The h̩adīth of Kisā’ (cloak) refers to an incident where the Prophet gathered Fāṭima, ʿAlī, al-Ḥasan, and al-Ḥusayn underneath his cloak. While they were beneath the cloak the following verse was revealed: “God only wishes to remove taint from you, people of the household, and to purify you thoroughly.” (Quran: 33:33).
Although the h̩adīth is accepted by Sunnis and Shias, it is interpreted differently. According to the Shī‘as, this verse is proof that “the people of the household” (ahl al-bayt) is restricted to Fāṭima, ʿAlī, al-Ḥasan, and al-Ḥusayn and their progeny.
According to Sunnīs, ahl al-bayt encompasses other members of the Prophet’s family including his wives. The term ahl-kisāʾ is also connected with the incident of mubāhala, in which the following a debate with the Christians of Najrān, a verse regarding mubāhala (mutual cursing) was revealed. The Prophet brought ‘Alī, Fāt̩ima, Ḥasan and Ḥusayn and they stood under a cloak (Kisā) to begin the mubāhala. The Christians withdrew from the contest and agreed to pay the jiziyā.
References
Daftary, Farhad, “Ahl al-Kisāʾ”, in: Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. ; Moojan Momen, An Introduction to Shiʻi Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shiʻism, (Yale University Press, 1985), pp. 13-14.
