.
✅ 6. "Again" / "Furthermore" – in repeated warnings
Sometimes used to introduce repeated or escalating rebukes, especially in preaching or storytelling.
🔹 Example:
ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا (Al-Balad 90:17)
"Then he became one of those who believed."
✔️ Suggests a second phase or moral turn.
🧠 Summary Table: ثُمَّ in Different Forms
| Meaning | Description | Example (Verse) |
|---|---|---|
| Then (delayed) | Time sequence with pause | 30:40 — خلقكم ثم رزقكم |
| Moreover | Elevation/emphasis | 23:15 — ثم إنكم بعد ذلك لميتون |
| Eventually | Eschatological transition | 60:3 — ثم إلينا ترجعون |
| Long after | Wide time span (life → death → resurrection) | 80:21–22 |
| Yet / But | Emotional or moral contrast | 2:74 — ثم قست قلوبكم |
| Again / Turn | Repetition or change in course | 90:17 — ثم كان من الذين آمنوا |
📘 Grammar Note
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ثُمَّ is a ḥarf ʿaṭf (conjunction).
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Unlike فَ (which implies quick succession), ثُمَّ implies chronological or logical delay.
Would you like a list of verses where each meaning appears, or a comparison between فَ and ثُمَّ in the Qur’an?
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Here is a detailed list of Arabic conjunctions (حروف العطف) used in the Qur’an and classical Arabic, along with their primary meanings, variations in context, and grammatical notes. This is useful for both Arabic grammar learners and students of Qur'anic studies.
🧾 Comprehensive Table of Arabic Conjunctions (حروف العطف)
| Conjunction ( حرف العطف ) | Primary Meaning | Other Contextual Meanings | Example & Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| وَ (wa) | and | then, while, but, oath (وَاللَّهِ) | وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ – "And Allah is Forgiving" |
| فَ (fa) | so, then (immediate) | result, cause, order, response | فَأَنْذِرْهُمْ – "So warn them..." |
| ثُمَّ (thumma) | then (delayed) | next, moreover, but (contrast) | ثُمَّ يُرَدُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ – "Then he is returned to Allah" |
| أَوْ (aw) | or | possibly, alternative explanation | أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ – "Or like a rainstorm..." |
| أَمْ (am) | or (interrogative) | rhetorical question, after negation | أَمْ خُلِقُوا – "Or were they created..." |
| بَلْ (bal) | rather | instead, correction, emphasis | بَلْ هُم قَوْمٌ يَعْدِلُونَ – "Rather, they are a people who ascribe equals" |
| لَكِنْ (lakin) | but | contrast or exception | يُرِيدُونَ أَنْ يُضِلُّوكَ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ – "They want to mislead you, but Allah..." |
| لَكِنَّ (lākinnā) | but indeed | assertive contrast (with emphasis) | وَلكِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ رَبِّي – "But indeed, Allah is my Lord" |
| حَتَّى (ḥattā) | until | so that, even, cause, result | حَتَّىٰ تَفِيءَ – "Until they return..." |
| أَنْ (an) | that, to | lest, if (after fear/desire) | أَخَافُ أَنْ يَأْكُلَهُ الذِّئْبُ – "I fear that the wolf may eat him..." |
| أَنَّ (anna) | that (indeed) | introduces noun clauses | أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ – "That Allah is Forgiving..." |
| إِنَّ (inna) | indeed, verily | emphasis, used at clause beginning | إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ – "Indeed Allah is Forgiving..." |
| إِنْ (in) | if | condition | إِنْ تُقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ – "If you lend to Allah..." |
| لِئَلَّا (li-alla) | so that not | purpose + negation | لِئَلَّا يَعْلَمَ – "So that he may not know..." |
| كَيْ (kay) | so that, in order | purpose | كَيْ لَا تَأْسَوْا – "So that you don’t grieve..." |
| لِكَيْ (li-kay) | so that | more emphatic than كَيْ | لِكَيْ لَا تَأْسَوْا – "In order that you don’t grieve..." |
| إِلَّا (illā) | except | unless, but | لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا – "None believe except a few..." |
| كَأَنَّ (ka’anna) | as if | resembles/analogy | كَأَنَّهُمْ أَعْجَازُ نَخْلٍ – "As if they were trunks of palm trees..." |
| لَعَلَّ (la‘alla) | perhaps, so that | hope or fear | لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ – "So that you may give thanks..." |
| أَيْ (ay) | i.e. | clarification (not frequent in Qur’an) | Not common in Qur’an – classical grammar tool |
| ثُمَّ بَلْ | then, rather | intensifying rejection | ثُمَّ بَلْ – used for rhetorical force |
| كَلَّا (kallā) | never, no way | strong negation, rejection | كَلَّا إِنَّهَا تَذْكِرَةٌ – "No! It is surely a reminder!" |
| بَلَى (balā) | yes indeed | in response to a negation | بَلَىٰ شَهِدْنَا – "Yes! We do bear witness." |
📘 Notes on Important Conjunction Groups
🔹 "وَ" vs. "فَ" vs. "ثُمَّ"
| Conjunction | Meaning | Type of sequence |
|---|---|---|
| وَ | and | Neutral, general linking |
| فَ | so / then | Immediate result |
| ثُمَّ | then (after) | Delayed or ranked |
🔹 "أَنْ" vs. "أَنَّ"
| Form | Followed by | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| أَنْ | Verb (mansūb) | that, to, lest |
| أَنَّ | Noun clause | that, indeed |
🔹 "إِن" vs. "إِنَّ"
| Form | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| إِن | if | Conditional clauses |
| إِنَّ | indeed | Assertive particle at start |
🧠 Understanding Conjunction Function in Context
Conjunctions in Arabic are semantically flexible, meaning the same particle can have different translations based on the sentence.
