Is there anyone today from the progeny of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, through Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her? And what is the ruling on some Sunnis and Shiites today claiming to be from the Household (Ahl al-Bayt) and refraining from eating charity (sadaqat)?

The science of genealogy is a noble discipline that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, encouraged learning for the purpose of maintaining kinship ties. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was the most knowledgeable among people in it. Many have falsely claimed noble lineage for fame, to market innovations, and to seize people's wealth, such as the Shadhiliyya and the Ubaydiyyin. The establishment of noble lineage is confirmed through texts from trustworthy historians, legitimate documents, widespread recognition (istifadah), and just evidence. It is not possible to deny the existence of those who are truly descended from the Prophet's family, peace and blessings be upon him, whether from Banu Hashim or Al-Muttalib. Noble lineage is not restricted to the family of Ali alone. Lineage does not benefit its possessor if he is a disbeliever or a transgressor, for the most honorable in the sight of Allah is the most pious. The prohibited charities for the Prophet's family are only the obligatory ones, such as Zakat, and their prohibition is specific to Banu Hashim, not other noble lineages.