م ث ل Root m-th-l in the Qur’an 169 occurrences in 148 verses

Words from this root

Meanings are the most common word-by-word translations of each word in the Qur’an.

مَثَل 88 times

• 2:17 · Al-Baqarahمَثَلُهُمْ Their exampleTheir example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness [so] they could not see.
• 2:17 · Al-Baqarahكَمَثَلِ (is) like (the) exampleTheir example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness [so] they could not see.
• 2:26 · Al-Baqarahمَثَلًۭا an exampleIndeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient,
• 2:26 · Al-Baqarahمَثَلًۭا ۘ exampleIndeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient,
• 2:171 · Al-Baqarahوَمَثَلُ And (the) exampleThe example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand.
• 2:171 · Al-Baqarahكَمَثَلِ (is) like (the) exampleThe example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand.
• 2:214 · Al-Baqarahمَّثَلُ like (came to)Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.
• 2:261 · Al-Baqarahمَّثَلُ ExampleThe example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
• 2:261 · Al-Baqarahكَمَثَلِ (is) likeThe example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
• 2:264 · Al-Baqarahفَمَثَلُهُۥ Then his exampleO you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.
• 2:264 · Al-Baqarahكَمَثَلِ (is) likeO you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.
• 2:265 · Al-Baqarahوَمَثَلُ And (the) exampleAnd the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.
• 2:265 · Al-Baqarahكَمَثَلِ (is) likeAnd the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.
• 3:59 · Ali 'Imranمَثَلَ (the) likenessIndeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.
• 3:59 · Ali 'Imranكَمَثَلِ (is) like (the) likenessIndeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.
• 3:117 · Ali 'Imranمَثَلُ ExampleThe example of what they spend in this worldly life is like that of a wind containing frost which strikes the harvest of a people who have wronged themselves and destroys it. And Allah has not wronged them, but they wrong themselves.
• 3:117 · Ali 'Imranكَمَثَلِ (is) like (the) exampleThe example of what they spend in this worldly life is like that of a wind containing frost which strikes the harvest of a people who have wronged themselves and destroys it. And Allah has not wronged them, but they wrong themselves.
• 6:38 · Al-An'amأَمْثَالُكُم ۚ like youAnd there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.
• 6:122 · Al-An'amمَّثَلُهُۥ [similar to him]And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom? Thus it has been made pleasing to the disbelievers that which they were doing.
• 6:160 · Al-An'amأَمْثَالِهَا ۖ the like of itWhoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.
• 7:176 · Al-A'rafفَمَثَلُهُۥ So his exampleAnd if We had willed, we could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
• 7:176 · Al-A'rafكَمَثَلِ (is) like (the) exampleAnd if We had willed, we could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
• 7:176 · Al-A'rafمَثَلُ (is the) exampleAnd if We had willed, we could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
• 7:177 · Al-A'rafمَثَلًا (as) an exampleHow evil an example [is that of] the people who denied Our signs and used to wrong themselves.
• 7:194 · Al-A'rafأَمْثَالُكُمْ ۖ like youIndeed, those you [polytheists] call upon besides Allah are servants like you. So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful.
• 10:24 · Yunusمَثَلُ (the) exampleThe example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought.
• 11:24 · Hud۞ مَثَلُ (The) exampleThe example of the two parties is like the blind and deaf, and the seeing and hearing. Are they equal in comparison? Then, will you not remember?
• 11:24 · Hudمَثَلًا ۚ (in) comparisonThe example of the two parties is like the blind and deaf, and the seeing and hearing. Are they equal in comparison? Then, will you not remember?
• 13:17 · Ar-Ra'dٱلْأَمْثَالَ the examplesHe sends down from the sky, rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allah presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples.
• 13:35 · Ar-Ra'd۞ مَّثَلُ The exampleThe example of Paradise, which the righteous have been promised, is [that] beneath it rivers flow. Its fruit is lasting, and its shade. That is the consequence for the righteous, and the consequence for the disbelievers is the Fire.