🔹 For example:
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فَ can mean:
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So (cause): فَإِنَّهُ غَفُورٌ – "For He is Forgiving"
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Then (time): فَأَتَى اللَّهُ بُنْيَانَهُم – "Then Allah came upon their building"
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Therefore (result): فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ – "Therefore, fear Allah"
-
✅ Want to Memorize?
I can create for you:
-
A PDF chart
-
A quiz or worksheet
-
Flashcards of conjunctions with examples
-
A list of Qur’anic verses for each conjunction
ChatGPT said:
Great question! The Arabic particle أَن (pronounced "an") is a small but powerful word that takes on different meanings and grammatical roles based on context. Let's explore the different forms, meanings, and usages of أَن in the Qur’an and classical Arabic.
🔷 PRIMARY MEANING OF أَنْ
✅ 1. "That" – to introduce a verb clause (subjunctive)
أَنْ is most commonly used as a subordinating conjunction that introduces a verb in the subjunctive mood. It means "that" or "to" (in the sense of expressing purpose, desire, etc.).
🔹 Example:
يُرِيدُ أَنْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ (An-Nisa 4:27)
"Allah wants to turn to you in forgiveness."
➤ أَنْ يَتُوبَ = "that He repents" → "to forgive"
🔹 Grammar note:
أَنْ is a ḥarf naṣb (particle of subjunctive), which causes the verb after it to be in the manṣūb (subjunctive) form.
🔷 OTHER MEANINGS AND FORMS IN CONTEXT:
✅ 2. "That not" / "Lest" → when أَنْ is followed by a negated verb
This is not because أَنْ = not, but because it's followed by لَا, giving the full meaning of "that not" or "lest".
🔹 Example:
وَاتَّقُواْ فِتْنَةً لَّا تُصِيبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنكُمْ خَآصَّةًۖ (Al-Anfal 8:25)
While أَنْ is not in this exact verse, in others like:
فَاتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ أَنْ لَا تُطِيعُونِ
"Fear Allah and obey me lest you disobey me"
➤ أَنْ لَا = "that not" = "lest"
✅ 3. After verbs of hope, fear, desire, command, etc.
أَنْ often comes after verbs like:
أراد (wanted)
أحبّ (loved)
أمر (commanded)
خاف (feared)
To introduce what is being hoped, feared, etc.
🔹 Example:
خَشِيَ أَنْ يُعَذِّبَهُمُ اللَّهُ
He feared that Allah would punish them.
✅ 4. Meaning "to" (purpose or result)
Sometimes translated as "to" when showing intention or purpose.
🔹 Example:
وَأُرِيدُ أَنْ تُبْسِطَ إِلَيَّ يَدَكَ (Al-Ma'idah 5:28)
"I do not intend to raise my hand against you."
✅ 5. أَنْ = sometimes equivalent to infinitive "that"/"to"
Arabic sometimes uses أَنْ + verb like English infinitives:
"to go"
"to forgive"
"to believe"
🔹 Example:
أَنْ تَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ
"That you stand for Allah" or "To stand for Allah"
🔷 GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTIONS:
| Usage Type | Arabic Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| After verb of intention/desire | أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَذْهَبَ | I want to go |
| After verb of fear | أَخَافُ أَنْ أَسْقُطَ | I fear that I fall |
| Negative purpose ("lest") | إِحْذَر أَنْ لَا تَفْهَمَ | Beware lest you don’t understand |
| Conditional/future-like structure | أَرْجُو أَنْ تُفْلِحَ | I hope you succeed |
🔷 DIFFERENCE FROM أَنَّ (with shadda on ن)
| Particle | Arabic | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| أَنْ | "an" | that / to | Introduces a verb clause (subjunctive) |
| أَنَّ | "anna" | that / indeed | Introduces a nominal clause, often after verbs like "said", "knew" |
🔹 Example:
عَلِمَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ
He knew that Allah is Forgiving.
