What does « Zḥf » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Zḥf (زحف) 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.

زحف
Zḥf
Root: ز - ح - ف
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Zḥf

The origin of al-zahf: advancing while dragging feet.

Allah says: 'When you meet in mass (zahfan) those who disbelieved' (Al-Anfâl: 15).

Zahfan: as an army marching toward the enemy.

Zḥf in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1
Surah Al-Anfal : 15 Medinan
﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ زَحْفًا فَلَا تُوَلُّوهُمُ ٱلْأَدْبَارَ
O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight].

Words from the same root as Zḥf

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