The Meaning of His Statement: "And Those Who Followed Him in Being Free from Defects"

Question:
The Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, asks regarding the author's statement (may Allah have mercy on him): "Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and those who followed him in being free from defects." Does this imply that he believes in the infallibility of the People of the House?

Answer:
Yes. He says regarding the author's statement: "And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and those who followed him in being free from defects." They have a Shaykh who follows them. They follow him, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). So, whoever does not follow him, even if he is from his family, is not considered. Yes. Yes. What does the brother say? "Followed" in an absolute sense, meaning in every case, all of them, without distinction. The important point is that he said "and those who followed," meaning that whoever does not follow the Messenger has no standing, whether he is from the People of the House or from the relatives, he is not considered.