Quranic root
ضوأ
ḍ · w · ʾ
A root centered on light, radiance, and the making-visible effect of illumination.
The evidence develops from light emitted or diffused by luminous bodies to causing something to become visible, and figuratively to guidance, revelation, or counsel. These extensions belong to particular forms and constructions rather than automatically to every derivative.
- Maqāyīs · row 2963
- Mufradāt · row 882
- Lane · entry 18111
- Lane · entry 18114
- 2
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 6
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
أَضَاءَ
ʾaḍāʾa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form IV
- Form
- IV
- Quran occurrences
- 3 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To shine or give light; transitively, to illuminate something or provide light for someone.
Used of a luminous source that shines or lights its surroundings, and transitively with an object or with a person-benefactive construction. The same brightness sense appears in the exclamation ما أضوأهُ, “How bright or light it is.”
- Lane · entry 18112
- Mufradāt · row 882
Selected Quran examples
ضِيَاءٌ
ḍiyāʾun
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 3 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Radiant light or bright illumination emitted or diffused from a luminous body.
Used of physical light, including the sun’s radiance and other luminous sources. Lexical usage variably treats ضِيَاءٌ and نُورٌ as synonyms or distinguishes ضِيَاءٌ as more forceful, as rays diffused by نُورٌ, or as light subsisting by itself, such as that of the sun or fire.
- Lane · entry 18115
- Mufradāt · row 882
Selected Quran examples
Quran 10:5word 5
“a shining light”
Quran 28:71word 17
“light”
An illuminating means of guidance, especially revealed teaching or scripture.
A figurative Quranic application to the guidance associated with the Furqan given to Moses and Aaron.
- Mufradāt · row 882
Selected Quran examples
Quran 21:48word 6
“and a light”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:17أَضَآءَتْit illuminated
- 2:20أَضَآءَit flashes
- 10:5ضِيَآءًۭa shining light
- 21:48وَضِيَآءًۭand a light
- 24:35يُضِىٓءُglow
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 7 Classical meanings
ضَوَّأَ
To bring something to light; make it visible, discover it, or reveal it.
A transitive Form II use, applicable to a person or a thing.
- Lane · entry 18111
ضَوَّأَ
To decline or turn away from an affair.
A rare Form II construction used with عن الأمر and attributed to a single reported authority.
- Lane · entry 18111
أَضَاءَ بِبَوْلِهِ
In an idiom, to eject urine so that its drops glisten, or to emit it and then stop it.
A tropical or idiomatic Form IV construction with بِبَوْلِهِ; alternative explanations of the action are reported.
- Lane · entry 18112
أَضَاءَ
To come upon or find light or brightness.
A separate idiomatic interpretation, equivalent to أصاب ضوءًا.
- Lane · entry 18112
تَضَوَّأَ
To stand in darkness and use the light of a fire to observe others without being seen.
A conventional Form V use involving covert observation by firelight.
- Lane · entry 18113
اِسْتَضَاءَ
To seek or obtain light by means of something, or to use it for illumination.
Normally constructed with بِـ for the means by which light is obtained.
- Lane · entry 18114
اِسْتَضَاءَ
Figuratively, to seek counsel or advice in a confused affair.
A metaphorical extension of seeking light, attested in a saying about seeking advice from people associated with polytheism.
- Lane · entry 18114
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
Lexical accounts differ on the relation between ضِيَاءٌ or ضَوْءٌ and نُورٌ: they may be treated as synonyms, or ضِيَاءٌ may be treated as the stronger or self-subsisting light.
The Form II meaning “turn away” and the Form IV urine idiom are rare Classical constructions and are not Quranic senses.