Numerous verses in the Quran indicate the Imamate and general guardianship (wilāyah) of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) after the Prophet of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). One such verse is the Verse of Affection (Āyat al-Mawaddah), in which the Almighty states:

"Say, ‘I do not ask you for any reward for it except love for [my] near relatives.’ And whoever performs a good deed—We shall enhance for him its goodness. Indeed, Allah is all-forgiving, all-appreciative." (Quran 42:23)

This book explores the interpretation of this noble verse and its indication of the Imamate and general guardianship of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) after the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). The study relies exclusively on books and sources from the Sunni tradition.

It is hoped that this work will be of benefit to scholars and researchers and serve as a means of guidance for those worthy of it, as well as a spiritual provision for us on the Day of Resurrection—a day when neither wealth nor offspring will be of any benefit.

Structure

This work is structured into several sections:

The Meaning of “Qurbā” (Close Relatives) from the Perspective of the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family)

Analysis and Authentication of the Chains of Transmission (Isnād) of the Narrations on the Verse of Affection

Refutation of the Objections Raised by Opponents

The Revelation of the Verse of Affection: Narrations and Interpretations

The Verse’s Indication of Imamate and Leadership