قُل لَّا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى
This translation is from Mir Ahmed Ali and in his commentary he has
mentioned the Ahlul-Bayt as the relatives that are referred to. I was also
reading Maualna Maudoodi's commentary and he raises a seemingly valid point.
He starts out by stating that there are 3 different interpretations of this
aya'h. One of the interpretations that he mentions is the Shi'a version
where the Ahlul-Bayt are reported as the relatives to whom this verse
refers. Maulana Maudoodi rejects this explanation based on historical
features. His contention is that this Sura was revealed in Makkah when Ali
and Fatima were not yet married and when Imam Hasan and Husain were not yet
born. Based on this historical fact, he feels that the relatives referred
to in this aya'h cannot be the Ahlul-Bayt.
It is strange that Maulana Maudoodi rejects this explanation based on his
arguement that this Aayat was revealed in Makkah when Imam 'Ali (Alayhi
Salam) and Bibi Fatima (Alayha Salam) were not married and therefore the
Ahl al Bayt consisiting also of Imam al Hasan and Imam al Husayn (Aluhuma
) were not even born! Well, this view is not consistent with
authentic Sunni scholars and has to be rejected. There is enough evidence
in authentic Sunni Tafasir that proves this verse was actually revealed
in Medina and it actually refers to the Ahlal Bayt (Alayhimu Salam).
A detailed discussion of this is found in Allama al Sayyid Muhammad Husayn
al Taba-Tabai's "al Mizan fi Tafsir al Qur'an" vol.18 pp.43-48
In discussing the above, Alllama al Taba-Tabai argues very convincingly (I
am only presenting the summary of part of his argument in the above pages)
when he says that Rasul Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) did
not ask for any "Ajr" (Payment or Fee) as referred to in the Aayat.
Bringing Imaan upon Rasul Allah (Sallallahu Alyhi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and
upon his Risalat is his Ajr. If this is understood, then after great
thinking from both the Sunni as well as the Shia Ulema it is concluded
that that love for the Ahl al Bayt forms part of his Risalat and principle
of Usul as is shown in the Hadith of al Thaqalayn and Hadith of the Safina
(Nabi Nuh Alayhi Salam's Ark) and other Ahadith
For example, Ibn Kathir in his " Tafsir al Qur'an al 'Azim"
Mukhtasar Vol. 4 pp.100-103 explaining this Aayat, refers at one point in
his explanation to an interesting dialogue that took place between Imam
Zayn al Abidin (Alayhi Salam) during his captivity after Kerbala and a
local man from Shaam. This was at the time when the Imam with Bibi Zaynab
and others had reached Shaam as captives and people had gathered on the
streets of Shaam to see them. At that time a local man approaches Imam
Zayn al Abidin (Alayhi Salam) and tells him that he thanks Allah that they
got killed and captured. At this point Imam Zayn al Abidin asked this man
if he had read this verse from the Qur'an (...Qul laa asalukum 'alyhi
ajran illal mawaddata fil Qurbaa...). The man said that indeed he had read
it. Imam Zayn al Abidin reminded the man that this Ayat referred to them
who were the Ahl al Bayt
Ibn Kathir has given other references as part of his Tafsir on
this verse which indicates that this refers to the Ahl al Bayt (Alayhimu
Salam).
Ibn 'Arabi (Allama Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi) in his "Tafsir al Quran
al Karim" Vol.2, pp. 432-433 explains. When Rasul Allah (Salallahu Alayhi
wa Aalihi wasallam) was asked:
'Ya Rasul Allah, which of your relatives are these making Waajib upon us
to love them,
He replied, "Ali and Fatema and al Hasan and al Husayn and children
of both these."
