Quranic root
رفث
r · f · th
The root centers on speech or expression that is shameful to expose openly, with sexual intercourse as its central associated domain.
The lexical evidence presents intercourse as the original referent of رَفَث, with related extensions to obscene speech, speech leading to intercourse, and intimate acts or signals associated with it.
- Maqāyīs · row 2094
- Mufradāt · row 568
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 2
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
رَفَثٌ
rafathun
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 2 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.
Sexual intercourse or intimate sexual relations.
In الرَّفَثُ إِلَى نِسَائِكُمْ (2:187), the noun is a euphemistic expression for sexual intercourse or intimate approach, with إِلَى reflecting the sense of approach or coming to one's wife. In the pilgrimage prohibition (2:197), intercourse is the principal interpretation.
- Lane · entry 23907
- Mufradāt · row 568
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:187word 5
“(is) the approach”
Quran 2:197word 9
“sexual relations”
Foul, immodest, or sexually explicit speech concerning intercourse and its preliminaries.
The usage includes speaking plainly about matters normally expressed allusively, as well as speech addressed to women or speech that invites or leads toward intercourse. This is one interpretation of the prohibition in 2:197.
- Lane · entry 23907
- Mufradāt · row 568
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:197word 9
“sexual relations”
In a rare interpretation of the pilgrimage prohibition, removal of external bodily impurities through grooming acts such as trimming the nails, removing armpit hair, or shaving the pubic hair.
This is an attributed and disputed interpretation of the prohibition in 2:197, not the prevailing sexual or speech-related sense.
- Lane · entry 23907
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:197word 9
“sexual relations”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 2 occurrencesBroader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 4 Classical meanings
رَفَثَ
To utter foul, immodest, or sexually explicit speech concerning women or intercourse; in constructions with one's wife, to have intercourse or engage in associated intimate acts, including kissing and amorous talk.
The speech sense includes speaking plainly of matters conventionally expressed by allusion. رَفَثَ بِامْرَأَتِهِ and رَفَثَ مَعَهَا can denote intercourse or related intimate conduct.
- Lane · entry 23902
رَافَثَ
To engage with a companion in mutual foul, immodest, or sexually explicit conversation concerning women or intercourse.
The Form III construction رَافَثَ صَاحِبَهُ denotes joining or vying with another in such conversation.
- Lane · entry 23903
تَرَافَثَ
For two people to engage mutually in foul, immodest, or sexually explicit conversation concerning women or intercourse.
The Form VI verb is used reciprocally of two participants joining or vying with each other in such conversation.
- Lane · entry 23906
رَفَثٌ
By extension, an act, expression, or signal associated with sexual intercourse, including kissing, amorous or enticing behavior, arranging intercourse through the tongue, or signaling desire with the eye.
In a broad classical usage, the term can encompass anything desired of one's wife in the sexual context; the listed bodily, verbal, and visual acts are specialized extensions rather than restrictions on the Quranic senses.
- Lane · entry 23907
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The pilgrimage prohibition in 2:197 has competing lexical interpretations: intercourse, speech concerning or leading to intercourse, and a rare attributed interpretation involving bodily grooming.
The rare grooming interpretation is uncertain in lexical assignment because the source notes that some explanations concern the prohibition formula rather than the noun itself.
Unassigned or ambiguous evidence
The external-impurities reading has been preserved as qf-rfv-rafath-s3, but its attribution and precise attachment to رَفَثٌ remain disputed.