How the Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s.) are the People of Remembrance (Ahl â€˜ul-Zikr)

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Chapter 2 Greater Sins and Smaller Sins

How the Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s.) are the People of Remembrance (Ahl â€˜ul-Zikr)

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How the Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s.) are the People of Remembrance (Ahl ‘ul-Zikr)

Numerous traditions have reached us which explicitly state that the ‘Ahl ‘ul-Zikr’ mentioned in the Qur’an are the Holy Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s.). One such tradition is the statement of Imam RiÄa (a.s.) in the court of Mamun:

“We are Ahl ‘ul-Zikr.”

Sunni scholars present at the meeting objected to this statement and maintained that Ahl ‘ul-Zikr in the Qur’an means the Christain and the Jews; and Zikr refers to the InjÄ«l (Bible) and Taurat (Torah). Imam RiÄa (a.s.) replied:

“Glory be to Allah! How is it possible? How could Allah command the Muslims to refer to the Christians and the Jewish Scholars? If we refer to them they will consider their religion to be the true one and better than Islam, and will invite us to their point of view. Will you accept this invitation?”

(UyÅ«n al-AkhbÄr ar-RiÄa).

Mamun interjected, “Can you support your claim with the Qur’anic proof?” The Imam said,

“Yes, Zikr means the Holy Prophet and we are his people (Ahl). To prove my point I quote the following ayat:

“O (those) who believe! Allah has indeed revealed to you a reminder (zikr), an apostle who recites to you the clear communications of Allah.”

(Surah at-TalÄq 65:10-11).

Shahristani a Sunni scholar has reported that Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) and Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s.) said:

“We are the People of remembrance (Ahl ‘ul-Zikr)”.

Another argument is that since Allah (S.w.T.) has mentioned only in brief many of the important subjects in Qur’an, He must have appointed a point of reference for the guidance of the people, which would provide a detailed explanation to the subject. And this reference point is undoubtedly the Progeny of Muhammad (Ä€li Muhammad) in whom Allah (S.w.T.) has reposed His Knowledge and His secrets, not known to any of His other creatures. Those who desire knowledge and truth will forever be dependent on Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s.) and remain attached to them with love and devotion. And this devotion for the Ahl ul-Bayt itself is a blessing, which fetches Allah (S.w.T.)’s rewards and Mercy.