Ahl al-Bayt

The phrase "ahl al-bayt" was used in Arabia before the advent of Islam to refer to one's clan, and would be adopted by the ruling family of a tribe. Within the Islamic tradition, the term refers to the family of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad . Muslims venerate Muhammad's household as having a special significance in the Qur'an , the Muslim holy scripture, and the hadith , reports recording the words and actions of Muhammad. There are differing interpretations over the scope and importance of Ahl al-Bayt. In Sunni Islam , Muhammad's household includes his wives, his daughter ( Fatimah ), her three children, as well as his cousin and son-in-law, Ali . Other interpretations include Muhammad's blood relatives, such as the Banu Hashim or the Banu Muttalib. In Sunni thought, every Muslim has the obligation to love the Ahl al-Bayt. In Twelver and Ismaili Shi'a Islam , the Ahl al-Bayt are central to Islam and are believed to be the true successors of Muhammad . The Shi'a definition of the phrase includes Muhammad, Fatimah, Ali, Hasan and Husayn (known collectively as the Ahl al-Kisa , "people of the mantle") and the imams , descendants of Fatimah or families of the Islamic clergy . Most Shi'a believe that these imams to be the divinely chosen leaders of the Muslim community.

Within the Islamic tradition, the term refers to the family of the Islamic prophet Muhammad . In Shia Islam and Alevism , the Ahl al-Bayt are central to Islam and interpreters of the Quran and sunnah. Shias believe they are successors of Muhammad and consist of Muhammad, Fatimah , Ali , Hasan and Husayn (known collectively as the Ahl al-Kisa , "people of the mantle") and the Imams . There are differing opinions on the scope and importance of Ahl al-Bayt . In Sunni Islam , according to the Islamic Traditions Muhammad's household refers to Muhammad himself; his wives; his daughter Fatimah ; his cousin and son-in-law Ali ; and their two children, Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali and all Muhammad's descendants and sometimes the descendants of his paternal uncles, Abu Talib and al-‘Abbas . Some Sunnis consider only the family up until Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali to be members of the Ahl al-Bayt. In Sunni and Shia thought, every Muslim has the obligation to love the Ahl al-Bayt . Ahl al-Bayt, Encyclopedia of Islam

Family of Muhammad Life Mecca Hijrah First Islamic state After Conquest of Mecca Farewell Pilgrimage ( Farewell Sermon ) Hadith Milestones and records Career Military Diplomatic Miracles Quran ( First revelation ) Isra and Mi'raj Splitting of the Moon Views and Perspectives Views Jews Christians Perspectives Islam Bible Judaism Medieval Christian Historicity Criticism Succession Saqifah Ghadir Khumm Companions of Muhammad Hadith of the pen and paper Ahl al-Bayt Praise Salawat Naat Mawlid Related Mohammedan Mahound Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Possessions Relics Seal History of Islam Islam portal Biography portal v t e Ahl al-Bayt ( , lit. ' people of the house ' ) refers to the family of the Islamic prophet Muhammad , but the term has also been extended in Sunni Islam to all descendants of the Banu Hashim (Muhammad's clan) and even to all Muslims . In Shia Islam , the term is limited to Muhammad, his daughter Fatima , his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib , and their two sons, Ḥasan and Husayn . A common Sunni view adds the wives of Muhammad to these five. While all Muslims revere the Ahl al-Bayt, it is the Shia Muslims who hold the Ahl al-Bayt in the highest esteem, regarding them as the rightful leaders of the Muslim community after Muhammad. The Twelver Shias also believe in the redemptive power of the pain and martyrdom endured by the members of the Ahl al-Bayt, particularly Husayn.

In Sunni Islam , the term has also been extended to all descendants of the Banu Hashim (Muhammad's clan) and even to all Muslims . In Shia Islam , the term is limited to Muhammad, his daughter Fatima , his cousin and son-in-law Ali , and their two sons, Ḥasan and Ḥusayn . A common Sunni view adds the wives of Muhammad to these five. While all Muslims revere the Ahl al-Bayt, Shia Muslims assert that members of the Ahl al-Bayt are spiritual successors to Muhammad, possessing divine knowledge and infallibility . The Twelver Shiʿa also believe in the redemptive power of the pain and martyrdom endured by the members of the Ahl al-Bayt, particularly Husayn. Sunni Muslims, who do not believe in spiritual succession to Muhammad, only hold the Ahl al-Bayt in high regard.