The transgressors (الْعَادُونَ) are defined in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:7) as those who seek sexual relations beyond what Allah has made permissible: their wives and those whom their right hands possess.

Ibn Kathir explains that this refers to individuals who engage in unlawful actions such as fornication (zina) or homosexuality. The verse states, "But whoever seeks beyond that (فَمَنِ ابْتَغَى وَرَآءَ ذَلِكَ), then those are the transgressors (فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ)." The term الْعَادُونَ (al-'Adun) is derived from the root ع-د-و, meaning to transgress, exceed limits, or be aggressive. Thus, a *'Adun* is one who commits aggression or goes beyond established boundaries.

This definition highlights that permissible sexual relations are exclusively with one's lawful spouse or those under one's possession, and any deviation from this constitutes transgression against divine limits. The verse explicitly categorizes those who seek other avenues as "aggressors" or "transgressors" against Allah's commands.

📚 Sources: Classical tafsir (multi-source)