An Analysis of the Traditions Indicating Ahl-ol-Bayt as the Most Beautiful Names of God

The word "name" and its derivatives are widely used in Islamic sciences (both traditional and rational ones). This article has examined the exact meaning of the Ahl-ol-Bayt (SAA) being the most beautiful names of God, as has been stated in the Islamic traditions and it has consequently identified its broad field of meanings as follows: they are the legislative guides to the commandments of God, esoteric guides in creation, guides to God's Attributes and Names, the best mediators between people and God, the best manifestation of the names of God, and finally in the status of servitude, they completely surrender to God. Considering such a broad semantic field, these meanings, partly or at whole, might be meant according to the context. The comprehensive lexical analysis of the term, in one hand and the meaning of the Ahl-ol-Bayt (SAA) being the most beautiful names of God which is used in an absolute, unqualified meaning, on the other hand, are the main reasons for justifying such an opinion about these group of hadiths.