Loving Ahl ul-Bayt [The household of the Prophet (PBUT)] is not particular to a specific group of people in Islam. All Muslims love the Holy Prophet's household. All Muslims admire the Holy Prophet's household. There was only a limited and small group – called nawasib – in history, whose primary motive was most probably political. They did not have a religious motive, in the true sense of the word; however, the majority of Muslims are considered as admirers of Ahl ul-Bayt from the beginning till today.
Well, this very statement is a lesson for us: that lesson is, through our love for Ahl ul-Bayt, we can bring about unanimity among Muslims. This love can become a pivotal point for the unity and solidarity of Muslims. As the holy existence of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH), the Holy Quran, and Holy Ka'bah are pivoting for the unity of Muslims, love for Ahl ul-Bayt can become a pivoting point for the unity of Muslims; and it can bring hearts closer to one another.
I will tell you, dear brothers, that today, the world of Islam is in great need of unity and solidarity. Today, the body of the world of Islam is wounded. Today, the enemies of Islam have managed to weaken Muslims by creating war and discord among Muslims. They have managed to busy them with fighting each other while keeping their enemies safe. In West Asia, the usurping Zionist regime has security, but Muslims are attacking one another: this is a truth and reality that exists today.
And this is the work of the enemies of Islam. This is the work of the US, international Zionism, and their followers and cohorts in the region. With complete regret, we should accept that inside the Islamic Ummah and inside Islamic governments, there are some people who do exactly what the US and Zionists want. They provide the financial resources, they prepare the ground, and they have turned into their pawns. For what? To cause injury to the body of the Islamic Ummah. Under such circumstances, the unity of the Islamic Ummah is the most important obligation. We should come together.
Love of Ahl ul-Bayt has Quranic roots; it has roots in hadith; this is not a new concept. A hadith which is accepted by all Islamic denominations is the Hadith al-Thaqalayn. This hadith states: "I leave among you two valuable things: one of them is the Book of Allah and the other is my household. These shall not separate from each other till they meet me together at the Kawthar [reservoir] in heaven."
Although what this hadith teaches us is to follow Ahl ul-Bayt, following someone without loving them is meaningless. So, loving Ahl ul-Bayt can also be understood from this hadith. The Holy Quran says, "Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, you members of the House, and to make you pure and spotless." [The Holy Quran, 33: 33] The purity that exists in Ahl ul-Bayt because of the Will of Allah the Exalted is the requirement for Muslims' love and admiration for Ahlul Bayt; so, this is an apparatus for the unity among Muslims.
It is in the best interests of the enemies of Islam to drag the world of Islam into war; they have, unfortunately, done so. We have stood firm against this enemy plot, and we will continue to do so. I will assure you that we believe, by Allah's favor, grace, will, and permission we will achieve victory over our enemies in this battle.
Imam Khamenei, Nov 23, 2017
