Who is meant by “Ahl” whom one should protect from the Fire?

Ahl is a broad term. It includes everyone under a person’s care and influence, that is, the family and others in the household, and in the case of a prophet the whole community of his followers.

The first verse above calls on believers to protect themselves and their own from the Fire. The Arabic word for their own is Ahl. It is often translated as family, but its meaning goes further.

A person’s Ahl includes everyone under their guidance, protection and care. First of all this means spouse and children, but also others who belong to the household, such as people working in it. A person is responsible for everyone who falls under their influence.

In the case of a prophet the circle is even wider. His Ahl are not only his blood relatives but all who follow him in faith. When the second verse above tells the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) to urge his people to prayer, it can be understood in this wide sense.

So the verse is a charge not to think only of oneself. Parents should guide their children, and those who are responsible for others should set them a good example. The greater a person’s influence, the greater their responsibility for how they use it.