Also in 58 more places: 14:18, 14:24, 14:25, 14:26, 14:45, 16:60, 16:60, 16:74, 16:75, 16:76, 16:112, 17:48, 17:89, 18:32, 18:45, 18:54, 22:73, 24:34, 24:35, 24:35, 25:9, 25:33, 25:39, 29:41, 29:41, 29:43, 30:27, 30:28, 30:58, 36:13, 36:78, 39:27, 39:29, 39:29, 43:8, 43:17, 43:56, 43:57, 43:59, 47:3, 47:10, 47:15, 47:38, 48:29, 48:29, 56:23, 56:61, 57:20, 59:15, 59:16, 59:21, 62:5, 62:5, 62:5, 66:10, 66:11, 74:31, 76:28

مِثْل 75 times

• 2:23 · Al-Baqarahمِّثْلِهِۦ like itAnd if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.
• 2:106 · Al-Baqarahمِثْلِهَآ ۗ similar (to) itWe do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth [one] better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is over all things competent?
• 2:113 · Al-Baqarahمِثْلَ similarThe Jews say "The Christians have nothing [true] to stand on," and the Christians say, "The Jews have nothing to stand on," although they [both] recite the Scripture. Thus the polytheists speak the same as their words. But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.
• 2:118 · Al-Baqarahمِّثْلَ similarThose who do not know say, "Why does Allah not speak to us or there come to us a sign?" Thus spoke those before them like their words. Their hearts resemble each other. We have shown clearly the signs to a people who are certain [in faith].
• 2:137 · Al-Baqarahبِمِثْلِ in (the) likeSo if they believe in the same as you believe in, then they have been [rightly] guided; but if they turn away, they are only in dissension, and Allah will be sufficient for you against them. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
• 2:194 · Al-Baqarahبِمِثْلِ in (the) same manner[Fighting in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
• 2:228 · Al-Baqarahمِثْلُ (is the) likeDivorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
• 2:233 · Al-Baqarahمِثْلُ (is a duty) likeMothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.
• 2:275 · Al-Baqarahمِثْلُ (is) likeThose who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.
• 3:13 · Ali 'Imranمِّثْلَيْهِمْ twice of themAlready there has been for you a sign in the two armies which met - one fighting in the cause of Allah and another of disbelievers. They saw them [to be] twice their [own] number by [their] eyesight. But Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Indeed in that is a lesson for those of vision.
• 3:73 · Ali 'Imranمِّثْلَ (the) likeAnd do not trust except those who follow your religion." Say, "Indeed, the [true] guidance is the guidance of Allah. [Do you fear] lest someone be given [knowledge] like you were given or that they would [thereby] argue with you before your Lord?" Say, "Indeed, [all] bounty is in the hand of Allah - He grants it to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Wise."
• 3:140 · Ali 'Imranمِّثْلُهُۥ ۚ like itIf a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -
• 3:165 · Ali 'Imranمِّثْلَيْهَا twice of itWhy [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.
• 4:11 · An-Nisaمِثْلُ likeAllah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
• 4:140 · An-Nisaمِّثْلُهُمْ ۗ (would be) like themAnd it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together -
• 4:176 · An-Nisaمِثْلُ likeThey request from you a [legal] ruling. Say, "Allah gives you a ruling concerning one having neither descendants nor ascendants [as heirs]." If a man dies, leaving no child but [only] a sister, she will have half of what he left. And he inherits from her if she [dies and] has no child. But if there are two sisters [or more], they will have two-thirds of what he left. If there are both brothers and sisters, the male will have the share of two females. Allah makes clear to you [His law], lest you go astray. And Allah is Knowing of all things.
• 5:31 · Al-Ma'idahمِثْلَ likeThen Allah sent a crow searching in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said, "O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the body of my brother?" And he became of the regretful.
• 5:36 · Al-Ma'idahوَمِثْلَهُۥ and the like of itIndeed, those who disbelieve - if they should have all that is in the earth and the like of it with it by which to ransom themselves from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it will not be accepted from them, and for them is a painful punishment
• 5:95 · Al-Ma'idahمِّثْلُ (is) similarO you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of ihram. And whoever of you kills it intentionally - the penalty is an equivalent from sacrificial animals to what he killed, as judged by two just men among you as an offering [to Allah] delivered to the Ka'bah, or an expiation: the feeding of needy people or the equivalent of that in fasting, that he may taste the consequence of his deed. Allah has pardoned what is past; but whoever returns [to violation], then Allah will take retribution from him. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution.
• 6:93 · Al-An'amمِثْلَ likeAnd who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, "It has been inspired to me," while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, "I will reveal [something] like what Allah revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], "Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant."
• 6:124 · Al-An'amمِثْلَ likeAnd when a sign comes to them, they say, "Never will we believe until we are given like that which was given to the messengers of Allah." Allah is most knowing of where He places His message. There will afflict those who committed crimes debasement before Allah and severe punishment for what they used to conspire.
• 6:160 · Al-An'amمِثْلَهَا the like of itWhoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.
• 7:169 · Al-A'rafمِّثْلُهُۥ similar to itAnd there followed them successors who inherited the Scripture [while] taking the commodities of this lower life and saying, "It will be forgiven for us." And if an offer like it comes to them, they will [again] take it. Was not the covenant of the Scripture taken from them that they would not say about Allah except the truth, and they studied what was in it? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah, so will you not use reason?
• 8:31 · Al-Anfalمِثْلَ likeAnd when Our verses are recited to them, they say, "We have heard. If we willed, we could say [something] like this. This is not but legends of the former peoples."
• 10:27 · Yunusبِمِثْلِهَا (is) like itBut they who have earned [blame for] evil doings - the recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent, and humiliation will cover them. They will have from Allah no protector. It will be as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night - so dark [are they]. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
• 10:38 · Yunusمِّثْلِهِۦ like itOr do they say [about the Prophet], "He invented it?" Say, "Then bring forth a surah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful."
• 10:102 · Yunusمِثْلَ likeSo do they wait except for like [what occurred in] the days of those who passed on before them? Say, "Then wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."
• 11:13 · Hudمِّثْلِهِۦ like itOr do they say, "He invented it"? Say, "Then bring ten surahs like it that have been invented and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful."
• 11:27 · Hudمِّثْلَنَا like usSo the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said, "We do not see you but as a man like ourselves, and we do not see you followed except by those who are the lowest of us [and] at first suggestion. And we do not see in you over us any merit; rather, we think you are liars."
• 11:89 · Hudمِّثْلُ similarAnd O my people, let not [your] dissension from me cause you to be struck by that similar to what struck the people of Noah or the people of Hud or the people of Salih. And the people of Lot are not from you far away.

