Meaning of the Phrase 'Iftara' in the Quran

Question

The phrase 'iftara' appears in the verse: 'Or do they say, 'He invented it'? Say, 'Then bring forth a surah like it.'

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

The term 'iftara' is mentioned in the verse: {أَمْ يَقُولُونَ اِفْتَرٰاهُ قُلْ فَأْتُوا بِسُورَةٍ مِثْلِهِ} (Or do they say, 'He invented it'? Say, 'Then bring forth a surah like it.').

The root word 'far' refers to cutting the skin for sewing and repairing, while 'ifrar' relates to corruption, and 'iftira' is more commonly used in the context of lying, associating partners with Allah, and injustice. This term is also used in the Quran to denote falsehood and deceit. (Vocabulary of the Quran, p. 634)

According to the author of 'Lisan al-Arab', 'iftara' means to fabricate or invent. The term 'firyah' refers to a lie. To 'fara' a lie means to fabricate it. Al-Layth states that it is said 'Fara fulan al-kadhib' (So-and-so fabricated a lie) when he invented it, and 'firyah' is a term for a lie. Others have said that 'iftara al-kadhib' means he fabricated it. The term 'fara' can also mean to create something, and 'iftara' means to invent it, with 'firyah' being the noun form. (Lisan al-Arab, vol. 15, p. 154)

May you be successful in all that is good.