h-r-f

Description

The Arabic root ح-ر-ف (h-r-f) carries the core meaning of deviation, turning away, or being on the edge/boundary of something. In the Quranic context, it primarily appears in forms meaning to distort or alter (particularly regarding scripture), and metaphorically describes those who follow religion superficially or conditionally, as if standing on the edge ready to turn away. This root emphasizes both the concept of textual corruption by deviating from original meaning and the instability of faith that wavers at the margins rather than being firmly established.