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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Fatima The Gracious Chapter 10: At-Taherah As we have already mentioned, one of Fatima az-Zahra’s (sa) names was "At Taherah" (the virtuous, or, pure). This meaning is related to the verse: "And, Allah only wished to remove all abomination from you, ye member of the Family, and to make you pure, and spotless." (33: 33) The above-mentioned verse is of great importance because of its subtle meaning and significance.

This verse is considered the main source of virtues granted to Ahlul-Bayt (as); around it various debates, and many writings took place. It might be more appropriate to say that this verse was the fulcrum of debates, contradicting viewpoints and inconsistent opinions. This is especially true when it comes to who was meant by "the Family," or, “Ahlul-Bayt”.

Nevertheless, it is indisputable that this verse, known as "the verse of purification" concerns Fatima At-Taherah (as), and both Shiite and Sunni scholars agree on this, except a very small number. This established fact has been reached in light of the traditions, which unanimously state that the said verse includes ‘Ali, Fatima, Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (as).

Yet, some hold the viewpoint that the verse includes the Prophet's wives-because of the word "Family", and the sequence of the surrounding verses that include a speech to them; however, he [ (S)] prohibited even his wife, Umm Salama, from joining them under the cloak prior to the revelation of this verse.

Although the number of narrators who report that the "verse of purification" was revealed regarding ‘Ali, Fatima, Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn (as) amounts to several hundreds, it will be useful to include narrations and sources which are reported by prominent Sunni scholars about this subject. I would like to point out that this list should be satisfying for any clear conscience. Baghdadi in his history book Tareekh Baghdad, v.

10, mentioned that Abu Sa'id Al-Khudari remarked regarding the verse: 'And, Allah only wished to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family and to make you pure and spotless," The Messenger of Allah gathered ‘Ali, Fatima, Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn under a cloak, and said: "These are my Ahlul-Bayt (i.e., Family), O Allah; remove all abominations from them and make them pure, and spotless".

Umm Salama, who was standing near the door, said: "Am I not one of them, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "You are (up to a) good ending." Zamakhshari in Al-Kashaf, v.1, p.