What does « Zannam » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Zannam (زنم) 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.

زنم
Zannam
Root: ز - ن - م
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Zannam

Az-zanim and al-muzannam: one who attaches himself to a group without belonging to it, like an appendage that grows without truly belonging.

The Almighty says: 'cruel, after all that, a usurper of lineage' (Al-Qalam 13), meaning known for evil as one recognizes a marked sheep.

It may also refer to one of doubtful origin who affiliates with those who are not his ancestors.

Zannam in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0
Surah Al-Qalam : 13 Meccan
﴿عُتُلٍّۭ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ زَنِيمٍ﴾
Cruel, moreover, and an illegitimate pretender.

Words from the same root as Zannam

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Fri 2 Jumada al-Thani
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اللهم صل على محمد O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.

Al-Ahzab 33:56

Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