What does « Coarse / Brutal » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word Coarse / Brutal (فظ) in the Quran, with 1 verse in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

فظ

Coarse / Brutal

Root: ف - ظ

Creed (aqida) 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of Coarse / Brutal

Al-Faẓẓ refers to harshness in treatment and severity of speech.

The Almighty says: 'And if you had been rude and harsh in heart, they would have dispersed from around you' (Al-'Imran 159).

Al-faẓẓ is one who is harsh in manner and speech.

Coarse / Brutal in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 0 Medinan: 1

Surah Âl 'Imrân : 159 Medinan

﴿فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ﴾

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].