What does « Delay / Respite » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Delay / Respite (محل) in the Quran, with 1 verse in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

محل
Delay / Respite
Root: م - ح - ل
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Delay / Respite

Al-Maḥall refers to the place and location where something descends.

The Almighty says: 'Until the offering reaches its place of sacrifice' (Al-Baqarah 196).

Al-maḥallah is the encampment. Ḥalla bi-l-makān means to descend in a place.

Delay / Respite in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1
Surah Ar-Ra'd : 13 Medinan
﴿وَيُسَبِّحُ ٱلرَّعْدُ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِۦ وَيُرْسِلُ ٱلصَّوَٰعِقَ فَيُصِيبُ بِهَا مَن يَشَآءُ وَهُمْ يُجَٰدِلُونَ فِى ٱللَّهِ وَهُوَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْمِحَالِ
And the thunder exalts [Allah] with praise of Him - and the angels [as well] from fear of Him - and He sends thunderbolts and strikes therewith whom He wills while they dispute about Allah; and He is severe in assault.

Words from the same root as Delay / Respite

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