"And they followed the command of every obstinate tyrant" (Qur'an 11:59) — meaning, they followed one another in disbelief. Al-'anid (the obstinate) is one who avoids guidance and opposes it.

Muhammad said: The root of al-'anid in the language is al-ja'ir (the one who deviates). Al-'ind, to the Arabs, means the side or flank. Thus, one who deviates is called 'anid (obstinate) because he has moved to the side of what is intended and correct.