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Section 7 The Terms Itrah (عِتْرَةٌ) and Itrati (عِتْرَتِي)
In Hadith Tsaqalain, the Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned two significant matters (Tsaqalain) that were entrusted to his followers:
- Kitabullah (The Book of Allah, the revealed divine scripture).
- Itrati Ahlul Baiti (His close family and household).
However, a notable difference in terminology arises as many people tend to refer to "Itrah Ahlul Bait" instead of using the exact phrase that the Prophet SAW mentioned in the hadith, which is "Itrati Ahlul Baiti" or "Itrah Ahlul Bait of Prophet Muhammad".
At first glance, this difference may seem insignificant and not affect comprehension. However, if the terminology continues to be used inaccurately, it may alter the meaning and gradually obscure the true significance of "Itrati Ahlul Baiti".
Why Is This Terminological Difference Important?
Some critical questions arise:
- How can we understand "Itrati Ahlul Baiti" as a significant legacy if we mispronounce it from the outset?
- How can we uncover the hidden wisdom behind Ahlul Bait if we do not prioritize the exact words spoken by the Prophet SAW?
In this hadith, the Prophet SAW did not merely say "Itrah", but rather "Itrati" (عِتْرَتِي), which means "My Itrah" or "My close family".
Similarly, he did not just say "Ahlul Bait", but rather "Ahlul Baiti", meaning "My household members" rather than just "household members."
The neglect of this distinction has led to the loss of its original meaning, and at the same time, Muslims have failed to redefine the true meaning of "Itrati Ahlul Baiti".
Impact of Terminological Changes on Muslim Understanding
Due to this neglect, various interpretations have emerged among scholars, including within Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWJ) and Shia Islam, which have led to differences in understanding the true meaning of Ahlul Bait in Islam.
Furthermore, due to the lack of clarity in this understanding, we find that the Shia argument regarding the "Ahlul Bait's will" is difficult to refute comprehensively by many scholars and Islamic groups.
For this reason, I wish to emphasize to all readers that this writing is solely intended to clarify the distinction between "Itrah" and "Itrati."
This clarification is crucial for deeper comprehension before delving further into the discussion of Ahlul Bait.
The Term Itrah (عِتْرَةٌ)
The term "Itrah" (عِتْرَةٌ) originates from the Arabic root ‘a-ta-ra (عَتَرَ), which literally means "close family" or "a person's lineage."
In Islamic context, the term refers to direct lineage (nasab), particularly referring to the family members of Prophet Muhammad SAW who have a direct blood relationship with him.
This lineage continues through the descendants of Sayyidatina Fatimah Az-Zahra RA, and it is generally understood as the physical genealogical connection linking Ahlul Bait to the Prophet SAW.
The Term Itrati (عِتْرَتِي)
Itrati (عِتْرَتِي) is derived from Itrah (عِتْرَةٌ) as mentioned above.
From an Arabic grammatical perspective, Itrati means "My Itrah" or "My close family."
This is the exact term used by the Prophet SAW in Hadith Tsaqalain, indicating an exclusive relationship between the Prophet SAW and his family members.
In other words, the use of "Itrati" signifies direct ownership by the Prophet SAW over his family members, rather than merely referring to his lineage in general.
Differences Between Itrah and Itrati
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Itrah (عِتْرَةٌ) | A general term referring to the family members of Prophet Muhammad SAW based on genealogy. |
| Itrati (عِتْرَتِي) | A specific term emphasizing the Prophet SAW’s direct ownership and connection with his family members. |
This distinction is significant as it highlights the special status of the Prophet’s family members, not merely as ordinary descendants but as an exclusive, personal group entrusted alongside Kitabullah in Hadith Tsaqalain.
Conclusion
In Hadith Tsaqalain, the Prophet Muhammad SAW placed Itrati alongside Kitabullah, demonstrating that both are a profound and weighty legacy that Muslims must firmly adhere to.
- Itrati belongs to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, whereas Kitabullah belongs to Allah SWT.
- Both were bequeathed to this ummah as the primary guidance to prevent deviation from the right path.
From this perspective, we can understand why the distinction between "Itrah" and "Itrati" is not a trivial matter.
If we truly wish to comprehend the authentic meaning of Hadith Tsaqalain, we must mention it exactly as the Prophet SAW stated, without modifying or altering the original terminology.
With this understanding, we gain a clearer insight into:
- How Itrah develops "noble character" in religious life.
- How Kitabullah cultivates "devotion to Allah SWT".
It is crucial to note that Itrah is not merely a genetic connection but also entails a spiritual bond and their essential role in preserving the true teachings of Islam.
Final Thoughts
After reading this, every time we hear Hadith Tsaqalain, we should be more cautious in understanding and using its terminology accurately.
The "Ahlul Baiti" mentioned by the Prophet SAW is not merely referring to physical descendants, but also to a legacy of knowledge, character, and leadership entrusted with a major responsibility in Islam.
May this article help us grasp the true meaning of the terms "Itrah" and "Itrati" in Islam.