HADEES-E-KISA

Hadees-e-Kisa has been narrated by over 70 narrators, both Shia and Sunni. Over 30 narrators including Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) and the Companions of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had been mentioned in the books of ahadees. The narrators include 5 Holy Imams and other renowned Companions like; Abu Huraiyrah, Abdullah Ibne Abbas, Abdullah Ibne Umar, Anas Ibne Malik, Sa’d Ibne Abi Waqas, Umme Salema, UmmulMomineen Aisha etc. It is a “Mutawatir Hadees” (narrated so many times by so many different narrators that one can be sure that it was issued by an infallible).

Although, the wording and details may vary between the narrators, but what is common is that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) met with the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), Lady of Paradise, Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Chiefs of the Youths of Paradise; Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Saiyyadush Shuhada Imam Husayn (a.s.) and covered all of them under a cloak and prayed to Allah (s.w.t.): “O Allah! These are my Household ( Progeny), please remove impurity from them” It was then that the Ayat-e-Tatheer was revealed: “Innama Ureedullaho Leyuzheba Ankumurrijsa Ahlal Bayte Wa Yutahherakum Tatheera.” Meaning “O People of the House, Allah wants to remove all kinds of uncleanness from you and to purify you thoroughly.” (33:33) The revelation of this Ayah and the story of Hadees-e-Kisa took place in the month of Dhull Hijjah but before the Historic event of Mubahelah.

Hadees-e-Kisa mentions the issue of Imamate and the authority of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and stipulates that this position is exclusively for them.

Moreover, when Allah (s.w.t.) wanted to address Prophet’s wives, He addressed them as “Ya Nisa Annabi” and The Holy Prophet cannot be participating with the wives, but is participated in Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) spoke about Imam Ali being his successor at many occasions and it was one of them. He spoke Imam Ali as his successor, brother and vicegerent and the one who will hold the flag of Islam after him. In order to prevent others from usurping the rights of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), he gathered them under the Cloak and said: “O Allah! These are my household and closed ones. Their flesh is my flesh. Their blood is my blood. Whoever bothers them has bothered me, and whoever upsets them upset me. I declare war against whoever is in war with them and I am in peace with whoever is in peace with them. I am the enemy of whoever holds enmity towards them and I am friends with whoever holds friendship with them. They are from me and I am from them. May your Mercy, Blessings, Forgiveness and Satisfaction be for them and me, and May you keep all impurities away from them and purify them.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) wanted to introduce the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and show their importance. He wanted to clearly point out who were his household mentioned in the Ayah so as to completely eliminate the possibility of different interpretation after his demise.

It is reported that he used to call at the door of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.) every morning and say “Assalaam o Alaikum Ahlul Bayte Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakaatohu.”and add the Ayate Tatheer after this.

Infallibility of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) has been addressed in this Hadees-e-Kisa. This Hadees was the reason for and occasion of revelation of Ayah-e- Tatheer. Hence both, the Ayah and the Hadees, proves the infallibility of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Because Allah’s Will cannot be opposed, and the phrase “Innama Ureedulahe Leyuzheba Ankumurrijsa” refers to His Takwini Will, and also because the word “Innama” is used for exclusivity, it is clear that Allah’s clear Takwini Will is that the Ahlul Bayt be purified from all impurities and sins. Therefore, The Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) are infallible.

After the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)’s prayers, the Archangel, Jibreel inquires from Allah: “Who are under the Cloak?” The All-Mighty Allah replies: “Hum Ahlu Baitin Nubuwwa Wa Ma’denur Risala; Hum Fatimato Wa Abuha Wa Ba’luha Wa Banuha” meaning “They are Fatima and her father and her husband and her sons”

This calls for an analysis; The Archangel Jibreel had been delivering the Divine Ayahs to the Holy Prophet and nothing was hidden from him, why he could not recognize the Messenger of Allah? Or was it that he knew the Messenger but Allah wanted to make it clear to the world, as to who was “The Household” of the Messenger. Further, on inquiry from Jibreel, the senior most member in the group was the Messenger. Why Allah did not introduce the group related to the Messenger saying “He is my Messenger, his daughter, his son-in-law and his grandchildren”. Allah wanted to show the pivotal role of the Lady of Paradise, Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Another important aspect is that the addressee – Fatima- is singular, instead of using singular tense, Allah used plural tense “Hum” the English equivalent is "They”.

Why did Allah not use singular tense and say “She” is Fatima, and her father, her husband and her sons!

We dare not say any thing about Allah’s words, but it is just to invoke our thoughts on the matter.