Haqiqatul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) — Page 545
EPILOGUE-SIGNS 545 the etymology of this word has a very wide connotation, for [batr] in Arabic means to cut the very root. Let it be clearly understood that the Arabic term [abtar] has a very wide import. Lisänul-'Arab¹ says: [abtar] means to root out, to eradicate, to cut from the very root. A second meaning of [batr] is to cut off the tail etc. 1. [abtar] is said of the one whose tail has been cut off. 2. A particular species of snakes is also called [abtar]. This kind of snake is called Satan. If a pregnant woman happens to look at it, a miscarriage takes place. 3. And it is stated in the aḥādīth that every major action which is not commenced with glorification of Allah is [abtar]. 4. And [abtar] is also said of one who has no successor, i. e. he has no son, or whose son has no son. According to Lisänul-Arab: ['aqib] means a son, as well as the son of a son. As such, anyone without a son is [abtar] and one whose son is without a son is also [abtar]. But, a person cannot be called [abtar] if any son from among his several sons becomes the cause of the continuity of his lineal succession. Thus, the person who dies and leaves no such child behind is also called [abtar]. The following words of God Almighty have been interpreted accordingly: إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الابتر 1. A classical Arabic dictionary. [Publisher] 2. Surely, it is your enemy who is without issue (Surah al-Kauthar, 108:4). [Publisher]