What does « Ḍan » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Ḍan (ضأن) 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.

ضأن

Ḍan

Root: ض - ن

Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

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Definition of Ḍan

Ad-da'n: the sheep, known to all.

The Almighty says: 'Of the sheep two' (Al-An'am 143) in the context of lawful animals.

Sheep are among the permitted livestock for consumption and sacrifice.

Ḍan in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0

Surah Al-An'am : 143 Meccan

﴿ثَمَٰنِيَةَ أَزْوَٰجٍ مِّنَ ٱلضَّأْنِ ٱثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمَعْزِ ٱثْنَيْنِ قُلْ ءَآلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ نَبِّـُٔونِى بِعِلْمٍ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ﴾

[They are] eight mates - of the sheep, two and of the goats, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Inform me with knowledge, if you should be truthful."