Shaykh Muhammad Ali Taha al Ddart in his "Tafsir al Quran al Karim
wa al A'arabuhu wa Bayanuhu" Vol.13 pp71-75, quotes other Sunni source from
al Tirmidhi confirming the validity of his explanation citing the event of
al Ghadir
There are many traditions narrated by both Shiite and Sunni Scholars, which not only specify the kin mentioned in this verse, but also state their names. Among the narrations mentioned in this regard by Sunni scholars, are the following:
When this verse was revealed, someone said:"Messenger of Allah, who are the kin whose love is obligatory for us?"
The Prophet (S) replied: "Ali,Fatima, and her two children."
This narration has been reported by the following Sunni scholars
1. Ibn Hajar in his al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah.
2. al-Thalabi.
3. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur.
4. Abu Nu'aym in Hilyat al-'awliya
5. al-Hamawayni al-Shafi'i in Fara'id al-Samtayn
Another narration similar to the one stated above, is reported by Tabari and Ibn Hajar; according to this narration the Messenger of Allah (S) is reported to have said:
"Surely Allah made it incumbent on you to love my kin, and I will ask you about them in the hereafter."
Moreover, the following narrations mentioned on the account of Ahlul-Bayt are a few of the many saying of the Imams (A) in which they recite this verse as proof of the fact that loving them is a religious duty:
A. It is written in al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah by Ibn Hajar that Imam Ali (A) said:
"It is stated in the (Quranic chapter) Ha Mim that no one upholds our love save the faithful ones."
He then read:
"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "(42: 23)
B. It has also been reported in the same book that Imam Hassan (A) gave a speech in which he said:
"Surely we are among the Ahlul-Bayt whose love and support were made incumbent (upon the faithful) by Allah, the Exalted. He-- Glory be to Him, said:
"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if arty one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).'"(42: 23)
C. Imam Ali Ibn Al-Hussain (Zain Al-Abedeen (A)) replied to the Syrian who said to him while he was a prisoner of the Umayyads in Damascus:
"Praise be to Allah Who killed you..etc. "
Then he (A) said: "Haven't you read the verse:
'Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any-one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "'(42: 23)
D. Jabir Ibn Abdullah said:
"A beduin came to the Prophet (S) and said: 'Muhammad, present Islam to me.'
'The Prophet replied: `Bear witness that there is no God but Allah, to whom an associate does not exist; and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah. '
The beduin said: `Do you require any reward from me (for bringing me to Islam)?'
He (S) answered:`No, save loving the nearest of kin.'
The beduin then asked: `Mine or yours?'
The Prophet (S) said: `My kin.'
The beduin said: `Let me pay allegiance to you, and may the curse of Allah be on those who do not love you and your kin.'
Thus he (S) said: 'Amen.'"
This narration has been reported by Al-Kinji in Kefayat At-Talib p.31.
Sheikh Amini (may Allah bless his soul) listed forty-five (45) sources in v.3 of Al-Ghadeer which state that the verse was revealed regarding Ali, Fatima, Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain (A). They are: Imam Ahmad, Ibn al-Mundir, Ibn Abu Hatim, Tabari, Ibn Mardawaih, Tha'labi, Abu Abdullah al-Mula, Abu Sheikh Nisaee, Wahidi, Abu Nu'aym, Bagawi, Bazaz, Ibn Maghazili, Hasakani, Muhib al-Deen, Zamakhshari, Ibn Asaker, Abu al-Faraj, Hamueeni, Nishabouri, Ibn Talhe, Razi, Abu al-Saoud, Abu Hayan, Ibn Abu al-Hadeed, Baidhawi, Nasfi, Haithami, Ibn Sabagh, Ganji, Manawi, Qastalani, Zarandi, Khazin, Zargani, Ibn Hajar, Samhoudi, Suyuti, Safuri, Saban, Shab Lanje, Handhrami, and Nabhaw
Ibn Abbas narrated: When the above verse (42:23) was revealed, the companions asked: "O' the Messenger of Allah! Who are those near kin whose love Allah has made obligatory for us?" Upon that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Ali, Fatimah, and their two sons." He (S.A.W.) repeated this sentence thrice.
