Ahl al-Bayt (a): Difference between revisions

'''Ahl al-Bayt (a)''' (Arabic: {{ia|أهل البیت}}) means members of a household or a family. In Islamic terminology, it is applied to some members of the family of the [[Prophet (s)]]. The term Ahl al-Bayt have appeared in [[hadith]]s in different senses; however, in Shi'a literature, it is used to refer to [[Imam Ali (a)]], [[Lady Fatima (a)]], [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]] and [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]] and the nine [[infallible Imams (a)]] who were the children of Imam al-Husayn (a). The [[Qur'an]] has used this term in the [[al-Tathir verse|al-Tathir]] and [[al-Mawadda verse|al-Mawadda]] verses. The Prophet (s) has stated the high position of Ahl al-Bayt in Islam in such hadiths as [[Hadith al-Safina]] and [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]].

From the [[Shi'a]] point of view, Ahl al-Bayt (a) have a pivotal position in religion. They are [[infallible]] and superior to all other [[sahaba|companion]]s of the Prophet (s) in regards to [[taqwa]] (God-wariness) and other virtues. Loving them is mandatory for all Muslims. According to Shi'a teachings, Ahl al-Bayt (a) have [[wilaya|guardianship]] and [[Imamate|leadership]] upon Muslims and Muslims must regard them as their authorities and refer to them in their religious issues.