The "big word" in the Quran, often interpreted as the longest word, is (فأسقيناكموه) Fa asqaynaakumooh.
This remarkable word, found in Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter 15), verse 22, consists of 11 letters in Arabic script. It translates to mean "{...and given you drink from it.}" or "then We gave it to you to drink." Its length and composite structure make it a unique linguistic feature within the Holy Book.
Understanding the Longest Word: (فأسقيناكموه)
The Arabic language is known for its agglutinative nature, where prefixes, suffixes, and infixes can be attached to a root word to convey complex meanings in a single term. This characteristic is perfectly exemplified by (فأسقيناكموه).
Let's break down its components:
- فَـ (Fa-): A conjunction meaning "and," "then," or "so."
- أسقَيـْ (Asqay-): The root verb derived from "saqaa" (سقى), meaning "to give drink" or "to water."
- ـنا (Naa-): The first-person plural pronoun suffix, meaning "we" (as in "We gave drink").
- ـكُمُو (Kumoo-): The second-person plural pronoun suffix, meaning "you all" (as in "to you all").
- ـه (Hoo): The third-person masculine singular pronoun suffix, meaning "it" (referring to the water/rain mentioned in the preceding part of the verse).
Combining these elements, the word succinctly conveys a complete phrase: "So We gave it to you all to drink."
Context in Surah Al-Hijr (15:22)
The verse in which (فأسقيناكموه) appears is part of a passage highlighting Allah's creation and provisions for humanity:
"And We send down the fertilizing winds and send down water from the sky and give you drink from it. And you are not its retainers."
(Quran 15:22)
This verse emphasizes divine power and the bounty of Allah, providing essential resources like water, which are fundamental for life. The compactness of the Arabic language allows such profound meanings to be encapsulated efficiently, even in a single word.
Key Details of (فأسقيناكموه)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arabic Word | فأسقيناكموه |
| Transliteration | Fa asqaynaakumooh |
| Number of Letters | 11 |
| Meaning | {...and given you drink from it.} / "So We gave it to you all to drink." |
| Surah | Al-Hijr (Chapter 15) |
| Verse | 22 |
| Source | Quran 15:22 |
Linguistic Significance
The presence of such lengthy and information-dense words like (فأسقيناكموه) is a testament to the richness and structural complexity of the Arabic language, particularly in its classical form used in the Quran. It demonstrates how:
- Economy of Expression: Multiple concepts can be conveyed in a single word, making the language concise yet profound.
- Agglutination: The ability to attach various morphemes (meaningful units) to a root word to form new words and express grammatical relationships.
- Eloquence: The rhythmic and phonetic qualities of such words contribute to the overall beauty and eloquence of the Quranic text.
This linguistic depth is one of the many facets that scholars and linguists admire about the Quran.