Sunni references:
1. Tafsir al-Kabir, by Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Part 27, pp 165-166
2. Tafsir al-Tha'labi, under the commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
3. Tafsir al-Tabari, by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, under verse 42:23
4. Tafsir al-Qurtubi, under commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
5. Tafsir al-Kashshaf, by al-Zamakhshari, under commentary of verse 42:23
6. Tafsir al-Baidhawi, under the commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
7. Tafsir al-Kalbi, under commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
8. al-Madarik, in connection with verse 42:23
9. Dhakha'ir al-Uqba, by Muhibbuddin al-Tabari, p25
10. Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal,
11. al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar Haythami, Ch. 11, section 1, p259
12. Shawahid al-Tanzeel, Hakim Hasakani, al-Hanafi, v2, p132
13. Many others such as Ibn Abi Hatam, al-Tabarani, etc.
Then the Prophet (S.A.W.) continued:
"Verily Allah has dedicated my wage (of prophethood) to love of my Ahlul-Bayt, and I shall question you about it on the day of judgment."
Sunni references:
· Dhakha'ir al-Uqba, by Muhibbuddin al-Tabari, p26
· al-Sirah, by al-Mala
In another tradition, we read:
The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: "I advice you to be kind to my Ahlul-Bayt for verily I will dispute you about them on the day of Judgment, and whoever I dispute him shall enter the Fire." He (S.A.W.) also said: "One who regards me by regarding my Ahlul-Bayt, he has taken a promise from Allah (to enter the Paradise)."
Sunni references:
· al-Tabaqat, by Ibn Sa'd
· al-Sirah, by al-Mala
· al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Ch. 11, section 1, p231
Furthermore, al-Kateeb and Ibn Hajar narrated on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik saying:
The Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "The title of the Book (Saheefah) of believer is love of Ali Ibn Abi Talib."
Sunni references:
· Tarikh, by al-Khateeb al-Baghdadi
· al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Ch. 9, section 2, p193
This translation is from Mir Ahmed Ali and in his commentary he has
mentioned the Ahlul-Bayt as the relatives that are referred to. I was also
reading Maualna Maudoodi's commentary and he raises a seemingly valid point.
He starts out by stating that there are 3 different interpretations of this
aya'h. One of the interpretations that he mentions is the Shi'a version
where the Ahlul-Bayt are reported as the relatives to whom this verse
refers. Maulana Maudoodi rejects this explanation based on historical
features. His contention is that this Sura was revealed in Makkah when Ali
and Fatima were not yet married and when Imam Hasan and Husain were not yet
born. Based on this historical fact, he feels that the relatives referred
to in this aya'h cannot be the Ahlul-Bayt.
It is strange that Maulana Maudoodi rejects this explanation based on his
arguement that this Aayat was revealed in Makkah when Imam 'Ali (Alayhi
Salam) and Bibi Fatima (Alayha Salam) were not married and therefore the
Ahl al Bayt consisiting also of Imam al Hasan and Imam al Husayn (Aluhuma
) were not even born! Well, this view is not consistent with
authentic Sunni scholars and has to be rejected. There is enough evidence
in authentic Sunni Tafasir that proves this verse was actually revealed
in Medina and it actually refers to the Ahlal Bayt (Alayhimu Salam).
A detailed discussion of this is found in Allama al Sayyid Muhammad Husayn
al Taba-Tabai's "al Mizan fi Tafsir al Qur'an" vol.18 pp.43-48
In discussing the above, Alllama al Taba-Tabai argues very convincingly (I
am only presenting the summary of part of his argument in the above pages)
when he says that Rasul Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) did
not ask for any "Ajr" (Payment or Fee) as referred to in the Aayat.
