'-t-f

Description

The Arabic root ع-ط-ف (ʿ-ṭ-f) carries the core meaning of bending, turning, or inclining, particularly in reference to the physical act of turning one's neck or body. In its Quranic usage, it describes the arrogant gesture of turning away one's neck or face in disdain and rejection, symbolizing pride and refusal to accept divine guidance. This physical manifestation of arrogance serves as a powerful metaphor in the Quran for spiritual obstinacy and the deliberate turning away from truth and God's signs.