Discover the meaning of the word ʿthur (عثر) in the Quran, with 2 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.
عثر
ʿthur
Root: ع - ث - ر
Quranic language 2 verses
Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
📖 1 min read
Definition of ʿthur
'Athara al-rajulu ya'thuru 'itharan wa 'uthuran: when he stumbles.
It is used metaphorically for falling into error.
The Almighty says: 'If it is discovered that they committed a sin' (Al-Ma'ida 107).
But if it is found that those two were guilty of perjury, let two others stand in their place [who are] foremost [in claim] from those who have a lawful right. And let them swear by Allah, "Our testimony is truer than their testimony, and we have not transgressed. Indeed, we would then be of the wrongdoers."
And similarly, We caused them to be found that they [who found them] would know that the promise of Allah is truth and that of the Hour there is no doubt. [That was] when they disputed among themselves about their affair and [then] said, "Construct over them a structure. Their Lord is most knowing about them." Said those who prevailed in the matter, "We will surely take [for ourselves] over them a masjid."
God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.