gh-b-r

Description

The Arabic root غبر (gh-b-r) carries the core semantic meaning of remaining, lingering, or what is left behind, with a secondary association to dust as something that settles and remains after movement ceases. In the Quran, this root manifests in two main contexts: literally referring to dust or particles that remain suspended or settled, and metaphorically describing people who stay behind or remain when others have departed, particularly those who fail to join military expeditions or migrations. The semantic connection between dust and remaining behind reflects the concept of being static, settled, or left in a state of inactivity while others move forward.