How can the Zaydis claim to follow the Ahl al-Bayt exclusively when there are other sects that claim to do so? What is their proof?
The Zaydis can accurately claim exclusive devotion to Ahl al-Bayt over other groups because of the well-known and universally accepted tradition on the authority of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny: ((Verily, I leave for you two weighty things. If you adhere to them you will never go astray after me: the Book of Allah and my offspring, the Ahl al-Bayt. The Most Subtle and All-Aware informed me that they will never separate from each other until they reach me at the Basin)).
We say that all other sects have either rejected one of these “two weighty things” in one way or other. The wording of this hadîthis instructive in addressing the answer. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny, mentioned that he has left behind the Qur’ân and the Ahl al-Bayt for us to follow. Allah commands us: {Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it} (Q 59:7). Similarly, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny, said that the believer “will never go astray” if he/she were to follow the Book and Ahl al-Bayt. This statement explicitly designates these “two weighty things” as the only source of guidance; that withstanding, following these “two weighty things” is religiously obligatory.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny, said that the Qur’ân and Ahl al-Bayt will never separate from each other. This means that even if one separates from one of these two, one “weighty thing” will not separate from the other. This means that Qur’ân will never contradict the Ahl al-Bayt and the Ahl al-Bayt will never contradict the Qur’ân. Therefore, if one finds a discrepancy between these “two weighty things” one cannot be said to have adhered to the Qur’ân and Ahl al-Bayt.
Regarding those sects who claim to follow Ahl al-Bayt, we must ask them if they truly adhere to both of them or one of them to the exclusion of the other. For example, regarding the issue of the Vision of Allah in the Hereafter, there is a difference of opinion amongst the Muslims. Some groups believe that the Muslims will see Allah on the Day of Judgment while others say that they won’t. Both groups quote the Qur’ân as the source of their beliefs; yet, only one view can be correct.
Those that rely upon the Qur’ân and the imams of Ahl al-Bayt amongst the 12ers, Isma’ilis, and Zaydis say that Allah cannot be seen—whether it be this world or the next. Those who do not rely upon the Prophet’s Progeny rely upon the Qur’ân to the exclusion of theAhl al-Bayt because their view contradicts the opinion of the Prophet’s Descendants. Conversely, those amongst the 12ers and Isma’ilis who claim to follow the Ahl al-Bayt ascribe to the view that the Muslim sinners (except the enemies of Ahl al-Bayt) will exit the Fires of Hell. This is in exclusion to the verses of Qur’ân because it contradicts the Book of Allah. This leaves the Zaydis.
