Prophet Muhammads Infallible Household (AS) in the Verse of Purity

Verse 33 of Sūrah al-Ahzāb of the Holy Qur’an is referred to as the Āye-e Tathīr (Verse of Purity). In this verse, Allah the Almighty announces His intention to purify Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible Household (AS)) from uncleanliness and sin. The question remains as to who are the referents of Ahl al-Bayt. All Shiite and some Sunni scholars believe it to refer to Ahl al-Kesā (People of the Cloak), and some claim that it refers to prophet’s wives. This article seeks to address this important question.