d-h-n

Description

The Arabic root د-ه-n (d-h-n) carries the core meaning of oil, grease, or softness, which extends metaphorically to describe smoothness in dealing with others, often negatively as compromise of principles or insincere flexibility. In the Quran, this root appears literally referring to oil or oil-like substances, and figuratively to describe those who are slippery in their faith or who wish believers would soften their stance on truth to accommodate falsehood. The metaphorical usage captures the idea of being slick, pliable, or accommodating in matters where firmness is required, reflecting a critique of moral wavering or hypocritical indifference to religious principles.