Ahl al-Bayt

Also known as ʾAhl al-Bayt, ʾĀl al-Bayt

family of Muhammad

AI overview

Ahl al-Bayt refers to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, a group whose exact membership and significance has been understood differently across Islamic history and tradition. The term matters because various Islamic communities—particularly Shia Muslims—have given special religious and political importance to Muhammad's family members, viewing them as having particular spiritual authority or a rightful claim to leadership after the Prophet's death.

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Article

19th-century artwork from Isfahan, depicting the members of Ahl al-Bayt according to Shia belief. Ahl al-Bayt (Arabic: أهل البيت, lit. 'people of the house') refers to the family of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims deeply respect the Ahl al-Bayt, but they differ on their religious authority. For Sunnis, Ahl al-Bayt are honored members of Muhammad's family, and loving them is an important part of Islam.

For Shias, Ahl al-Bayt have a much more central role. Shias assert Muhammad specifically appointed Ali and his descendants after him. For the largest Shia sect, this line continues through the Twelve Imams, seen as divinely guided leaders with special spiritual authority and protection from major error. Shias also believe in the redemptive power of the pain and martyrdom endured by the members of the Ahl al-Bayt, particularly Husayn.