Meaning of Asir
The word Asir originates from al-asr, which means:
Fastening with a bond
Raghib, the famous lexicographer, in his Qur'anic dictionary al- Mufradat86 says:
"One who was tied by fetters was known to be asir; thereafter the word was intended for every entity that is seized and bound, even if it was not fettered by anything. ..for example:
I am bound to your favor
From the abovementioned definition, the comprehensiveness of the concept of the word 'asir' becomes clear. The traditions of the Holy Prophet (s) and his immaculate progeny also reveal this truth. Following are some examples for your perusal:
a. Imam Abu'l I:lasan al- Thalith87 (' Ali al-Naqi ('a)) is reported to have said:
The ignorant one is a captive of his tongue
b. In a supplication88 from Yusha' bin Nun ('a) we find the following expression:
___________________________
86 Raghib Isfahani, al-Mufradat, p. 76, new ed.
87 Allama Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, v.78, p. 368, tr. 3