The
Arabic word ʿItrah has many meanings based on three main features: The first one refers to the closeness
(genealogy) of a person. The second one
refers to the chain and circle. The
third one refers to ʿIṭr (عطر) which means
fragrance.
In
actual fact members of the
Ahl al-bayt
(a.s.) are the ʿItrah of the holy prophet (ph&hp). They are the stem and the origin of the above
features, initiated by Allāh (J.J.), to perform such a role of authority for
protecting His dīn, and for guiding the people.
Unithetically
, ʿItrat(h) resembles authority in English and Latin
languages. Authority is derived from
Author which resembles the Arabic word Athar(اثر). Traditionally speaking Athar and ʼAḥādith maʼthūrah are the narrations narrated from the ʿItrah.