حقب

Core meaning

A long period left without measure: duration that is not counted.

Uses

1. حُقُب, أَحْقَاب → "a prolonged period", "prolonged periods" : a long duration, with no number or end stated.

   • «أَوْ أَمْضِىَ حُقُبًۭا» — "though I journey for a prolonged period" (18:60)
   • «لَّٰبِثِينَ فِيهَآ أَحْقَابًۭا» — "wherein they will remain for prolonged periods" (78:23)

Evidence from the text

Both uses apply the same unmeasured duration to two opposite situations: the walk Moussa is ready to prolong as far as the meeting of the two seas (18:60), and the stay in Jahannam of those who exceed all measure (78:23). The word says neither good nor bad: only a length that is not counted.

Distinctions

• امد — the span: a duration running toward an end, whereas حُقُب fixes none

See also

دهر (time)