'-b-s

Description

The Arabic root ع-ب-س ('a-b-s) carries the core meaning of frowning, scowling, or displaying a stern, harsh facial expression that reflects inner displeasure or severity. In the Quranic context, it appears most notably in Surah 'Abasa (He Frowned), describing the Prophet's facial reaction when interrupted by a blind man while engaged with Quraysh leaders, serving as a divine correction about showing equal attention to all seekers of guidance regardless of social status. The root conveys both the physical manifestation of frowning and the associated attitude of harshness or severity toward others.