A Cloak of Blessings: The Spiritual Legacy of Hadith al-Kisa
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Rahim
The Hadith al-Kisa (Narration of the Cloak) is one of the most profound and spiritually significant traditions in Islamic teachings, particularly revered in Shia Islam, though it is respected and acknowledged by Sunni scholars as well. This tradition encapsulates the unique status, purity, and divine role of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) family, collectively known as the Ahlul Bayt.
Historical and Spiritual Context
The Hadith al-Kisa is set during the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, a time when he laid the foundation for the spiritual and moral guidance of the Muslim community. This event emphasizes the familial bond and the divine connection of the Ahlul Bayt, demonstrating their essential role in Islam.
The gathering under the cloak symbolizes the exclusivity and sanctity of this family in relation to the broader Muslim Ummah. It underscores their divine selection and their integral role as spiritual guides and exemplars for humanity.
The Event of the Cloak
The Hadith al-Kisa narrates an occasion where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) invited his closest family members to gather under a cloak. This family, referred to as the Ahlul Bayt, included:
- Imam Ali (AS), his cousin and son-in-law,
- Lady Fatima (SA), his beloved daughter,
- Imam Hasan (AS), his grandson, and
- Imam Husayn (AS), his grandson.
As the Prophet gathered them, he invoked a heartfelt supplication, saying:
"O Allah! These are my Ahlul Bayt (family). Keep away from them all impurities and purify them thoroughly."
This prayer is directly connected to the Quranic verse known as Ayat al-Tathir:
“Indeed, Allah desires to remove all impurities from you, O People of the Household, and purify you thoroughly.” (Quran 33:33)
Many Islamic scholars view this event as a tangible demonstration of the Quranic verse, emphasizing the moral and spiritual purity of the Ahlul Bayt.
Theological and Doctrinal Significance
The Hadith al-Kisa holds immense theological importance, especially in Shia Islam, for the following reasons:
- Divine Authority of the Ahlul Bayt: The event reinforces the unique role of the Prophet’s family as the continuation of his mission and the rightful leaders of the Muslim community.
- Purity and Infallibility: It affirms the concept of
Ismah(infallibility), which posits that the Ahlul Bayt (as) are free from sin and error. - Foundation for Imamat: This tradition is pivotal in the Shia understanding of Imamat—the divinely appointed leadership of Imam Ali (AS) and his descendants.
Connection to the Quran
Ayat al-Tathir (Quran 33:33) is central to the Hadith al-Kisa, as it directly references the Ahlul Bayt and their purification. This verse has been interpreted by scholars to refer specifically to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Lady Fatima (SA), Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hasan (AS), and Imam Husayn (AS). The Hadith al-Kisa serves as a practical demonstration of this Quranic declaration, cementing its theological implications.
Narration and Sources
The Hadith al-Kisa is narrated by multiple sources and companions, including Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari. It is documented in both Sunni and Shia texts, though the details may vary slightly:
- Sunni Sources: Includes compilations like Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur.
- Shia Sources: Elaborated upon in texts like Bihar al-Anwar by Allama Majlisi and Usul al-Kafi.
Despite variations, the core theme of the Hadith—the emphasis on the purity and elevated status of the Ahlul Bayt—is consistent across narrations.
Spiritual and Philosophical Themes
The Hadith al-Kisa carries profound spiritual and philosophical lessons:
- Unity and Love of Family: The event underlines the importance of familial unity, love, and the central role of the Ahlul Bayt in Islam.
- Spiritual Purity: It highlights the virtues of moral and spiritual purity as ideals to strive for.
- Guidance for Humanity: The Ahlul Bayt are presented as the ultimate guides and role models, embodying divine virtues.
Recitation and Ritual Use
The Hadith al-Kisa is often recited in spiritual gatherings, particularly in Shia communities, to seek blessings, resolve hardships, and connect with the Ahlul Bayt. It is recited during:
- Weekly on Wednesdays
- Commemorations: Especially during Muharram and events honoring the Ahlul Bayt.
- Spiritual Practices: To invoke the mercy of Allah and as a reminder of the virtues of the Prophet’s family.
The recitation is believed to bring blessings, resolve difficulties, and foster spiritual growth.
Timeless Relevance
In today’s world, the Hadith al-Kisa serves as a source of inspiration and guidance, emphasizing themes of unity, purity, and divine connection. It reminds Muslims of the timeless values embodied by the Ahlul Bayt and their critical role in shaping Islamic spirituality and morality.
