The Book of ʿArāyā

Section
The Derivation of the Word ʿAriyyah

The word ʿariyyah derives from the expression ʿarawtu al-rajula, aʿrūhu, meaning to approach a man seeking his kindness and generosity, as in the words of Allah, Mighty and Majestic:

“And feed the needy and the beggar.” [al-Hajj: 36]

It is also said to derive from a person’s relinquishing ownership of the fruit, as in His words, Mighty and Majestic:

“Then We cast him onto the open shore.” [al-Sāffāt: 145]

Another explanation is that it is called ʿariyyah because it is excluded from bargaining when the crop is sold, if it has been made available to the needy at large. The verb is aʿrā, yuʿrī, with the verbal noun iʿrāʾ. The author of al-ʿAyn states that, according to these explanations, ʿariyyah denotes the fruit given as a gift. It has also been said that the word originally refers to a date palm being stripped of its fruit through the gifting of that fruit, and that this is why it is called ʿariyyah. According to this explanation, ʿariyyah denotes the date palm whose fruit has been given away, rather than the fruit itself. The first interpretation is clearer and preferable, since the transmitted reports support it.

Section
The Meaning of Iʿrāʾ

Iʿrāʾ means giving fruit as a gift while it is still on the trees; the fruit thus given is the ʿariyyah. The ʿariyyah is subject to the specific concession reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and responsibility for watering it