Qalīl is interpreted in six ways:
1. Qalīl is used in the sense of yasīr/less; it is so in the following verses:
In exchange for it, to obtain a qalīl (i.e., yasīr/insignificant) sum, a fleeting, small amount of worldly goods... (al-Baqara 2:79)
They sold the verses of Allah for a qalīl (i.e., yasīr/insignificant) sum (i.e., wealth). (al-Tawba 9:9)
2. The word qalīl is used in the sense of ostentation and for others to hear; as in the following verse:
They do not remember Allah except a qalīl (i.e., for ostentation and so that others may hear). (al-Nisāʾ 4:142)
3. al-Qalīl is used in the sense of nothingness/the absence of something; as in the following verses:
You show qalīl gratitude (i.e., you do not show any gratitude). (al-Aʿrāf 7:10)
He who (created you), made for you hearing, sight, and hearts; but you show qalīl gratitude (i.e., you do not show any gratitude). (al-Mulk 67:23)
A similar verse is also found in Sūrat al-Naḥl.
It is not the word of a poet; little is it that you believe (qalīl, i.e., you do not believe); nor the word of a soothsayer; little do you remember (qalīl, i.e., you do not remember). (al-Ḥāqqa 69:41-42)
4. Qalīl is used in the sense of few in comparison to many; as in the following verses:
{Pharaoh said}: "Indeed, these (i.e., Mūsā and those with him) are but a qalīl (i.e., a small band compared to our great numbers)." (al-Shuʿarāʾ 26:54)
Pharaoh meant: "The Children of Israel are few compared to many others." Indeed, the companions of Moses, including women and children, numbered 600,000, while Pharaoh and his followers consisted of 1,000,000 warriors.
If We had decreed upon them, "Kill yourselves or leave your homes," not all but a qalīl (i.e., except for a small portion compared to the rest) would have done so. (al-Nisāʾ 4:66)
5. By the word qalīl, 313 people are meant; as in the following verse:
Except for a qalīl (i.e., the number of the Prophet's companions at the Battle of Badr: 313 people) among them, they drank from it... (al-Baqara 2:249)
6. By the word qalīl, in the verse concerning the companions of Noah's Ark, 80 people are meant:
And none had believed with him except a qalīl (i.e., 40 men and 40 women, a total of 80 people). (Hūd 11:40)