Verily Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O
People of the House (Ahl al-Bayt) and to purify you a thorough purifying
[Verse of Purification from Qur’an 33:33]
Prophet Muhammad (s) was asked by his Companions:
“How should we invoke blessings for you?” … He said:
“Say: ‘O Allah! Send Your blessings on Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings on Abraham and on the Family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 4, book 55, number 589]
Why Follow the Family of the Prophet (s)?
The Shi'ah believe that the twin legacy of Prophet Muhammad (s) is the Qur'an and the Ahl al-Bayt (specific members of his family).The Ahl al-Bayt are the source for the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (s).Only by obtaining instruction from both these sources can a Muslim hope to attain true guidance.
Who are included in the Ahl al-Bayt ?
It has been shown that the Family of the Prophet (s) – interchangeably referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt, ‘Itrah and Aal - included his daughter Fatima al-Zahra’, her husband Imam ‘Ali, and their children Imams al-Hasan and al-Husayn (‘a).The members of this Family of five, with the Prophet Muhammad (s) at its head, were the ones alive at the time the Qur’anic verses regarding their virtue were being revealed to the Prophet (s).However, nine other Imams from the descendants of Imam al-Husayn (‘a) are also in this chosen Family, the final one being Imam al-Mahdi (‘a). The Prophet (s) said:
"I and ‘Ali and al-Hasan and al-Husayn and nine of the descendants of al-Husayn are the purified ones and the inerrant." [al-Juwayni, Fara'id al-Simtayn, (Beirut, 1978), page 160. Note that al-Juwayni’s greatness as a scholar of hadith has been attested by al-Dhahabi in Tadhkir`at al-Huffaz, volume 4, page 298, and also by Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani in al-Durar al-Kaminah, volume 1, page 67]
"I am the chief of the Prophets and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib is the chief of successors, and after me my successors shall be twelve, the first of them being ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and the last of them being al-Mahdi." [al-Juwayni, Fara'id al-Simtayn, page 160]
"Al-Mahdi is one of us Ahl al-Bayt" and "al-Mahdi will be of my family, of the descendants of Fatima" [Ibn Majah, al-Sunan, volume 2, page 519, numbers 4085-6; Abu Dawud, al-Sunan, volume 2, page 207]
What about the Wives of the Prophet (s) ?
The verse of purification "Verily Allah only desires to ... " was revealed to the Prophet (s) in the house of his wife Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her); the Prophet called al-Hasan, al-Husayn, Fatima and ‘Ali, and he gathered them together and covered them with the mantle. Then he said, "O Allah, these are my Ahl al-Bayt, so keep away every impurity from the Ahl al-Bayt, and purify them with a perfect purification." Umm Salama said, "Am I with them, O Apostle of Allah?" The Prophet (s) said, "You stay in your place, and you are virtuous."
[Verse of Purification from Qur’an 33:33]
Prophet Muhammad (s) was asked by his Companions:
“How should we invoke blessings for you?” … He said:
“Say: ‘O Allah! Send Your blessings on Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings on Abraham and on the Family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 4, book 55, number 589]
Why Follow the Family of the Prophet (s)?
The Shi'ah believe that the twin legacy of Prophet Muhammad (s) is the Qur'an and the Ahl al-Bayt (specific members of his family).The Ahl al-Bayt are the source for the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (s).Only by obtaining instruction from both these sources can a Muslim hope to attain true guidance.
Who are included in the Ahl al-Bayt ?
It has been shown that the Family of the Prophet (s) – interchangeably referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt, ‘Itrah and Aal - included his daughter Fatima al-Zahra’, her husband Imam ‘Ali, and their children Imams al-Hasan and al-Husayn (‘a).The members of this Family of five, with the Prophet Muhammad (s) at its head, were the ones alive at the time the Qur’anic verses regarding their virtue were being revealed to the Prophet (s).However, nine other Imams from the descendants of Imam al-Husayn (‘a) are also in this chosen Family, the final one being Imam al-Mahdi (‘a). The Prophet (s) said:
"I and ‘Ali and al-Hasan and al-Husayn and nine of the descendants of al-Husayn are the purified ones and the inerrant." [al-Juwayni, Fara'id al-Simtayn, (Beirut, 1978), page 160. Note that al-Juwayni’s greatness as a scholar of hadith has been attested by al-Dhahabi in Tadhkir`at al-Huffaz, volume 4, page 298, and also by Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani in al-Durar al-Kaminah, volume 1, page 67]
"I am the chief of the Prophets and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib is the chief of successors, and after me my successors shall be twelve, the first of them being ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and the last of them being al-Mahdi." [al-Juwayni, Fara'id al-Simtayn, page 160]
"Al-Mahdi is one of us Ahl al-Bayt" and "al-Mahdi will be of my family, of the descendants of Fatima" [Ibn Majah, al-Sunan, volume 2, page 519, numbers 4085-6; Abu Dawud, al-Sunan, volume 2, page 207]
What about the Wives of the Prophet (s) ?
