An interesting statement is recorded from the Holy Prophet, in both Sunni and Shi’ite books on Traditions, which is the famous Tradition of Noah’s ark.

In this Tradition, Abu Dharr says, “The Prophet said, ‘My family is like Noah’s ark. Whoever uses it will be saved and whoever separates from it will drown.” (Mustadrak Halcam, vol.3, p. 151).

This Tradition, which is also among the famous Traditions and mentions the necessity for the people to follow Ali and the family of the Prophet after his death, has been emphasized.

Noting that the ark of Noah is a place of refuge and a means of salvation for when the great storm comes, this truth becomes clear that the Islamic ummah will be saved in the storm which came after the death of the Prophet through the ahl al-bayt.

Think and Answer

1. What does the Tradition of Thaqalin say and what benefits does it prove for the ahl al-bayt?

2. Who recorded the Tradition of Thaqalin?

3. What does Thaqalin mean? And can other interpretations be given about its meaning?

4 In what situation did the Prophet say it?

5. Describe the Tradition of Noah’s Ark from the point of view of its content and documentation.