Ahl al-Bayt's Barzakh Life in Elemental Body or Barzakhi Form

There are two contradictory views on Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.)’s lives in al-Barzakh; some of the scholars believe they go through this life in a Barzakhi body (ideal body), and the other ones believe in a worldly body. Each of these views is based on some traditions whose correct interpretation would lead us to have a better understanding of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.)’s ranks and characteristics. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, this paper is going to prove that Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.) have their worldly bodies in Barzakh. This view is mainly supported by the narrations which emphasize that no prophets or their successors’ bodies will not be on the earth more than three or forty days unless God takes them to the heaven. In addition, some more evidence was found in hadiths such as Ahl al-Bayt’s physical bodies are remaining as good as their soul, seeing the prophets and Imams after their death, and prophet Muhammad’s visiting other prophets in Mi’rāj; all reinforce this view.