Understanding the word Aal

We will begin with the word Aal which is used in the language of the Arabs.

Word (Aal):

There exists difference of opinion among the linguists about assigning the meaning to this term. When we gather the statements of the linguists, only two distinct opinions emerge about the term Aal.

First Opinion – “Aal” is based on “Ahl”:

A few scholars have written that the word Aal is derived from Ahl, but Ibn al Qayyim treated this opinion as Weak (Dae’ef).

Second Opinion (the accepted one):

The word Aal is derived from the letters Hamzah (أ), Waw (و) and Laamل) ), which combines to form Awl (أول), which means “to return” or “to retreat or reconcile”.

Now the issue is: what should be the meaning of this word (Aal) when it is attributed to a person?

The linguists hold two different opinions regarding this:

1. Members of his household.

2. Those who obey him and follow him.

There are many references available within the main sources of the Qur’an and Sunnah to support both of the above meanings.

Following are a few verses that refer to the use of Aal in the meaning of Ahl or the members of family:

Allah says:

فَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَآ ءَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُم مُّلْكًا عَظِيمًا

We have given the family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We have given them a great kingdom. [An Nisaa 4: 54]

In the above verse the word Aal refers to the Children and Progeny of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) whom Allah had chosen for the Prophet hood, and among them the most famous king is Sulaimaan (peace be upon him).

In this context, Allah mentions in the Holy Qur’an that Ya’qub (peace be upon him) mentioned to his son Yusuf (peace be upon him):

وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجْتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأْوِيلِ ٱلْأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰٓ ءَالِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَآ أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰٓ أَبَوَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

And thus your Lord will choose you, and will teach you the interpretation of events, and will complete His blessing upon you and upon the family of Ya’qub, as He has completed it before upon your forefathers Ibrahim and Ishaq. Your Lord is Knowing and Wise. [Yusuf 12: 6]

In the above Aayat also the word Aal refers to the Children and Progeny of Ya’qûb, and not the ‘followers’.

And the following verse refers to the use of Aal in the meaning of followers:

Allah says:

أَدْخِلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ أَشَدَّ ٱلْعَذَابِ

Make the people of Pharaoh (Firaun) enter the severest punishment. [Ghafir 40: 46]

These verses prove that the word Aal can have both meanings (family and followers).

Tomorrow we will in sha Allah take a look at the word Ahl.