By reflecting on the Hadith al-Kisa, Muslims are encouraged to emulate the virtues of the Prophet’s family, strive for spiritual purity, and foster unity and compassion in their communities.
Arabic Text
عن جابر بن عبد الله الأنصاري، عن فاطمة الزهراء بنت رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) قال:
إن فاطمة عليها السلام قالت:
دخل أبي رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) علي في بعض الأيام فقال: السلام عليك يا فاطمة! فقلت: وعليك السلام يا أبتاه!
فقال: إني أجد في بدني ضعفاً.
فقلت له: أعيذك بالله يا أبتاه من الضعف.
فقال: يا فاطمة، ائتيني بالكساء اليماني فغطيني به.
فأتيته بالكساء اليماني فغطيته به.
ثم نظرت إليه وإذا وجهه يتلألأ كأنه البدر في ليلة تمامه وكماله.
فما كانت إلا ساعة وإذا بولدي الحسن قد أقبل وقال: السلام عليك يا أماه!
فقلت: وعليك السلام يا قرة عيني وثمرة فؤادي!
فقال لي: يا أماه، إني أشم عندك رائحة طيبة كأنها رائحة جدي رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).
فقلت: نعم، إن جدك تحت الكساء.
فأقبل الحسن نحو الكساء وقال: السلام عليك يا جداه، يا رسول الله! أتأذن لي أن أدخل معك تحت الكساء؟
فقال: وعليك السلام يا ولدي ويا صاحب حوضي، قد أذنت لك.
فما كانت إلا ساعة وإذا بولدي الحسين قد أقبل وقال: السلام عليك يا أماه!
فقلت: وعليك السلام يا قرة عيني وثمرة فؤادي!
فقال لي: يا أماه، إني أشم عندك رائحة طيبة كأنها رائحة جدي رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).
فقلت: نعم، إن جدك وأخاك تحت الكساء.
فدنا الحسين نحو الكساء وقال: السلام عليك يا جداه، يا من اختاره الله، أتأذن لي أن أكون معكما تحت الكساء؟
فقال: وعليك السلام يا ولدي ويا شافع أمتي، قد أذنت لك.
فدخل معهما تحت الكساء.
ثم أقبل أبو الحسن علي بن أبي طالب وقال: السلام عليك يا بنت رسول الله!
فقلت: وعليك السلام يا أبا الحسن ويا أمير المؤمنين!
فقال: يا فاطمة، إني أشم عندك رائحة طيبة كأنها رائحة أخي وابن عمي رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).
فقلت: نعم، ها هو مع ولديك تحت الكساء.
فأقبل علي نحو الكساء وقال: السلام عليك يا رسول الله! أتأذن لي أن أكون معكم تحت الكساء؟
قال له: وعليك السلام يا أخي ويا وصيي وخليفتي وصاحب لوائي، قد أذنت لك.
فدخل علي تحت الكساء.
ثم أتيت نحو الكساء وقلت: السلام عليك يا أبتاه، يا رسول الله! أتأذن لي أن أكون معكم تحت الكساء؟
قال: وعليك السلام يا بنتي ويا بضعتي، قد أذنت لك.
فدخلت تحت الكساء.
فلما اكتملنا جميعاً تحت الكساء، أخذ أبي رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) بطرفي الكساء وأومأ بيده اليمنى إلى السماء وقال:
اللهم إن هؤلاء أهل بيتي وخاصتي وحامتي، لحمهم لحمي ودمهم دمي، يؤلمني ما يؤلمهم ويحزنني ما يحزنهم، أنا حرب لمن حاربهم وسلم لمن سالمهم وعدو لمن عاداهم ومحب لمن أحبهم. إنهم مني وأنا منهم، فاجعل صلواتك وبركاتك ورحمتك وغفرانك ورضوانك علي وعليهم وأذهب عنهم الرجس وطهرهم تطهيراً.
فقال الله عز وجل: يا ملائكتي ويا سكان سماواتي، إني ما خلقت سماء مبنية ولا أرضاً مدحية ولا قمراً منيراً ولا شمساً مضيئة ولا فلكاً يدور ولا بحراً يجري ولا فلكاً يسري إلا في محبة هؤلاء الخمسة الذين هم تحت الكساء.
