What does « To shake the head » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word To shake the head (نغض) 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.

نغض
To shake the head
Root: ن - غ - ض
Quranic language 1 verse

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 1 min read

Definition of To shake the head

An-Naghḍ refers to head shaking in mockery.

The Almighty says: 'They will shake their heads at you' (Al-Isra 51).

Naghaḍa means to shake the head.

Al-inghāḍ can express refusal or mockery.

To shake the head in the Quran (1)

Meccan: 1 Medinan: 0
Surah Al-Isra : 51 Meccan
﴿أَوْ خَلْقًا مِّمَّا يَكْبُرُ فِى صُدُورِكُمْ فَسَيَقُولُونَ مَن يُعِيدُنَا قُلِ ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ فَسَيُنْغِضُونَ إِلَيْكَ رُءُوسَهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هُوَ قُلْ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ قَرِيبًا
Or [any] creation of that which is great within your breasts." And they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He who brought you forth the first time." Then they will nod their heads toward you and say, "When is that?" Say, "Perhaps it will be soon -

Words from the same root as To shake the head

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