Understanding Quranic verbs is absolutely essential for grasping the dynamic meaning of the Quran. They paint vivid pictures of actions, states of being, and divine commands. They reveal the relationships between Allah (SWT), humanity, and the universe. They breathe life into the verses, allowing us to witness the unfolding of events, the dialogues between prophets and their people, and the eternal truths revealed by Allah (SWT).

Quranic verbs, like all Arabic verbs, are built upon a root system, typically consisting of three consonants (though some have four). This root carries the core meaning of the verb, and various patterns and prefixes/suffixes are added to create different forms, tenses, and nuances. 

Let’s now explore some of the most frequently occurring and impactful Quranic verbs, in order of their frequency (approximately), starting with the most common. We’ll uncover their meanings, see them in action within Quranic verses, and appreciate the richness they bring to the text.

1. Qāla (قَالَ)

The most frequent verb in the Quran, qāla (قَالَ) means “he said.” It’s the cornerstone of narrative and dialogue in the Quran, introducing the speech of Allah (SWT), the prophets, angels, and other characters. It’s the gateway to understanding pronouncements, stories, and teachings.

قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَهَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّي وَاشْتَعَلَ الرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا

He said, “My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white.” 

This simple verb, qāla, immediately draws us into the intimate supplication of Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him).

2. Kāna (كَانَ)

Kāna (كَانَ) is a very versatile verb, often translated as “was” or “to be.” It functions as a copula (linking verb) and also indicates past tense. It’s used to describe states, conditions, and events in the past. It is one of the most important auxiliary verbs.

وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (Quran 4:96)

Here, kāna emphasizes the continuous and eternal nature of Allah’s (SWT) attributes of forgiveness and mercy.

3. Āmana (آمَنَ)

Āmana (آمَنَ) means “he believed” or “to believe.” It’s a foundational verb in the Quran, reflecting the core concept of iman (faith). It signifies acceptance of Allah (SWT), His messengers, and His revelations.

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ

The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. 

This verse uses āmana to describe the fundamental act of believing.

4. ‘Amila (عَمِلَ)

‘Amila (عَمِلَ) means “did” “worked” or “to do”. It’s often used for doing deeds or actions.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds.

5. Ra’a (رَأَى)

Ra’a (رَأَى) means “he saw” or “to see.” It’s used both for literal sight and for metaphorical understanding or perception.

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ

Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant? ¹ (Quran 105:1)  

Here, tara (a form of ra’a) invites reflection on a historical event, prompting deeper understanding.

6. Ya‘lam (يعلم)

This verb emphasizes Allah’s infinite knowledge, appearing 200+ times.

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ غَيْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ

“Indeed, Allah knows the unseen of the heavens and the earth.”

Learning يعلم strengthens your understanding of Allah’s attributes (Asma ul-Husna).

7. Ja’ala (جَعَلَ)

Ja’ala (جَعَلَ) is a versatile verb meaning “he made,” “to make,” “to appoint,” “to render,” or “to establish.” It describes Allah’s (SWT) creative power and His ability to transform things.

وَجَعَلْنَا اللَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا

And We made the night as a covering. (Quran 78:10)

This verse uses ja’alnā (a form of ja’ala) to depict one of Allah’s (SWT) acts of creation.

8. Khalq (خَلَقَ)

Khalaqa (خَلَقَ) means “he created” or “to create.” It’s a fundamental verb that highlights Allah’s (SWT) power as the sole Creator of the universe.

الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ

[He] who created the heavens and the earth.

This verse uses khalaqa to emphasize Allah’s (SWT) role as Creator.

9. Anzala (أَنزَلَ)

Anzala (أَنزَلَ) means “he sent down” or “to send down.” It’s primarily used in the Quran to refer to the revelation of divine scriptures, guidance, or blessings from Allah (SWT).

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

Indeed, We sent it [i.e., the Quran] down during the Night of Decree. 

This verse uses anzalnāhu (a form of anzala) to describe the revelation of the Quran.

10. Arsala (أَرْسَلَ)

Arsala (أَرْسَلَ) means “he sent” or “to send.” It’s often used in the context of Allah (SWT) sending messengers (prophets) to guide humanity.

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلًا مِّن قَبْلِكَ

And We have already sent messengers before you. 

This verse uses arsalnā (a form of arsala) to describe the sending of prophets.

11. Atā (أتى)

This verb means: “He Came / Brought”. Also this verb is used in warnings and prophecies.

هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْغَاشِيَةِ

“Has there come to you the news of the Overwhelming Event?”

12. Ittaqā (اتَّقَى)

Ittaqā (اتَّقَى) means “he feared (Allah)” or “to be righteous,” “to be pious,” “to be God-conscious.” It derives from the root w-q-y (و ق ي), which signifies protecting oneself. It’s closely linked to the concept of taqwa.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared. 

This verse uses ittaqū (a command form of ittaqā) to urge believers to cultivate true taqwa.

13. Kāfara (كَفَرَ)

Kafara (كَفَرَ) means “he disbelieved,” “he was ungrateful,” or “to disbelieve,” “to be ungrateful.” It’s the verb form of kufr, representing the rejection of truth and denial of Allah’s (SWT) blessings.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَمَاتُوا وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ

Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – upon them will be the curse of Allah. 

This verse uses kafarū (a form of kafara) to describe the state of those who reject faith.

14. Sha’a (شاء)

Sha’a (شَاءَ) means “He willed”

وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا اقْتَتَلُوا

And if Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other

15. Hadā (هَدَى)

Hadā (هَدَى) means “he guided” or “to guide.” It’s a crucial verb related to the concept of hidayah (guidance), which is a central theme in the Quran.

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ

Guide us to the straight path.

This verse, from the opening chapter of the Quran, is a direct supplication for hidayah, using the imperative form ihdinā (guide us).

17. Dhakara (ذَكَرَ)

Dhakara (ذَكَرَ) means “he remembered,” “he mentioned,” or “to remember,” “to mention.” It’s related to the concept of dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ

So remember Me; I will remember you. 

This verse uses the imperative form udhkurūnī (remember Me) and the response adhkurkum (I will remember you), highlighting the reciprocal nature of remembrance.

18. Tab (تاب)

Taba(تاب) means “repent”.

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَأَصْلَحُوا

Except for those who repent and correct themselves 

19. Samia (سَمِعَ)

Sami’a (سَمِعَ) means “he heard” or “to hear.” It’s used both for physical hearing and for listening attentively and accepting guidance.

قَدْ سَمِعَ اللَّهُ قَوْلَ الَّتِي تُجَادِلُكَ فِي زَوْجِهَا

Certainly has Allah heard the speech of the one who argues with you, [O Muhammad], concerning her husband.

This verse uses sami’a to emphasize that Allah (SWT) hears all things, even the most private conversations.

20. ‘Abada (عَبَدَ)

‘Abada (عَبَدَ) means “worship”.

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

It is You we worship and You we ask for help.

Read more about: Quranic Vocabulary

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At Quranica, we understand the importance of a strong foundation in Quranic verbs. Our courses are specifically designed to help you in Quranic Arabic 

This Quranic Arabic course provides a systematic approach to learning Quranic grammar, including a thorough exploration of verb conjugations, patterns, and usage. 

You’ll learn to identify verbs in the Quran, understand their meanings, and analyze their grammatical functions. 

We use interactive exercises, real Quranic examples, and clear explanations to make the learning process engaging and effective.

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