سفح

Core meaning

To let flow without restraint: blood shed outside the body, a union poured out beyond the bond that should contain it.

Uses

1. مَسْفُوح → "spilled" : blood that flows out of the body, prohibited among foods.

   • «أَوْ دَمًۭا مَّسْفُوحًا» — "or spilled blood" (6:145)

2. مُسَٰفِحِين, مُسَٰفِحَٰت → "debauchery" : men and women who pour themselves out beyond the marital bond.

   • «مُّحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَٰفِحِينَ» — "as men who commit to the marital bond, not in debauchery" (4:24)
   • «مُحْصَنَٰتٍ غَيْرَ مُسَٰفِحَٰتٍۢ» — "as protected women, not" (4:25)

Evidence from the text

In 6:145, the word qualifies blood that flows out of the body. In 4:24, 4:25 and 5:5, it is each time set against حصن, the marital bond that protects: the union that does not let itself be contained by this bond is called poured out, and the text sets it aside. Both uses state the same flowing: what should have stayed contained escapes.

Distinctions

• زنى — the illicit relation as an act, whereas سفح states the flowing beyond the bond

See also

حصن (to protect by the marital bond)