Bringing Imaan upon Rasul Allah (Sallallahu Alyhi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and
upon his Risalat is his Ajr. If this is understood, then after great
thinking from both the Sunni as well as the Shia Ulema it is concluded
that that love for the Ahl al Bayt forms part of his Risalat and principle
of Usul as is shown in the Hadith of al Thaqalayn and Hadith of the Safina
(Nabi Nuh Alayhi Salam's Ark) and other Ahadith
For example, Ibn Kathir in his " Tafsir al Qur'an al 'Azim"
Mukhtasar Vol. 4 pp.100-103 explaining this Aayat, refers at one point in
his explanation to an interesting dialogue that took place between Imam
Zayn al Abidin (Alayhi Salam) during his captivity after Kerbala and a
local man from Shaam. This was at the time when the Imam with Bibi Zaynab
and others had reached Shaam as captives and people had gathered on the
streets of Shaam to see them. At that time a local man approaches Imam
Zayn al Abidin (Alayhi Salam) and tells him that he thanks Allah that they
got killed and captured. At this point Imam Zayn al Abidin asked this man
if he had read this verse from the Qur'an (...Qul laa asalukum 'alyhi
ajran illal mawaddata fil Qurbaa...). The man said that indeed he had read
it. Imam Zayn al Abidin reminded the man that this Ayat referred to them
who were the Ahl al Bayt
Ibn Kathir has given other references as part of his Tafsir on
this verse which indicates that this refers to the Ahl al Bayt (Alayhimu
Salam).
Ibn 'Arabi (Allama Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi) in his "Tafsir al Quran
al Karim" Vol.2, pp. 432-433 explains. When Rasul Allah (Salallahu Alayhi
wa Aalihi wasallam) was asked:
'Ya Rasul Allah, which of your relatives are these making Waajib upon us
to love them,
He replied, "Ali and Fatema and al Hasan and al Husayn and children
of both these."
Shaykh Muhammad Ali Taha al Ddart in his "Tafsir al Quran al Karim
wa al A'arabuhu wa Bayanuhu" Vol.13 pp71-75, quotes other Sunni source from
al Tirmidhi confirming the validity of his explanation citing the event of
al Ghadir
There are many traditions narrated by both Shiite and Sunni Scholars, which not only specify the kin mentioned in this verse, but also state their names. Among the narrations mentioned in this regard by Sunni scholars, are the following:
When this verse was revealed, someone said:"Messenger of Allah, who are the kin whose love is obligatory for us?"
The Prophet (S) replied: "Ali,Fatima, and her two children."
This narration has been reported by the following Sunni scholars
1. Ibn Hajar in his al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah.
2. al-Thalabi.
3. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur.
4. Abu Nu'aym in Hilyat al-'awliya
5. al-Hamawayni al-Shafi'i in Fara'id al-Samtayn
Another narration similar to the one stated above, is reported by Tabari and Ibn Hajar; according to this narration the Messenger of Allah (S) is reported to have said:
"Surely Allah made it incumbent on you to love my kin, and I will ask you about them in the hereafter."
Moreover, the following narrations mentioned on the account of Ahlul-Bayt are a few of the many saying of the Imams (A) in which they recite this verse as proof of the fact that loving them is a religious duty:
A. It is written in al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah by Ibn Hajar that Imam Ali (A) said:
"It is stated in the (Quranic chapter) Ha Mim that no one upholds our love save the faithful ones."
He then read:
"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "(42: 23)
B. It has also been reported in the same book that Imam Hassan (A) gave a speech in which he said:
"Surely we are among the Ahlul-Bayt whose love and support were made incumbent (upon the faithful) by Allah, the Exalted. He-- Glory be to Him, said:
"Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if arty one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).'"(42: 23)
C. Imam Ali Ibn Al-Hussain (Zain Al-Abedeen (A)) replied to the Syrian who said to him while he was a prisoner of the Umayyads in Damascus:
"Praise be to Allah Who killed you..etc. "
Then he (A) said: "Haven't you read the verse:
'Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin, and if any-one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof; For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service). "'(42: 23)
D. Jabir Ibn Abdullah said:
"A beduin came to the Prophet (S) and said: 'Muhammad, present Islam to me.'
