Ahl al-Bayt

Ahl al-Bayt in Islam

The Family of the Prophet ﷺ

Introduction

The term Ahl al-Bayt refers to the family of the Prophet ﷺ. Scholars differed on its exact scope, but the strongest view includes his wives, children, Banu Hashim, Banu ‘Abd al-Muttalib, and their freed slaves.

Who are Ahl al-Bayt?

There are several scholarly opinions about who qualifies as the Prophet’s family.
Some said it includes his wives, children, Banu Hashim, Banu al-Muttalib, and their freed slaves.
Others restricted it to Quraysh, the righteous of the ummah, or all Muslims.

“Allah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a thorough purification.” Qur’an 33:33

Are the Prophet’s Wives Ahl al-Bayt?

The strongest view is that the Prophet’s wives are part of his family, based on the verse above and by analogy with other prophets.

“The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you, O the family [of Ibrahim].” Qur’an 11:73

“(All) except the family of Lut – them all We are surely going to save. Except his wife…” Qur’an 15:59-60

This shows that wives are counted among the family.

Is the family of ‘Abd al-Muttalib part of Ahl al-Bayt?

Yes. Banu ‘Abd al-Muttalib are included. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Banu’l-Muttalib and Banu Hashim are the same thing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2907)

Imam Ahmad and Imam al-Shafi‘i held this view, while Abu Hanifah and Malik disagreed. The sounder opinion includes them.

Are Banu Hashim among Ahl al-Bayt?

Yes. Families of ‘Ali, ‘Abbas, Ja‘far, ‘Aqil, and al-Harith ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib are counted.

“I am leaving among you two important things: the Book of Allah and my household (ahl bayti)… I remind you of Allah regarding my household.” (Musnad Ahmad 18464)

Zayd ibn Arqam explained that wives are included, but specifically those forbidden from receiving sadaqah (charity) are the family of ‘Ali, ‘Aqil, Ja‘far, and ‘Abbas.

Are the Freed Slaves of the Prophet among Ahl al-Bayt?

Yes. Freed slaves are included by the principle:

“We are the family of Muhammad: sadaqah is not permissible for us, and the freed slave of a people is one of them.” (Musnad Ahmad 15152)

Misconceptions about Ahl al-Bayt

• Shi‘i Exclusivity: Some claim Ahl al-Bayt refers only to ‘Ali, Fatimah, Hasan, and Husayn. In truth, Qur’an and Sunnah include wives, children, and extended family.
• Excluding the Wives: Some say the Prophet’s wives are not part of Ahl al-Bayt. Clear Qur’anic verses (33:33) show otherwise.
• All Muslims as Ahl al-Bayt: Some broaden it to mean the whole ummah. While all Muslims are the Prophet’s community, Ahl al-Bayt is a specific honored group with defined rules.
• Sadaqah Permissibility: Ahl al-Bayt are forbidden from receiving charity, yet some assume otherwise.

Classical scholars such as Imam al-Shafi‘i, Ibn Hajar, and al-Nawawi emphasized that Ahl al-Bayt are honored by lineage and by responsibility, but the Qur’an and Sunnah define their scope precisely.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 33:33 : Purification of the Prophet’s family.
• Qur’an 11:73 : Sarah, wife of Ibrahim, counted as family.
• Qur’an 15:59-60 : Lut’s wife excluded from survival.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 2907 : Banu Hashim and Banu’l-Muttalib equal.
• Musnad Ahmad 18464 : The Prophet’s advice about his household.
• Musnad Ahmad 15152 : Freed slaves counted among family.

Secondary Sources

• IslamQA Fatwa 121948 : Virtues of Ahl al-Bayt.
• IslamQA Fatwa 249333 : Command to follow Ahl al-Bayt.
• Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Fath al-Bari : Commentary on hadiths regarding Ahl al-Bayt.
• Al-Shawkani, Nayl al-Awtar : Legal discussion on who is included in Ahl al-Bayt.