The Aal (family) is not restricted to a particular time

29-3-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is the progeny of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, along the centuries included in the Aal (family) of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said in the second part of Tashahhud (in the prayer)?

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Whoever is from the 'Aal' (family) of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, either from his progeny or from his relatives from the tribe of Haashim, is included in the term ‘Aal’, because in terminology, the ‘Aal’ of a man is his, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, progeny, descendants and his family. This is not restricted to a particular time, or limited to a certain place.

Therefore, the progeny of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is the first to be included in the general meaning of these exaltations mentioned in the second part of Tashahhud. Moreover, the rulings that are related to them are still valid, like the prohibition of them taking from Zakah (obligatory charity). We must respect them, and acknowledge their right and excellence. Of course, this applies to them as long as they are Muslims.

Allaah Knows best.