Ahlul Kisa' Series

Many people know Ahlul Kisa' through the names of the five individuals whom the Messenger of Allah SAW covered with a single cloth. However, identifying these names alone is not sufficient to understand the event in its entirety.

Several important questions still need to be examined. Why did the Messenger of Allah SAW call certain individuals to come beneath the cloth? Why did the event take place in Ummu Salamah's home? Why was Ummu Salamah physically near the event yet not placed beneath the Kisa'?

The three parts in this series are arranged to lead readers through these questions step by step.

Part 1: The Foundations of the Ahlul Kisa' Event

The first part introduces the meaning of Ahlul Kisa' as well as the position of Fatimah, Ali, Hassan and Hussin in the event.

Hadith narrated by at-Tirmidhi 3787 is presented as the primary foundation of the discussion. The full hadith in Arabic together with its Malay translation is also provided so that readers can examine the sequence of events, the Prophet's supplication and his answer to Ummu Salamah for themselves.

This part also introduces questions concerning Ummu Salamah's home, the relationship between Ahlul Kisa' and Ahlul Bait as well as their connection to Tsaqalain and the three methodologies of Allah's communication.

Part 2: The Home, the Bait and the Kisa' Space

The second part shifts the focus from the question of who Ahlul Kisa' were to the questions of where the event took place and how the space was arranged.

Ummu Salamah's home is examined in terms of its location, position and spiritual significance. Attention is also given to Ummu Salamah's role as the Prophet's wife and the occupant of that home.

The discussion then moves to the exclusive space beneath the Kisa'. The positions of Fatimah, Ali, Hassan and Hussin are examined based on the sequence of events in the hadith. The Prophet's movement out of the Kisa' leads to an analysis of the change in Ali's position within that space.

From this arrangement, readers are led to examine questions of leadership, purification and the relationship between Ahlul Bait through genetic lineage and Ahlul Bait through marital ties.

Part 3: Why Was Ummu Salamah Not Beneath the Kisa'?

The third part focuses on the central question of the series: why was Ummu Salamah not placed beneath the Kisa' even though the event took place in her own home?

Ummu Salamah's absence should not immediately be understood as an indication that her position was lower. Instead, the Prophet's answer, “You are in your place and you are better with me,” is examined to understand her position, honour and role in the event.

This part also discusses the difference in roles between Ummu Salamah and the group beneath the Kisa'. Towards the end, the discussion is connected to Imam Mahdi, islah, purification of the qalbu and the possible relationship with the three methodologies of Allah's communication.

Why Should All Three Parts Be Read Together?

These three parts are not three separate pieces of writing. They form a single chain of discussion:

1. Part 1 establishes the foundation of the hadith and the key questions.
2. Part 2 examines the location, space and arrangement of the event.
3. Part 3 discusses Ummu Salamah's position and the wider implications.

If readers only read Part 1, they may become familiar with Ahlul Kisa' but remain unable to understand the meaning of the space and the arrangement of the event.

If readers only read Part 2, the discussion about the Kisa' space may not be fully understood without the foundation of the hadith presented in Part 1.

If readers proceed directly to Part 3 without understanding the two earlier parts, the Prophet's answer to Ummu Salamah as well as its connection to purification and Imam Mahdi may be misunderstood.

What Do You Lose by Not Reading It?

The main loss is not simply missing a series of articles. Readers may know the names of Ahlul Kisa' without understanding why they were placed beneath the cloth.

Readers may also fail to see the importance of Ummu Salamah's home, the function of the Kisa' space and the difference in position between those inside and outside that space.

More importantly, readers may understand the hadith in isolation from its connection to Ahlul Bait, Tsaqalain, purification of the qalbu and the question of Imam Mahdi.

Conclusions drawn from a single excerpt or a single part may also prevent the overall structure of the argument from being seen clearly.

Therefore, read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 in order. Do not stop at a summary or a short excerpt. Examine the hadith, observe the sequence of events and conduct personal research into the matters discussed.

In the event of Ahlul Kisa', the important question is not only who was beneath the Kisa'. The greater question is why they were placed there and what amanah is connected to that position.