The noun athir is not in the Quran, but its root is, for one of the finest virtues: the Ansar “prefer (yuʾthiruna) others to themselves, even if they are in need” (59:9); and Yusuf’s brothers tell him: “Allah has preferred you (atharaka) over us” (12:91).
Meaning of the name Atheer
Athir comes from the root ʾ-th-r of preference (athara, “to prefer, to put first”): one who is preferred and honoured above others. Modern Arabic also uses al-athir for ether, hence radio “airwaves”. The name is given to boys and girls in the Middle East; it also recalls Ibn al-Athir, the great historian.
And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e.,al-Madīnah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what they [i.e., the emigrants] were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.
