t-'-n

Description

The Arabic root طعن (ṭ-ʿ-n) carries the core meaning of striking, stabbing, or piercing, which extends metaphorically to attacking someone's reputation or honor through slander and defamation. In the Quranic context, this root appears in verses condemning those who malign or speak ill of others, particularly relating to false accusations against chaste women or mockery of believers. The term emphasizes the serious spiritual and social harm caused by verbal attacks on others' character, treating such defamation as a moral transgression comparable to physical violence.