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Following Ahl Al-Bayt

24. Why do Shi′as believe that Ahl Al-Bayt of the Prophet are superior to others and Muslim should follow them? Did Ahl Al-Bayt introduce themselves in this way?

Answer:

The Commander of the Faithful (‘a) invited to Ahl Al-Bayt's Sect.

There is no doubt that the purified offspring (‘itra) are superior to all others. Their case is quite clear: they have surpassed those with qualifications and have distinguished themselves from seemingly equal peers. They have carried from the Messenger of Allah (S), the knowledge of the prophets, and from him they have digested secular and religious jurisdictions.

The Prophet, hence, has made them equal only to the Glorious Book and set them models of conduct for those endowed with reason, and the ark of safety when hypocrisy with its tumultuous waves overwhelms the security of the nation, safeguarding it against dissension if the tempests of division rage, the Gate of Salvation. He has introduced them as the strong Rope of Allah, which is unbreakable.

The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (‘a) said1,

"Where are you heading and where are you straying since the flags are poised up high, the Signs are clear, and the lighthouse is erected? So, where are you straying? Nay! How can you be blindfolded while you have among you the household (‘itra) of your Prophet? They are the reins of righteousness, the religion's flags, and the tongues of truth; therefore, accord them as you accord the Qur'an and approach them as thirsty camels approach the water. O people! Learn from the last of the Prophets, (S) as he said, “Accept the argument of one against whom you have no argument. Have I not dealt with you according to the Greatest Weight (Qur'an)? Have I not left among you the Lesser Weight (Ahl Al-Bayt ( and laid firm among you the flags of faith?’"

He (‘a) also said2,

"Behold the Household of your Prophet; emulate their example and follow in their footsteps, for they shall never take you out of guidance, nor shall they ever bring you back into destruction."

He (‘a) said3 about Ahl Al-Bayt and the guidance,

"You should know that you will never know guidance unless you know who abandons it. You will abide by the Book (Qur'an) unless you know who contradicts it, and you will never uphold it unless you know who has discarded it; so, seek that from those who possess it, for they are the life of knowledge and the death of ignorance. They are the ones whose judgment informs you of their knowledge, their silence of their power of speech, their outer appearance of their inner selves; they neither violate the religion, nor do they differ among themselves about it, while it is among them a truthful witness and a silent speaker."

Among what he has said is4:

"Where are those who claimed to be deeply versed in knowledge other than our own selves? It is a lie and a transgression against us, for Allah has raised us high while putting them down; He bestowed upon us while depriving them, and He permitted us to enter (in the fortress of knowledge) while turning them out. Through us, guidance is achieved and blindness is removed. Surely, the Imams from Quraysh have been planted in Hashim's loins. Imamate can never fit anyone else, nor can government either." But they preferred a speedy gain to a later one, forsaking a pure well to drink from an impure one".

Ponder over these sayings, you will find them representing the Shi′a School of Muslim Thought in this regard very clearly.

  • 1. . NahjulBalagha, Sermon 86.
  • 2. . NahjulBalagha, Sermon 96.
  • 3. . NahjulBalagha, Sermon 146.
  • 4. . NahjulBalagha, Sermon 143.