What does « To split / To open » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word To split / To open (فتق) 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.

فتق

To split / To open

Root: ف - ت - ق

Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of To split / To open

Al-Fatq refers to the separation between two joined things; it is the opposite of ratq (closure).

The Almighty says: 'Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them' (Al-Anbiya 30).

Al-fātiq is one who separates.

To split / To open in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0

Surah Al-Anbiya : 30 Meccan

﴿أَوَلَمْ يَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقًا فَفَتَقْنَٰهُمَا وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ حَىٍّ أَفَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ﴾

Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?