Also in 45 more places: 13:17, 13:18, 14:10, 14:11, 16:126, 17:88, 17:88, 17:99, 18:109, 18:110, 20:58, 21:3, 21:84, 22:60, 23:24, 23:33, 23:34, 23:47, 23:81, 24:17, 26:154, 26:186, 28:48, 28:79, 35:14, 36:15, 36:42, 36:81, 37:61, 38:43, 39:47, 40:30, 40:31, 40:40, 41:6, 41:13, 42:11, 42:40, 46:10, 51:23, 51:59, 52:34, 60:11, 65:12, 89:8

تَماثِيل 2 times

• 21:52 · Al-Anbyaٱلتَّمَاثِيلُ [the] statuesWhen he said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoted?"
• 34:13 · Sabaوَتَمَـٰثِيلَ and statuesThey made for him what he willed of elevated chambers, statues, bowls like reservoirs, and stationary kettles. [We said], "Work, O family of David, in gratitude." And few of My servants are grateful.

أَمْثَل 1 time

• 20:104 · Ta-Haأَمْثَلُهُمْ (the) best of themWe are most knowing of what they say when the best of them in manner will say, "You remained not but one day."

تَمَثَّلَ 1 time

• 19:17 · Maryamفَتَمَثَّلَ then he assumed for her the likenessAnd she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man.

مَثُلَة 1 time

• 13:6 · Ar-Ra'dٱلْمَثُلَـٰتُ ۗ [the] similar punishmentsThey impatiently urge you to bring about evil before good, while there has already occurred before them similar punishments [to what they demand]. And indeed, your Lord is full of forgiveness for the people despite their wrongdoing, and indeed, your Lord is severe in penalty.

مُثْلَى 1 time

• 20:63 · Ta-Haٱلْمُثْلَىٰ the exemplaryThey said, "Indeed, these are two magicians who want to drive you out of your land with their magic and do away with your most exemplary way.

How we count

Each Qur’an word whose stem comes from this root counts once. Attached prefixes and pronouns, such as wa- (and) or al- (the), are not counted separately. Root and lemma data: Quranic Arabic Corpus (Kais Dukes, University of Leeds), revised by quran-morphology, GNU GPL. All sources. Verse translation: Saheeh International.