Discover the meaning of the word Sabt (سبت) in the Quran, with 7 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.
سبت
Sabt
Root: س - ب - ت
Creed (aqida) 7 verses
Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
📖 2 min read
Definition of Sabt
As-sabt originally means to cut.
One says: he cut the road, he shaved his hair, he cut off his nose.
Then it refers to rest from work.
The Sabbath is the day when Jews cease work. 'the day of the Sabbath' (An-Nisa 47). 'those who transgressed the Sabbath' (Al-Baqara 65).
As-subat: deep sleep as a cutting off of consciousness.
O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the decree of Allah accomplished.
And We raised over them the mount for [refusal of] their covenant; and We said to them, "Enter the gate bowing humbly", and We said to them, "Do not transgress on the sabbath", and We took from them a solemn covenant.
And ask them about the town that was by the sea - when they transgressed in [the matter of] the sabbath - when their fish came to them openly on their sabbath day, and the day they had no sabbath they did not come to them. Thus did We give them trial because they were defiantly disobedient.
The sabbath was only appointed for those who differed over it. And indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.
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.