What does « O (vocative) » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word O (vocative) (يا) 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.

يا
O (vocative)
Creed (aqida) 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

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Definition of O (vocative)

Ya is a vocative particle (nida) used to call someone.

The Almighty says: 'O you who believe' (Al-Baqara 104).

It is one of the most used vocative particles in the Quran to address believers, People of the Book or all humanity.

O (vocative) in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1
Surah Al-Baqara : 21 Medinan
﴿يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous -

Words from the same root as O (vocative)

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