فقال الأمين جبرائيل: يا رب، ومن تحت الكساء؟
فقال عز وجل: هم أهل بيت النبوة ومعدن الرسالة، هم فاطمة وأبوها وبعلها وبنوها.
(Abridged Version)
English Translation
Narrated from Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, from Fatima al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
Fatima said: My father, the Messenger of Allah, came to my house one day and said: "Peace be upon you, O Fatima!"
I replied: "And peace be upon you, O father!"
He said: "I feel weakness in my body."
I said: "I seek refuge for you with Allah, O father, from weakness."
He said: "O Fatima, bring me the Yemeni cloak and cover me with it."
So I brought the Yemeni cloak and covered him with it.
Not long passed before my son Hasan came in and said: "Peace be upon you, mother!"
I replied: "And peace be upon you, O delight of my eyes and fruit of my heart!"
He then said: "O mother, I smell a fragrance so sweet and so pure as that of my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah."
I replied: "Yes, your grandfather is beneath the cloak."
Hasan went toward the cloak and said: "Peace be upon you, O grandfather, O Messenger of Allah! May I enter the cloak with you?"
The Prophet replied: "And peace be upon you, my son and the master of my fountain, you are granted permission."
So Hasan entered the cloak with him.
I replied: "And peace be upon you, O delight of my eyes and fruit of my heart!"
He then said: "O mother, I smell a fragrance so sweet and so pure as that of my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah."
I replied: "Yes, your grandfather and your brother are beneath the cloak."
Husayn approached the cloak and said: "Peace be upon you, O grandfather, O Messenger of Allah! May I enter the cloak with you?"
The Prophet replied: "And peace be upon you, my son and intercessor of my nation, you are granted permission."
So Husayn entered the cloak with him.
Then, Ali ibn Abi Talib came in and said: "Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Messenger of Allah!"
I replied: "And peace be upon you, O father of Hasan and the commander of the faithful!"
He then said: "O Fatima, I smell a fragrance so sweet and so pure as that of my brother and cousin, the Messenger of Allah."
I replied: "Yes, he is beneath the cloak with your two sons."
Ali went toward the cloak and said: "Peace be upon you, O Prophet of Allah! May I enter the cloak with you?"
The Prophet replied: "And peace be upon you, my brother, my successor, and my standard-bearer, you are granted permission."
So Ali entered the cloak with them.
Then I came toward the cloak and said: "Peace be upon you, O father, O Messenger of Allah! May I enter the cloak with you?"
The Prophet replied: "And peace be upon you, my daughter, my part, you are granted permission."
So I entered the cloak with them.
When all of us had gathered beneath the cloak, the Messenger of Allah took hold of the two ends of the cloak and raised his right hand to the heavens and said:
"O Allah! These are the people of my household, my Ahlul Bayt. They are my special ones, their flesh is my flesh, and their blood is my blood. Whoever hurts them hurts me, and whoever displeases them displeases me. I am at war with those who wage war against them, and at peace with those who are at peace with them. I am the enemy of their enemies and the friend of their friends. They are from me, and I am from them. O Allah! Bestow Your blessings, mercy, forgiveness, and pleasure upon me and them. Remove all impurity from them and purify them thoroughly."
Allah the Almighty then said: "O My angels and the inhabitants of My heavens, I have not created the erected sky, the stretched earth, the shining moon, the bright sun, the rotating planets, the flowing seas, or the sailing ships except out of love for these five who are beneath the cloak."
The angel Jibra’il asked: "O Lord, who are those under the cloak?"
The Almighty and Majestic Lord replied: "They are the household of the Prophet and the core of the message: Fatima, her father, her husband, and her two sons."
(Abridged)
Duas.org: This website offers the complete Arabic text of Hadith al-Kisa along with its English translation. It's a reliable resource for Islamic supplications and traditions.
Al-Islam.org: This platform provides a detailed narration of Hadith al-Kisa, including its significance and context. It's a comprehensive resource for Islamic teachings and traditions.
Scribd: This document-sharing platform hosts a PDF version of Hadith al-Kisa in both Arabic and English. It's convenient for readers who prefer downloadable content.
YouTube: For those who prefer audio-visual content, there's a recitation of Hadith al-Kisa with English subtitles available. This can be a spiritually enriching experience.
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