What does « Measure (sa') » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Measure (sa') (صاع) 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.

صاع

Measure (sa')

Root: ص - ع

Creed (aqida) 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Measure (sa')

Suwa' al-malik: it was a vessel used for drinking and measuring, also called as-sa'.

The Almighty says: 'the king's cup' (Yusuf 72).

It is a capacity measure, equivalent to about four handfuls.

Joseph used it to test his brothers.

Measure (sa') in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0

Surah Yusuf : 72 Meccan

﴿قَالُوا۟ نَفْقِدُ صُوَاعَ ٱلْمَلِكِ وَلِمَن جَآءَ بِهِۦ حِمْلُ بَعِيرٍۢ وَأَنَا۠ بِهِۦ زَعِيمٌۭ﴾

They said, "We are missing the measure of the king. And for he who produces it is [the reward of] a camel's load, and I am responsible for it."

Words from the same root as Measure (sa')

To overturn / To bring down

صعد

To climb / To clamber

صعر

To turn away / Arrogance

To manufacture / Craftsman

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