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Ahl al-bayt occurs only twice in the Qur'an, once in regard to Ibrahim's family (11:73), but more significantly in a verse that states, “God only wishes to keep evil away from you, O people of the house, and to purify you completely" (33:33). The context suggests that this statement pertains to women in Muhammad's household, a view held by Sunni commentators. Some authorities have applied it more widely to descendants of Muhammad's clan (Banu Hashim), the Abbasids, and even the whole community of Muslims. Since the eighth century C.E., however, the Shi’a and many Sunnis have maintained that Qur'an 33:33 refers specifically to five people: [[Muhammad]], [[ʿAli ibn Abi Talib|Ali b. Abi Talib]] (Muhammad's cousin), 'Ali's wife [[Fatima]] (Muhammad's daughter), and their two children, [[Hasan]] and [[Hussain ibn Ali|Hussain]]. Ulema invoke hadiths in support of this view, as seen in Tabari's Jami' al-bayan (c. tenth century C.E.). Thus, in South Asia, they are called "the five pure ones" (panjatan pak). They are also known as “people of the mantle” ([[kisa']]) in remembrance of the occasion when the Prophet enveloped them with his mantle and recited this verse. | Ahl al-bayt occurs only twice in the Qur'an, once in regard to Ibrahim's family (11:73), but more significantly in a verse that states, “God only wishes to keep evil away from you, O people of the house, and to purify you completely" (33:33). The context suggests that this statement pertains to women in Muhammad's household, a view held by Sunni commentators. Some authorities have applied it more widely to descendants of Muhammad's clan (Banu Hashim), the Abbasids, and even the whole community of Muslims. Since the eighth century C.E., however, the Shi’a and many Sunnis have maintained that Qur'an 33:33 refers specifically to five people: [[Muhammad]], [[ʿAli ibn Abi Talib|Ali b. Abi Talib]] (Muhammad's cousin), 'Ali's wife [[Fatima]] (Muhammad's daughter), and their two children, [[Hasan]] and [[Hussain ibn Ali|Hussain]]. Ulema invoke hadiths in support of this view, as seen in Tabari's Jami' al-bayan (c. tenth century C.E.). Thus, in South Asia, they are called "the five pure ones" (panjatan pak). They are also known as “people of the mantle” ([[kisa']]) in remembrance of the occasion when the Prophet enveloped them with his mantle and recited this verse. | ||
=== Implicit Reference to Ahl al-Bayt === | ===Implicit Reference to Ahl al-Bayt=== | ||
The Holy Quran has explicitly spoken of Ahl al-Bayt in the Verse of Purification whereas in other verses it has referred to signs that conform to none but them. Abdullah Ibn Jafar says: I was in the presence of [[Muawiya]] with Hasan and Hussain when Muawiya asked, “O Abdullah Ibn Jafar! How much do you respect Hasan?” I answered, “O Muawiya! One day, during his rule, Umar ibn Khattab sent me to Ali ibn Abu-Talib saying, ‘I want to compile the Quran in a book. Send me what you have written of it.’ Ali said to me, ‘By Allah, he will kill you if you take to him my version of the Quran where for some of the verses I have written my interpretations.’ I asked, ‘What for?’ The Imam answered, ‘Allah says: | The Holy Quran has explicitly spoken of Ahl al-Bayt in the Verse of Purification whereas in other verses it has referred to signs that conform to none but them. Abdullah Ibn Jafar says: I was in the presence of [[Muawiya]] with Hasan and Hussain when Muawiya asked, “O Abdullah Ibn Jafar! How much do you respect Hasan?” I answered, “O Muawiya! One day, during his rule, Umar ibn Khattab sent me to Ali ibn Abu-Talib saying, ‘I want to compile the Quran in a book. Send me what you have written of it.’ Ali said to me, ‘By Allah, he will kill you if you take to him my version of the Quran where for some of the verses I have written my interpretations.’ I asked, ‘What for?’ The Imam answered, ‘Allah says: | ||
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==Significance== | ==Significance== | ||
Belief in the supermundane qualities of the ahl al-bayt and the [[imam]]s descended from them form the core of Shi'ite devotion. They are the ideal locus of authority and salvation in all things, both worldly and spiritual. As pure, sinless, and embodiments of divine wisdom, they are held to be the perfect leaders for the Muslim community, as well as models for moral action. Many believe that they possess a divine light through which God created the universe, and that it is only through their living presence that the world exists. Twelver Shi'ite doctrine has emphasized that the pain and [[martyrdom]] endured by ahl al-bayt, particularly by Hussain, hold redemptive power for those who have faith in them and empathize with their suffering. Moreover, they anticipate the messianic return of the [[Twelfth Imam]] at the end of time, and the [[intercession]] of the holy family on the day of judgment. | Belief in the supermundane qualities of the ahl al-bayt and the [[imam]]s descended from them form the core of Shi'ite devotion. They are the ideal locus of authority and salvation in all things, both worldly and spiritual. As pure, sinless, and embodiments of divine wisdom, they are held to be the perfect leaders for the Muslim community, as well as models for moral action. Many believe that they possess a divine light through which God created the universe, and that it is only through their living presence that the world exists. Twelver Shi'ite doctrine has emphasized that the pain and [[martyrdom]] endured by ahl al-bayt, particularly by Hussain, hold redemptive power for those who have faith in them and empathize with their suffering. Moreover, they anticipate the messianic return of the [[Chahardah Maʿsum|Twelfth Imam]] at the end of time, and the [[intercession]] of the holy family on the day of judgment. | ||
Sunnis also revere the ahl al-bayt, attributing to them many of the sacred qualities that the Shiʻa do. This is especially so in [[Sufi]] tariqas (brotherhoods), most of which trace their spiritual lineage to Muhammad through 'Ali. Several tariqas hold special veneration for the holy five and the imams, such as the Khalwatiyya, the Bektashiyya, and the Safawiyya, which established the [http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/safavids Safavid dynasty] in Iran (1502-1722). In many Muslim communities, high social status is attributed to those claiming to be sayyids and sharifs, blood-descendants of the ahl al-bayt. Indeed, many Muslim scholars and saints are members of these two groups, and their tombs often become pilgrimage centers. | Sunnis also revere the ahl al-bayt, attributing to them many of the sacred qualities that the Shiʻa do. This is especially so in [[Sufi]] tariqas (brotherhoods), most of which trace their spiritual lineage to Muhammad through 'Ali. Several tariqas hold special veneration for the holy five and the imams, such as the Khalwatiyya, the Bektashiyya, and the Safawiyya, which established the [http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/safavids Safavid dynasty] in Iran (1502-1722). In many Muslim communities, high social status is attributed to those claiming to be sayyids and sharifs, blood-descendants of the ahl al-bayt. Indeed, many Muslim scholars and saints are members of these two groups, and their tombs often become pilgrimage centers. | ||
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[[Category: Islamic Terminology]] | [[Category: Islamic Terminology]] | ||
[[Category: Family of Prophet]] | [[Category: Family of Prophet]] | ||
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