ভূমিকা

After the purified members of the Household who now have reached five in number have entered the Kisaa , the Tradition of the Cloak confirms that the state of completion has been reached and all the required and qualified attendees have already entered the cloak. The state of إكمال (completion) that is pronounced in this moment indicates to us that the privilege of entrance under the cloak is not unlimited and it is not open to anyone and everyone.

All those who enter the cloak must receive divine approval and prophetic approval which are equivalent to one another. It is interesting to note that in other versions of the Tradition of the Cloak , as narrated by the Sunni School of thought by Al-Hakim that Umm Salama, a pious wife of the Prophet (SA) said: "O Prophet of Allah! Am I not one of the members of your family?" The Holy Prophet replied: "You have a good future but only these are the members of my family. O Lord!

The members of my family are more deserving." (Al Mustadrak) It is also cited by Al-Suyuti and Ibn al-Athir that Umm Salama said to the Holy Prophet (SA): "Am I also one of them?" He replied: "No. You have your own special position and your future is good." (Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthoor) One should ask what the wisdom behind Umm Salamah is asking whether she can be included under the cloak.

As we know, Umm Salama is one of the pious wives of the Prophet as agreed by all historians and one may argue that there is no ‘real reason’ why she wouldn’t deserve to be included among the family of the Prophet (SA). Yet, the Prophet (SA) declined her request and excused her respectfully with the assurance that she is in good standing.

This incident certainly proves that the honor of entering under the cloak and being considered to be from the “household” of the Prophet is not for anyone even if it one of his wives.