Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hayat Al-Qulub Vol.3 Part 2: ‘Dhikr’ means the Ahlul Bayt Describing that “Dhikr” (remembrance) means Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and that Shias are duty-bound to ask them but that they are not bound to answer them The Creator of the world says: فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ.
If you do not know ask Ahle Dhikr (the people of remembrance) (Sura Nahl 16:43) At another place, He says: هَذَا عَطَاؤُنَا فَامْنُنْ أَوْ أَمْسِكْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ. This is Our free gift, therefore give freely or withhold, without reckoning. (Surah Sad 38:39) And then says: وَإِنَّهُ لَذِكْرٌ لَكَ وَلِقَوْمِكَ وَسَوْفَ تُسْأَلُونَ. And most surely it is a reminder for you and your people, and you shall soon be questioned.
(Sura Zukhruf 43:44) The apparent meaning of the first and second verse is that inquire from the knowledgeable if you do not know. Commentators have different opinions about the term Ahle Dhikr (the people of remembrance). Some say they are those who have knowledge. Some have said they are People of the Book (Ahle Kitab).
But in many traditions, it is mentioned that they are the Pure Imams (a.s.) because of two reasons: First, Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) have the perfect and complete knowledge of the Holy Quran. Hence the Lord of the universe in the subsequent Surah Nahl, says: وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ.
And We have revealed to you the ‘Reminder’ (Quran) that you may make clear to men what has been revealed to them, and that haply they may reflect. (Sura Nahl 16:44) The second reason is that the Pure Imams (a.s.) are the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) of the Prophet as He has said: قَدْ أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكُمْ ذِكْرًا رَسُولًا. Allah has sent to you a messenger who is Dhikr.
(Sura Talaq 65:10-11) As regards the third verse, many commentators are of the opinion that this is an address to Sulaiman meaning that this kingship is a gift from Us which has been given to you. If you want you may favor anybody by giving it to anyone of your choice or you may retain it for you (may not give it to anyone). You will not have to account for it, either about keeping it or giving it away. The traditions to be described in future will show that ‘Ataa’ means knowledge.
In the fourth verse most the commentators have held that the Holy Quran is a thing of honour for you and your people.