and likewise his words:

“as You blessed the family of Abraham.”

Abraham himself is included in this. Likewise, he said to al-Hasan:

“Charity is not lawful for the family of Muhammad.”

The authentic hadith collection relates that ‘Abdullāh ibn Abī Awfā said:

“When people brought charity to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, he would invoke blessings upon them. My father brought charity, and he said: ‘O Allah, send blessings upon the family of Abū Awfā.’”

Abū Awfā himself was the one who brought the charity.

A similar expression is “the household,” for a man is included among the members of his own household. An example is the angels’ statement:

“May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you, members of the household.”

Another is the statement of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Salmān is one of us, the members of the household.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Allah only intends to remove impurity from you, members of the household.”

This is because a man’s family comprises those who belong to him, and he himself is among those who belong to him. The members of his household are those who belong with him, and he in turn belongs with the members of his household.

It has thus become clear that the verse they supposed to be evidence in their favour is actually evidence against them: Pharaoh is punished along with the rest of Pharaoh’s people, both in the intermediate state and on the Day of Resurrection. This is further demonstrated by the fact that the entire narrative concerns Pharaoh and his people. Allah Most High says:

“We certainly sent Moses with Our signs and clear authority to Pharaoh, Hāmān and Qārūn, but they said: ‘A lying sorcerer!’”

The passage continues to His words:

“Pharaoh said: ‘I show you only what I see, and I guide you only to the path of right guidance.’”

And further to His words:

“Pharaoh said: ‘O Hāmān, build me a lofty tower so that I may reach the ways—the ways of the heavens—and look upon the God of Moses.’”

And further to His words:

“And Pharaoh’s people were engulfed by a terrible punishment.”

“The Fire