'-j-f

Description

The Arabic root ع-ج-ف ('ajafa) carries the core meaning of leanness, thinness, or emaciation, particularly referring to malnourished livestock. In the Quran, it appears in Surah Yusuf in the story of Pharaoh's dream, where seven lean cows (baqarāt 'ijāf) devour seven fat cows, symbolizing seven years of famine following seven years of prosperity. This root's usage emphasizes scarcity and depletion, serving as a divine warning and prophetic sign interpreted by Prophet Yusuf to guide Egypt's preparation for impending hardship.