'-j-b

Description

The Arabic root ع-ج-ب ('ayn-jīm-bā') conveys the core meaning of wonder, amazement, and being struck by something unexpected or extraordinary. In the Quranic context, this root frequently describes the astonished reactions of disbelievers to divine revelation and prophetic messages, as well as their skepticism about resurrection and monotheism, positioning their amazement as either a barrier to faith or as ironic given the obvious signs of God's power. The root also characterizes the inappropriate attitude of self-admiration and arrogance that God criticizes, while simultaneously presenting God's creation and miracles as legitimately wonder-inducing realities that should lead to reflection and faith.