1. What does Ahl al-Bayt mean?
Ahl al-Bayt (Arabic: People of the House) refers to the Family of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) has spoken extensively on the virtue and status of the Ahl al-Bayt. There are several views amongst scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) on whom falls under Ahl al-Bayt, all of which are respected.
2. Why Follow the Family of the Prophet (s)?
Various Hadith and Verses of the Holy Quran refer to the family (Ahl al-Bayt) of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and their importance. Please refer to our Hadith and Quranic Verses page to view a more comprehensive list of authentic quotes regarding the importance and virtues of Ahl al-Bayt.
• “Verily Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O People of the House (Ahl al-Bayt) and to purify you a thorough purifying.” [Verse of Purification from Qur’an 33:33]
Prophet Muhammad (s) was asked by his Companions:
“How should we invoke blessings for you?” He said: “Say: ‘O Allah! Send Your blessings on Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings on Abraham and on the Family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 4, book 55, number 589]
• It was the final legacy of the prophet which he left behind:
“I am about to answer the call (of death). Verily, I leave behind two precious things (thaqalayn) amongst you: the Book of Allah and my Ahl al-Bayt. Verily, the two will never separate until they come back to me by the side of the Pond.”
This authentic hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (s) is narrated by over 30 of his Companions and recorded by a large number of Sunni scholars.
What is so special about the Family of the Prophet (s)?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) has extensively discussed the excellence and standing of the Ahl al-Bayt.
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said, “The best of you are those who deal good with my family after my passing.” – (See: Kanz Al-‘Ummāl)
We hold affection for the Ahl Al-Bayt because of their familial connection to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings upon him) and their faith in God. Please refer to our Hadith and Quranic Verses page to view a more comprehensive list of authentic quotes regarding the importance and virtues of Ahl al-Bayt.
4. What authority does the Council of the Prophets Grandchildren Hold?
The Prophets Grandchildren acknowledge that we do not assert exclusive authority or jurisdiction over the Prophet's lineage. We not only welcome but actively encourage the support and participation of the broader Muslim community. As pioneers in our field, we established the first Council of its kind in response to a realization among our founding members. They recognized that the broader Muslim community was not only falling short in fulfilling the rights of the Ahl al-Bayt but also neglecting to acknowledge their honourable status, thus failing in our Islamic duty as entrusted by Allah and the Prophet (PBUH).
The Council of the Prophets Grandchildren has earned the trust to represent the collective Ahl al-Bayt. As the inaugural institution of its kind, under the guidance of Sheikh Yahya Ketab, a distinguished scholar and descendant of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we are dedicated to effecting positive change in this regard.
5. Does the Council of the Prophets Grandchildren Ahl al-Bayt have any Ulumah on the council?
At the Council of the Prophets Grandchildren, we deeply appreciate the significance of Islamic Scholars and the invaluable guidance they provide. Guided by the Quranic wisdom expressed in the verse "Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know" (Surah An-Nahl 16:43), our council board is comprised of esteemed Ulamah, among whom is the distinguished Scholar Sheikh Yehya Katab.
6. How does the Council of the Prophets Grandchildren authenticate the Prophets Lineage to Present day?
Authenticating the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to the present day involves relying on historical records, genealogical studies, and reputable sources. Here are some methods and considerations:
• Historical Records: Examine authenticated records from reliable historians and chroniclers.
• Genealogical Studies: Refer to established genealogical studies conducted by reputable researchers.
• Hadith and Sunnah: Rely on well-verified Hadith mentioning the Prophet's family, transmitted through reliable chains.
• Biographical Literature: Consult biographies by respected scholars, such as Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham.
• Scholarly Guidance: Seek advice from contemporary Islamic scholars specializing in history and genealogy.
• Consensus Among Scholars: Look for scholarly consensus on the authenticity of the lineage.
• Verification Projects: Support initiatives creating globally verified family trees.
• Cross-Verification: Confirm information from multiple reliable sources for strengthened authenticity.