The Holy Qur'an · July 6, 2026

Min

Min is interpreted in four ways: 1. Min serves as a connective particle in speech [a linking particle without independent meaning], as in the following verses: That He may forgive you your sins [min-dhunūbikum] (that is, …

Min is interpreted in four ways:

1. Min serves as a connective particle in speech [a linking particle without independent meaning], as in the following verses:

That He may forgive you your sins [min-dhunūbikum] (that is, all your sins). (Nūḥ 71:4)

He has ordained for you of religion [mina'd-dīni] (that is, the religion) what He enjoined upon Noah. (al-Shūrā 42:13)

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze [min-abṣāri-him] (that is, to avert their eyes completely / to guard all their glances from disobedience). (al-Nūr 24:30)

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze [min-abṣāri-hinna] (that is, to avert their eyes completely / to guard all their glances from disobedience). (al-Nūr 24:31)

My Lord, You have given me of sovereignty [mina'l-mulki] (that is, sovereignty). (Yūsuf 12:101)

There are many similar instances.

2. The phrase min-amrihi [of His command] is used in the sense of "by His command"; as in the following verses:

He sends down the Spirit by His command [min-amrihi] (that is, by His command). (al-Mu'min 40:15)

Therein descend the angels and the Spirit, by permission of their Lord, for every matter [min-kulli amrin] (that is, with every command). (al-Qadr 97:4)

And We sent down, from the rain clouds that are pressed together [mina'l-muʿṣirāt] (that is, with the pressed clouds), pouring water. (al-Nabaʾ 78:14)

For him are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah [min-amri'llāhi] (that is, by Allah's command). (al-Raʿd 13:11)

3. Min is used in the sense of "in, at, within"; as in the following verses:

So approach them from where Allah has ordained for you [min-ḥaythu amarakumu'llāhu] (that is, have relations with them in the place Allah has commanded, namely, the private part). (al-Baqara 2:222)

Say, "Have you considered your partners whom you invoke besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth [mina'l-arḍi] (that is, in the earth)!" (Fāṭir 35:40)

A similar usage is found in Sūrat al-Aḥqāf.

4. Min is used in the sense of 'ala (upon, against); as in the following verse:

We helped him against the people who denied Our signs [mina'l-qawmi] (that is, against the people). (al-Anbiyāʾ 21:77)