(Notice: "أَنَّ" is followed by a noun sentence.)
✅ Summary Table
| Form | Arabic | Meaning | Example from Qur’an |
|---|---|---|---|
| أَنْ + verb | أن يرحمهم الله | that Allah may have mercy | 9:117 |
| أَنْ لَا | أن لا يعلمون | that they do not know | 9:127 |
| أَنْ + subjunctive | أن يؤمنوا | that they believe | 7:179 |
| أَنَّ + noun clause | أن الله غفور | that Allah is Forgiving | 2:226 |
Would you like a chart showing this visually or specific tafsir examples using أَنْ and أَنَّ?
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The phrase "فَاتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ أَنْ لَا تُطِيعُونِ" — as written — does not appear in the Qur’an exactly in that form. However, it's a grammatically possible Arabic construction, and its parts are drawn from common Qur’anic language.
Let’s clarify each part and then determine if this or a similar construction exists in the Qur’an.
🔍 Phrase Breakdown
فَاتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ
– "So fear Allah"
Very common phrase in the Qur’an.وَأَطِيعُونِ
– "And obey me"
Said by many prophets in the Qur’an (e.g., Nuh, Hud, Salih), especially in Surah Ash-Shu‘ara.أَنْ لَا تُطِيعُونِ
– "That you do not obey me"
Grammatically:أَنْ = "that"
لَا = "not"
تُطِيعُونِ = "you obey me" (with pronoun -ni = "me")
➡️ Together: "that you do not obey me" or "lest you do not obey me"
✅ Correct Usage in Qur’an
The parts "فَاتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ" appear repeatedly in Surah Ash-Shu‘arā’ (Chapter 26), used by several prophets:
🌿 Example — Surah Ash-Shu‘arā’ 26:108
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ
"So fear Allah and obey me."
– Said by Prophet Nuh (Noah).
This exact phrasing is repeated in:
26:126 (Hud)
26:131 (Salih)
26:144 (Shu‘ayb)
26:163 (Lut)
26:179 (Shu‘ayb again)
🔺 But does "أَنْ لَا تُطِيعُونِ" appear in the Qur’an?
❌ No — this exact phrase does not occur in the Qur’an.
However, the structure "أَنْ لَا [verb]" appears very frequently, meaning "that not..." or "lest...".
✅ Example:
Surah At-Tawbah 9:117
ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوبُوا۟ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
(related: in context of returning so that they do not go astray)
Another example:
Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:44
فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ أَحَادِيثَ فَبُعْدٗا لِّقَوۡمٖ لَّا يُؤۡمِنُونَ
(Here لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ = they do not believe)
But again, "أن لا تطيعونِ" is grammatically valid, though not found as-is in the Qur’an.
✅ Summary
| Phrase | In Qur’an? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| فَاتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ | ✅ Yes | Repeated in Surah Ash-Shu‘ara by multiple prophets |
| أَنْ لَا تُطِيعُونِ | ❌ Not as-is | Grammatically correct, but not found in the Qur’an |
| أَنْ لَا [verb] | ✅ Yes | Common phrase structure meaning "that not" or "lest" |
Would you like a list of Qur’anic verses where "أَنْ لَا" appears in meaningful contexts (like belief, obedience, etc.)?
You said:
ChatGPT said:
Yes! You're absolutely right — the Arabic particle أَنْ (an) can carry different meanings based on context, and while its core grammatical role is to introduce a subjunctive verb clause ("that..."), it may be translated as:
that
to
for
if
lest
depending on how the phrase works idiomatically or syntactically in Arabic.
Let’s explain each of these meanings clearly with Qur’anic examples.
✅ 1. "أَنْ" = "that" (most common meaning)
Used to introduce a subordinate verb clause.
🔹 Example:
يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَنْ يُخَفِّفَ عَنكُمْ (An-Nisa 4:28)
"Allah wants that He should lighten for you"
🟢 أَنْ يُخَفِّفَ = that He lightens
✅ 2. "أَنْ" = "to" (expressing purpose or result)
Often occurs after verbs like: يُرِيد، يُحِب، يَسْعَى
It behaves like an infinitive "to do" something.
