43 — Chapter: Honoring the Household of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Clarifying Their Merit
Allah, Exalted is He, says: “Allah only intends to remove impurity from you, O people of the household, and to purify you completely.” (Al-Ahzab 33)
And He says: “Whoever venerates the symbols of Allah—indeed, such veneration stems from the piety of hearts.” (Al-Hajj 32)
Explanation
The author (may Allah have mercy on him) states: Chapter on honoring the household of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and explaining their excellence.
The Prophet’s household (ahl al-bayt) falls into two categories:
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Unbelievers. These are not considered part of his household, even though they are related to him by blood, for Allah said to Noah when he declared, “My Lord, my son is indeed of my family,” and the son was an unbeliever: “He is not of your family.” (Hud 46). Thus, the disbelievers among the relatives of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ are not counted among his household, despite their lineage.
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The believers among his relatives ﷺ, including his wives. The Mothers of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with them) are part of his household, as Allah the Exalted said—addressing the Prophet’s wives: “O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women; if you are mindful of Allah, then do not be soft in speech lest he in whose heart is a disease should covet; speak instead a proper word. Remain in your homes, and do not …”