What does « Scattered group » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Scattered group (شرذم) 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.

شرذم
Scattered group
Root: ش - ر - ذ
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Scattered group

Ash-shirdhima: a detached and isolated group.

The Almighty says: 'These are but a small band' (Ash-Shu'ara 54), Pharaoh's words despising the Children of Israel.

The term implies a small, contemptible and weak group.

Scattered group in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0
Surah Ash-Shu'ara : 54 Meccan
﴿إِنَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ لَشِرْذِمَةٌ قَلِيلُونَ
[And said], "Indeed, those are but a small band,

Words from the same root as Scattered group

Share

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Fri 24 Muharram
الجمعة 24 محرّم
هلال متناقص Waning Crescent Day 25.1 / 29.5
Illumination 21%
New moon in 4 days
الحمد لله Praise be to Allah