Qabr (Grave) Is an Arabic Word
Fatwa No: 86662

Question

I need to know about Arabic word Qabr (grave).
1) Can we use this word for another meanings? If yes, then what are those meanings?
2) Is it Arabic word basically? Or taken from another old language and added to Arabic?
3) If it is taken from another old language than what is name of that language?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The Qabr (plural Quboor) (grave) is an Arabic word which means the ditch where dead human beings are buried. It was mentioned in the Quran and Hadeeth (Prophet's sayings) with variant derivations. Allah Says (what means):

• {Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards.} [Quran 102:1-2]

• {Then He causes his death and provides a grave for him.} [Quran 80:21]

The Prophet said: “Do not turn your homes into graves.” [Muslim] He also said: “The grave is the first step (abode) among those of the Hereafter.” [Ahmad]

The use of this word along with its different derivations denotes that it is an Arabic word in origin and not borrowed from another language. The author of "Lisaan al-‘Arab", an Arabic lexicon – and other authors – mentioned some other meanings for this word but with different formations. He said: “Ardhun Qaboorun", meaning an ambiguous plot of land - Nakhlatun Qaboorun, meaning a date palm that bears fruits quickly, or that the fruit of which is in its leaves, as well as other meanings.

Allah knows best.

Related Fatwa