they would thereby have been able to dispense with the Prophet’s supplication for them, and someone might then imagine that he could manage his own guidance and obedience without Allah’s help or direction.

It is also soundly reported that when these verses were revealed, the Prophet ﷺ recited them to his wives and offered them the choice, as Allah had commanded him. They chose Allah, His Messenger, and the Hereafter; accordingly he kept them and did not divorce any of them until he passed away. Had they preferred worldly life and its adornment, he would have provided for them and released them, just as Allah had ordered—for the Prophet ﷺ is the member of this community who fears his Lord most and knows His limits best.

Because these verses indicate that both reward and burden are doubled for them, we have received the report that Imām ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn, Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn, the delight of Islam, said: “I hope that Allah will grant any one of us who does good a double reward, and I fear that He will place upon any one of us who does wrong a double burden.”

Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim records, on the authority of Zayd ibn Arqam, that he said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ addressed us at Ghadīr Khumm, between Mecca and Medina, and declared, “I remind you by Allah concerning my household, I remind you by Allah concerning my household, I remind you by Allah concerning my household.” Zayd was asked, “Who are his household?” He replied, “Those for whom charity is forbidden: the family of ʿAlī, the family of Jaʿfar, the family of ʿAqīl, and the family of al-ʿAbbās.” They said, “Are all of these his household?” He answered, “Yes.”⦗1⦘

It is likewise established through numerous sound routes that when Allah revealed, “Indeed Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, invoke blessings upon him and greet him with peace,” the Companions asked, “How should we invoke blessings upon you?” He replied, “Say: O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, just as You blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.”