🔹 Example:
فَأَرَادَ رَبُّكَ أَنْ يَبْلُغَا أَشُدَّهُمَا (Al-Kahf 18:82)
"So your Lord intended to let them reach maturity"
🟢 أَنْ يَبْلُغَا = to reach
✅ 3. "أَنْ" = "for" (in meaning, not literal word)
In English, we may sometimes translate "أن" as "for", when it implies benefit or intent for someone.
🔹 Example (understood meaning):
وَأُرِيدُ أَنْ تُبْسِطَ إِلَيَّ يَدَكَ (Al-Ma'idah 5:28)
"I do not intend for you to stretch your hand against me"
🟢 The "for" is interpretive in English but comes from أَنْ linking to the subject's intention.
✅ 4. "أَنْ" = "if" (rare, conditional-like in meaning)
In some classical or rhetorical contexts, أَنْ can act like "if", especially when paired with verbs expressing fear or prevention.
🔹 Example (style):
أَخَافُ أَنْ تَأْكُلَهُ الذِّئْبُ (Yusuf 12:13)
"I fear if the wolf eats him"
🟢 Though literally "that the wolf eats him", it’s understood as "I fear if..."
✅ 5. "أَنْ" = "lest" (when followed by negation: أَنْ لَا)
The construction "أَنْ لَا" means "that not", and is often translated as "lest" in English.
🔹 Example:
أَن لَّا تَعْلَمُوا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (Al-Baqarah 2:106)
"Lest you not know that Allah is over all things competent"
🟢 أَنْ لَا تَعْلَمُوا = "that you do not know" = "lest you not know"
🧠 Summary Table
| Arabic Form | English Meaning | When It Applies | Example (Qur'an) |
|---|---|---|---|
| أَنْ + verb | that | General verb introduction (subjunctive clause) | 4:28 — أن يُخفف |
| أَنْ + verb | to | Purpose/intention ("wants to...") | 18:82 — أن يبلغا |
| أَنْ + verb | for | Implied benefit in verb of intent | 5:28 — أن تبسط |
| أَنْ + verb | if | With fear/warning verbs (interpreted as "if") | 12:13 — أن يأكله الذئب |
| أَنْ لَا + verb | lest | Negative outcome being avoided | 2:106 — أن لا تعلموا |
Would you like a PDF chart or more Qur’anic examples for practice on each meaning of أَنْ?
You said:
ChatGPT said:
Certainly! Let's look at Surah Al-Baqarah (2:106) in full detail — Arabic, translation, and especially the grammatical analysis of "أَنْ" in the verse.
📖 Surah Al-Baqarah 2:106 – Arabic
مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍۢ مِّنْهَآ أَوْ مِثْلِهَآ ۗ أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
📜 Transliteration:
Mā nansakh min āyatin aw nunsi-hā na’ti bikhayrin minhā aw mithlihā; alam ta‘lam anna Allāha ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.
📚 English Translation:
"We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is over all things competent?"
— (Saheeh International)
🔍 Focus: Is أَنْ in this verse?
Actually, the particle in the verse is not "أَنْ" (an), but "أَنَّ" (anna) — with a shadda on the ن.
🔸 The phrase:
أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
Literally:
"Do you not know that Allah is powerful over all things?"
🔹 "أَنَّ" is a different particle than "أَنْ", even though they look similar:
| Particle | Form | Meaning | Follows... |
|---|---|---|---|
| أَنْ | Light | "that", "to", "lest", etc. | Followed by a verb (subjunctive) |
| أَنَّ | Heavy | "that, indeed" | Followed by a noun clause (اسم + خبر) |
In this verse, أَنَّ introduces a full nominal clause:
أنَّ الله = "that Allah"
على كل شيء قدير = "is powerful over all things"
So it’s not an example of "أَنْ" used as "lest" or "to".
✅ Summary of 2:106 and Grammar:
| Arabic Part | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ | "We do not abrogate a verse" | "نسخ" = to abrogate (cancel) |
| أَوْ نُنسِهَا | "or cause it to be forgotten" | "نُنسِهَا" = possibly from "نسي" |
| نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَا | "We bring better than it" | Allah replaces it with better |
| أَوْ مِثْلِهَا | "or similar to it" | Or equal to it in meaning |
| أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ | "Do you not know?" | Rhetorical question |
| أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ | "that Allah is powerful over all things" | أَنَّ introduces noun clause |
🧠 Conclusion:
Al-Baqarah 2:106 uses "أَنَّ", not "أَنْ".
The meaning is: "Do you not know that Allah is capable of all things?"
This is a powerful affirmation of Allah’s authority to abrogate or replace verses.
It does not contain the meaning of "lest", "if", or "to", which are linked to the lighter particle "أَنْ".
Would you like examples where "أَنْ" is used in those other senses (like "lest" or "to")?
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