n-kh-r

Description

The Arabic root نخر (n-kh-r) conveys the core meaning of something that has become hollow, decayed, or rotten from within, particularly referring to bones that have decomposed and lost their structural integrity. In the Quranic context, it appears in Surah An-Nazi'at (79:11) where disbelievers mockingly question whether they will be returned to life after becoming decayed bones (عظاماً نخرة). This root emphasizes the seemingly impossible nature of resurrection from a human perspective, highlighting the complete decomposition and apparent lifelessness of remains, which God then uses to demonstrate His ultimate power over death and recreation.