s-f-r

Description

The Arabic root س-ف-ر (s-f-r) carries the core meaning of revealing, uncovering, or bringing to light, which manifests in two primary Quranic applications: physical travel (safar/journey) that uncovers new territories and experiences, and the recording or transmission of knowledge through books and scribes (sifr/safara) that unveils and preserves divine truth. The connection between these seemingly disparate meanings reflects the idea that both travel and written texts serve to illuminate what was previously hidden or unknown. This root's usage in the Quran emphasizes both the practical dimensions of religious life, such as travel provisions and concessions for travelers, and the sacred role of scripture and those who transmit it as agents of divine revelation.