kh-t-a

Description

The Arabic root خطأ (kh-ṭ-ʾ) in the Quran carries the core meaning of unintentional error, mistake, or wrongdoing committed without deliberate intent, distinguishing it from intentional sin. This root emphasizes the Islamic legal and moral distinction between accidental transgressions and purposeful disobedience, with the Quran treating unintentional errors with greater leniency and providing pathways for atonement through expiation or seeking forgiveness. The concept is significant in Quranic ethics as it acknowledges human fallibility while maintaining accountability, particularly in contexts of manslaughter, broken oaths, and unintended violations of religious law.