حوب

Core meaning

A grave fault that weighs: the wrong done to those who cannot defend themselves.

Uses

1. حُوبًا → "a great crime" : the grave fault, said of the property of orphans devoured.

   • «إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حُوبًۭا كَبِيرًۭا» — "that is a great crime" (4:2)

Evidence from the text

The sole use closes the rule on the property of orphans: give it back to them, do not exchange the vile for the good, do not devour their property by joining it to one's own (4:2). The word qualifies this breach of trust toward those who cannot defend themselves, and sets it apart from mere negligence.

Distinctions

• خطء — fault: the failing, whereas حُوب is the crime that weighs upon the weak

See also

يتم (orphans)