What does « Salt flat » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Salt flat (قيع) 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.

قيع

Salt flat

Root: ق - ع

Creed (aqida) 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Salt flat

Al-Qā' refers to flat, level ground.

Its plural is qī'ān.

The Almighty says: 'Like a mirage in a lowland' (An-Nur 39).

Al-qā' is ground without vegetation or buildings, smooth and extended.

Salt flat in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1

Surah An-Nur : 39 Medinan

﴿وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ كَسَرَابٍۭ بِقِيعَةٍۢ يَحْسَبُهُ ٱلظَّمْـَٔانُ مَآءً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَهُۥ لَمْ يَجِدْهُ شَيْـًۭٔا وَوَجَدَ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ فَوَفَّىٰهُ حِسَابَهُۥ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ﴾

But those who disbelieved - their deeds are like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty one thinks is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing but finds Allah before Him, and He will pay him in full his due; and Allah is swift in account.