The verse of purification "Verily Allah only desires to ... " was revealed to the Prophet (s) in the house of his wife Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her); the Prophet called al-Hasan, al-Husayn, Fatima and ‘Ali, and he gathered them together and covered them with the mantle. Then he said, "O Allah, these are my Ahl al-Bayt, so keep away every impurity from the Ahl al-Bayt, and purify them with a perfect purification." Umm Salama said, "Am I with them, O Apostle of Allah?" The Prophet (s) said, "You stay in your place, and you are virtuous."
al-Tirmidhi, al-Sahih, volume 5, pages 351 and 663
alHakim alNaysaburi, alMustadrak `ala al-Sahihayn, volume 2, page 416. He states that it is sahih in accordance with the criteria of al-Bukhari
al-Suyuti, al-Durr al-Manthur, volume 5, page 197
The beginning of verse 33:33 and subsequent statements are addressed to the wives of the Prophet (s) as is evident from the feminine pronouns used. However, in the verse of purification, the gender changes to the masculine or mixed gender.This also shows that it was an independent revelation addressed to different individuals.
What is so special about the Family of the Prophet (s) ?
When the verse "(O Muhammad) Say, 'I do not ask for any reward for this (bringing of Allah's message) except the love for the near kinship.'" (42:23) was revealed, the Muslims asked the Prophet: "Who are these near kin of yours whose love is obligatory upon us?" He replied, "'Ali, Fatima, and their two sons."
alHakim alNaysaburi, alMustadrak `ala al-Sahihayn, volume 2, page 444
al-Qastallani, Irshad al-Sari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 7, page 331
al-Suyuti, al-Durr al-Manthur, volume 6, pages 6-7
al-Alusi al-Baghdadi, Ruh al-Ma’ani, volume 25, pages 31-2
The position of truthfulness and virtue of the Ahl al-Bayt was further confirmed by the Qur’an during the disputation with the Christians of Najran.When the verse was revealed "But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and our near people and your near people, then let us be earnest in prayer, and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars." (3:61),the Prophet (s) called ‘Ali, Fatima, al-Hasan and al-Husayn and said: ‘O Allah, these are my Family (Ahli)’.
Muslim, al-Sahih, (English translation), book 031, number 5915
alHakim alNaysaburi, alMustadrak `ala al-Sahihayn, volume 3, page 150. He states that it is sahih in accordance with the criteria of al-Bukhari and Muslim
Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 7, page 60
al-Tirmidhi, al-Sahih, kitab al-manaqib, volume 5, page 596
Ahmad b. Hanbal, al-Musnad, volume 1, page 185
al-Suyuti, History of Khalifas Who Took The Right Way, (London, 1995), page 176
Isn't it enough to show respect towards the Ahl al-Bayt ?
Is it sufficient to just show respect towards the Qur’an?Surely the Muslims have no choice but to follow it, as a source of Divine guidance, in all their affairs.The Prophet Muhammad (s) left two things as legacy to the Muslims, and promised that they will never separate from each other until the Day of Judgement. By twinning the Ahl al-Bayt with the Qur’an, the Prophet (s) was telling us to not only show respect towards them, but also to take explanations of Islamic doctrine, practices, hadith and tafsir from them.
“Behold! My Ahl al-Bayt are like the Ark of Noah. Whoever embarked on it was saved, and whoever turned away from it perished”
alHakim alNaysaburi, alMustadrak `ala al-Sahihayn, volume 3, p. 151 and volume 2, page 343. He states that it is sahih in accordance with the criteria of Muslim
al-Suyuti, al-Durr al-Manthur, volume 1, pages 71-72
Ibn Hajar al-Makki, al-Sawa’iq al-Muhriqa, page 140. He states that this tradition has come down through many chains of narration that strengthen each other.
Prophet Muhammad’s Legacy
“I am about to answer the call (of death). Verily, I leave behind two precious things (thaqalayn) amongst you: the Book of Allah and my Ahl alBayt. Verily, the two will never separate until they come back to me by the side of the Pond.”
This authentic hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (s) is narrated by over 30 of his Companions and recorded by a large number of Sunni scholars.Some of the famous sources for this hadith include:
“I am about to answer the call (of death). Verily, I leave behind two precious things (thaqalayn) amongst you: the Book of Allah and my Ahl alBayt. Verily, the two will never separate until they come back to me by the side of the Pond.”
This authentic hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (s) is narrated by over 30 of his Companions and recorded by a large number of Sunni scholars.Some of the famous sources for this hadith include:
alHakim alNaysaburi, alMustadrak `ala al-Sahihayn (Beirut), volume 3, pages 109-110, 148, and 533). He expressly states that the tradition is sahih in accordance with the criteria of alBukhari and Muslim; alDhahabi has confirmed his judgement
Muslim, al-Sahih, (English translation), book 031, numbers 5920-3
alTirmidhi, al-Sahih, volume 5, pages 621-2, numbers 3786 and 3788; volume 2, page 219
al-Nasa'i, Khasa'is’Ali ibn Abi Talib, hadith number 79
Ahmad b. Hanbal, al-Musnad, volume 3, pages 14, 17, 26; volume 3, page 26, 59; volume 4, page 371; volume 5, pages 181-2, 189-190
Ibn al'Athir, Jami` al'usul, volume 1, page 277
Ibn Kathir, alBidayah wa alnihayah, volume 5, page 209.He quotes al-Dhahabi and declares this hadith to be sahih.
Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim , volume 6, page 199
Nasir al-Din al-Albani, Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahiha (Kuwait: al-Dar al-Salafiyya), volume 4, pages 355-8. He lists many chains of narration that he considers reliable.
There are many more sources for this hadith than it is possible to list here.
Didn't the Prophet (s) say “I leave behind the Book of God and my Sunnah” ?
This is a popular misconception.The fact is that there is no reliable basis for this statement attributed to the Prophet’s (s) Final Sermon.It is completely absent from any of the six Sihah books!!The version in Malik’s Muwatta’, Ibn Hisham’s Sirat RasulAllah, and from him in al-Tabari’s Ta’rikh, all suffer from incomplete chains of narration with several links in the chain missing!The other versions that have a full chain of narration (isnad) - of which there are very few - all contain narrators that are unanimously considered to be highly unreliable by leading Sunni scholars of rijal.These remarkable facts can be confirmed by those interested in research by referring to the relevant books.
Clearly, no one is suggesting that the Sunnah of the Prophet (s) should not be followed.As stated before, the Prophet (s) wished for the Muslims to refer to his Ahl al-Bayt as a reliable, pure and inerrant source for his Sunnah.
These questions were asked by Ahle hadees from Shias. The attached PDF to the article has detail in urdu language. Which will be translated in English soon. These answers are also based on the following criteria:
Most of the questions and topics discussed are commonly debated between Shias and Sunnies.
These Questions were answered from the books of Ahlul sunnah.
All points are referenced.
If any of the reader still has any question in mind or would like to comment, please feel free to contact through this websites with the subject "AhlayHadees Questions Answered By Shia Momineen " in your email.
For the Last 13 Centuries, Nasibies are blaming Shias for being Killers of Uthman (in name of fictious Story of Abdullah Ibn Saba which was forged by Saif Ibn Umar Kadhab). It’s a CHALLANGE to our opponents to show even a Single Authentic Tradition (whose chain is free of Saif Ibn Umar) which shows that it were Sabaies/Shias who killed Uthman. But there are tens of traditions (from different multiple chains) in their own books, which show that Aisha played major role in agitation and finally killing of Uthman.
But these people keep on following Saif Ibn Umar, and turning totally blind eyes towards the role of Aisha.
Aisha’s role during the life of Uthman
Many Sunni historian reported that Once Aisha went to Uthman and asked for her share of inheritance of Prophet (after so many years passed from the death of Prophet). Uthman refrained to give Aisha any money by reminding her that she was one those who testified and encouraged Abu-Bakr to refrain to pay the share of inheritance of Fatimah (AS). So if Fatimah does not have any share of inheritance, then why should she? Aisha became extremely angry at Uthman, and came out saying:
"Kill this old fool (Na'thal), for he is unbeliever."
References:
- History of Ibn Athir, v3, p206
- Lisan al-Arab, v14, p141
- al-Iqd al-Farid, v4, p290
- Sharh al-Nahj, by Ibn Abi al-Hadid, v16, pp 220-223
- Manaqib by Khawarzmi, page 117
- Tadkhirath al Khawwas page 38
- Asadul Ghaba Volume 3 page 14, "Dhikr Jamal"
- Al Istiab Volume 2 page 185
- Al Nahaya Volume 5 page 80
- Qamus page 500 "lughut Nathal" by Firozabadi
- Iqd al Fareed Volume 2 page 117 "Dhikr Jamal"
- Shaykh Mudheera page 163
"Nathal is one who has a long beard and Ayesha said kill this Nathal, by Nathal she was referring to ‘Uthman".
Note: Today Nasibies try to deny that Aisha ever called Uthman to be a “NATHAL” (Old Fool). But in coming traditions, we will see that many Sahaba were witness to this saying of Aisha, and they mentioned it to Aisha (after the killing of Uthman) that it was she herself who used to say Nathal to Uthman e.g.
- Ubayd bin Abi Salma (His tradition is coming just in next section)
- Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (His tradition is also coming just in next section)
Another Sunni historian, al-Baladhuri, writes:
"When situation in Madina became very bad, then Uthman sent Marwan bin Hakam and Abdur Rahman to Aisha to convince here that she stop inciting people against Uthman.
They came to Aisha when she was leaving for Hajj. They said: "We pray to Allah that you stay in Madina and may Allah protect Uthman from you.
Aisha answered: ""I have prepared my means of transportation and vowed to perform the pilgrimage. By God, I shall not honor your request. Upon this Marwan said: "You put the fire and you have to extinguish it now".
Upon that Aisha replied: You blame me for all this, but I wish he (Uthman) was in one of my sacks so that I could carry him. I would then through him into the sea."
Sunni reference:
- Ansab al-Ashraf, by al-Baladhuri, part 1, v4, p74-75
- Tabqat Ibn Sa'ad (Urdu Edition), Nafees Academy, volume 5, page 37
- History of Ibn Sahibah al-Umairi (died 262 Hijri), page 1172
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