Hadith Al-Kisa – The Event of the Cloak

By: M.K.

Hadith Al-Kisa or the Narration of the Cloak narrates an incident of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his ‘Ahlul-bayt’ that include both his cousin and son in law, Imam Ali (a.s) in addition to his two grandsons, Imam Hassan and Hussain (a.s.), and his daughter, Lady Fatima (a.s). This incident occurred under Prophet’s (saw) cloak under which he announced the aforementioned family members as his ‘Ahl’ or Family. And essentially, they became known as ‘Ahl al-Kis’ or People of the Cloak, a term reserved for Prophet Muhammad’s family. It was this incident during which the second part of Holy Quran’s verse 33.33 was revealed. This verse is referred to as ‘Ayat al-Tathir’ or Verse of Purification in which Allah Almighty has provided purification for Holy Prophet’s (saw) family (Ali, Hassan and Hussain, and Fatima) to prove their infallible status in this universe.

It is imperative to note that several individuals including Umme Salma, Ayesha and Ibne Abbas have narrated the incident of Cloak. However, Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari’s hadith adorns the most authenticity according to Shias and the narration adapts a special status due to Lady Fatima (a.s.) being the sole narrator of the entire tradition. This hadith makes up a foundation of Imamate concept within Shia-ism, which addresses Apostle of God’s patrilineal descendants who have got a spiritually divine leadership position amidst the Muslim world.

The hadith or quotation opens up with, “One day, my father, the Messenger of God, entered my house.” Holy Prophet’s (saw) entrance into his daughter’s as well as son in law’s house portrays importance for maintenance of kinship relations that Islam highly values. People are being taught to respect those younger than them in addition to adopting humility. In addition, words “One day” in the narration are not indicative of any special day such as Eid or Friday, rather it is teaching us that visiting our kin does not have to be on a special occasion and instead should occur on regular days. The next line quotes the Prophet (saw) saying, “Peace be upon you, O Fatima,” to which Lady Fatima (a.s) replies, “Peace be upon you.” Here, a few pieces of advice can be derived. Whenever a person arrives in somebody’s house, he or she should greet the residents of that house in a humbling manner regardless of the invitee being young or old. The quote also stresses on the importance of initiating a greeting that brings ten rewards upon whomever has initiated it. And the Arabic word of greeting, ‘Salaam’ introduces an intimate as well as amicable way for conversation in addition to it leading the addressee responding sympathetically.

Going further with a few more quoted lines, next the Prophet (saw) said, “I feel some fatigue in my body.” Her, the narration is referring to one seeking refuge in their abode of protection that they call home during time of hardship or a problem. Comparing that to today’s society, for instance in the West, it can be seen that many individuals choose to go to places where alcoholic beverages are being served such as bars or clubs in an attempt to temporarily sooth their unpleasant emotions. However, this pattern has continuously disrupted familial ties by causing separation between the individual and his family at home.

The hadith continues, “Then I said, I seek refuse from God, O father, from fatigue.” Here, Muslims are being advised to entrust God with their affairs similar to Lady Fatima (a.s) who immediately seeks Allah Almighty as her only refuge. Lady Fatima’s reaction at this stage is in fact being derived from the Quran, “Soon you will remember what I tell you, and I entrust my affair to God. Indeed God is All-Seeing of His worshippers.” (40:44).

Shia and all lovers of Ahlul Bayt who participate in reading Hadith Al-Kisa have been given a guarantee to have their desires fulfilled by Allah Almighty. As this meeting (where Hadith Al-Kisa is read among the believers) is a worship place, it becomes a ground for Allah Almighty’s satisfaction, which consequently causes the desires of a person to be fulfilled. In essence, the overall message being derived from this narration of Cloak is telling us that if we join the company of good people, we will avoid participation in meetings conducted by false doers. And engaging and participating in meetings where Ahlul Bayts’ virtues are being discussed instead of negativity constituting falsehood, backbiting or accusation will then be a solution for avoiding false doers.

Sources:

“Hadith Al-Kisa / The Event of the Cloak.” Hadith Al-Kisa / The Event of the Cloak. Accessed October 5, 2015. http://www.qul.org.au/library/duas-supplications/406-hadith-al-kisa-the-event-of-the-cloak.

Hossein Masoud, Gholam. Hadith Al Kisa. 2-24.