Regarding
the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayet
Does
the phrase ahl-ul-bait refer to just the Prophet's (SAWS) immediate
family? Or can it also be used to describe his ummah?
fi
amanillah,
Rabeea
Janjua
Reply
The
phrase “
”
or “
”,
in the classical Arabic language, as well as in the Qur’an, just like the
general usage of the phrase “
”
in the Urdu language, is used for a polite and respectful reference to the
wife/wives of a person. As an expansion of this connotation, sometimes the
phrase is also used to refer to the members of one’s household.
However,
it is clear that the Qur’an has used this phrase to refer to one’s
wife/wives. The Qur’an has used this phrase at two instances. In Surah
Hu’d 11: 73, the phrase has been used for Sarah (ra), the wife of Abraham
(pbuh). While in Surah Al-Hujraat 33: 33, it has been used to address the
wives of the Prophet (pbuh). At both these instances, the context of the related
verses clearly points to the fact that the reference of this phrase is toward
the wife/wives of the two prophets of God.
The
phrase Ahl al-Bayet is not used in the Arabic language for the Ummah
or the following of a person. Nevertheless, the word “
”
as in “
”
has also been used to imply the followers of a person, besides the obvious
connotation of one’s children, as is clear from the phrase “Aal-e-Fir`aun”
itself (Al-Baqarah 2: 49, 50, Aal Imraan 3: 11, Al-Aa`raaf
7: 130, 141, Al-Anfaal 8: 52, 54 etc.) as the Pharaoh referred to in this
verse did not have any children.
I
hope this helps. In case any aspect of my answer remains unclear, please feel
free in writing back to me at your own convenience.
May
the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking.
Regards
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