How should the Ashraf (descendants of the Prophet, peace be upon him) be treated? What is their role towards Islam and Muslims? And will their accountability on the Day of Judgment be doubled?

The Household of the Prophet (peace be upon him) consists of Banu Hashim, Banu al-Muttalib, and his wives. Their role is like that of other Muslims in serving Islam, and they should be treated by fulfilling their rights of love, support, and honor. The criterion for distinction in the sight of Allah is piety, as Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you."

As for the doubling of punishment for those among them who disobey Allah, there is no specific text except for the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), in the words of Allah Almighty: "O wives of the Prophet, whoever among you commits an obvious immorality - for her the punishment will be doubled two times." Some scholars are of the view that the punishment may be increased for those among the Household who disobey Allah, because the greatness of their status corresponds to the greatness of the punishment when they transgress. It has been narrated from Ali ibn al-Husayn that the punishment for one of them is doubled, just as their good deeds are doubled.