'The Prophet replied: `Bear witness that there is no God but Allah, to whom an associate does not exist; and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah. '
The beduin said: `Do you require any reward from me (for bringing me to Islam)?'
He (S) answered:`No, save loving the nearest of kin.'
The beduin then asked: `Mine or yours?'
The Prophet (S) said: `My kin.'
The beduin said: `Let me pay allegiance to you, and may the curse of Allah be on those who do not love you and your kin.'
Thus he (S) said: 'Amen.'"
This narration has been reported by Al-Kinji in Kefayat At-Talib p.31.
Sheikh Amini (may Allah bless his soul) listed forty-five (45) sources in v.3 of Al-Ghadeer which state that the verse was revealed regarding Ali, Fatima, Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain (A). They are: Imam Ahmad, Ibn al-Mundir, Ibn Abu Hatim, Tabari, Ibn Mardawaih, Tha'labi, Abu Abdullah al-Mula, Abu Sheikh Nisaee, Wahidi, Abu Nu'aym, Bagawi, Bazaz, Ibn Maghazili, Hasakani, Muhib al-Deen, Zamakhshari, Ibn Asaker, Abu al-Faraj, Hamueeni, Nishabouri, Ibn Talhe, Razi, Abu al-Saoud, Abu Hayan, Ibn Abu al-Hadeed, Baidhawi, Nasfi, Haithami, Ibn Sabagh, Ganji, Manawi, Qastalani, Zarandi, Khazin, Zargani, Ibn Hajar, Samhoudi, Suyuti, Safuri, Saban, Shab Lanje, Handhrami, and Nabhaw
Ibn Abbas narrated: When the above verse (42:23) was revealed, the companions asked: "O' the Messenger of Allah! Who are those near kin whose love Allah has made obligatory for us?" Upon that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Ali, Fatimah, and their two sons." He (S.A.W.) repeated this sentence thrice.
Sunni references:
1. Tafsir al-Kabir, by Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Part 27, pp 165-166
2. Tafsir al-Tha'labi, under the commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
3. Tafsir al-Tabari, by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, under verse 42:23
4. Tafsir al-Qurtubi, under commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
5. Tafsir al-Kashshaf, by al-Zamakhshari, under commentary of verse 42:23
6. Tafsir al-Baidhawi, under the commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
7. Tafsir al-Kalbi, under commentary of verse 42:23 of Quran
8. al-Madarik, in connection with verse 42:23
9. Dhakha'ir al-Uqba, by Muhibbuddin al-Tabari, p25
10. Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal,
11. al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar Haythami, Ch. 11, section 1, p259
12. Shawahid al-Tanzeel, Hakim Hasakani, al-Hanafi, v2, p132
13. Many others such as Ibn Abi Hatam, al-Tabarani, etc.
Then the Prophet (S.A.W.) continued:
"Verily Allah has dedicated my wage (of prophethood) to love of my Ahlul-Bayt, and I shall question you about it on the day of judgment."
Sunni references:
· Dhakha'ir al-Uqba, by Muhibbuddin al-Tabari, p26
· al-Sirah, by al-Mala
In another tradition, we read:
The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: "I advice you to be kind to my Ahlul-Bayt for verily I will dispute you about them on the day of Judgment, and whoever I dispute him shall enter the Fire." He (S.A.W.) also said: "One who regards me by regarding my Ahlul-Bayt, he has taken a promise from Allah (to enter the Paradise)."
Sunni references:
· al-Tabaqat, by Ibn Sa'd
· al-Sirah, by al-Mala
· al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Ch. 11, section 1, p231
Furthermore, al-Kateeb and Ibn Hajar narrated on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik saying:
The Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "The title of the Book (Saheefah) of believer is love of Ali Ibn Abi Talib."
Sunni references:
· Tarikh, by al-Khateeb al-Baghdadi
· al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Ch. 9, section 2, p193