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Chapter Three

The Traditions Of The Sahabah Concerning The Virtues Of The Ummahat Al Mu’minin

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Khadijah

 

Her remarkable Intelligence and Foresightedness

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أنها قالت أول ما بدئ به رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم من الوحي الرؤيا الصالحة في النوم فكان لا يرى رؤيا إلا جاءت مثل فلق الصبح ثم حبب إليه الخلاء و كان يخلو بغار حراء فيتحنث فيه و هو التعبد الليالي ذوات العدد قبل أن ينزع إلى أهله و يتزود لذلك ثم يرجع إلى خديجة فيتزود لمثلها حتى جاءه الحق و هو في غار حراء فجاءه الملك فقال اقرأ قال ما أنا بقارئ قال فأخذني فغطني حتى بلغ مني الجهد ثم أرسلني فقال اقرأ قال ما أنا بقارئ فأخذني فغطني الثانية حتى بلغ مني الجهد ثم أرسلني فقال اقرأ فقال ما أنا بقارئ فأخذني فغطني الثالثة ثم أرسلني فقال إِقْرَاْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ إِقْرَاْ وَ رَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ فرجع بها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يرجف فؤاده فدخل على خديجة بنت خويلد رضي الله عنها فقال زملوني زملوني فزملوه حتى ذهب عنه الروع فقال لخديجة و أخبرها الخبر لقد خشيت على نفسي فقالت خديجة كلا و الله ما يخزيك الله أبدا إنك لتصل الرحم و تحمل الكل و تكسب المعدوم و تقري الضيف و تعين على نوائب الحق فانطلقت به خديجة حتى أتت به ورقة بن نوفل بن أسد بن عبد العزى ابن عم خديجة و كان امرءا قد تنصر في الجاهلية و كان يكتب الكتاب العبراني فيكتب من الإنجيل بالعبرانية ما شاء الله أن يكتب و كان شيخا كبيرا قد عمي فقالت له خديجة يا ابن عم اسمع من ابن أخيك فقال له ورقة يا ابن أخي ما ذا ترى فأخبره رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم خبر ما رأى فقال له ورقة هذا الناموس الذي نزل الله على موسى يا ليتني فيها جذعا ليتني أكون حيا إذ يخرجك قومك فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أو مخرجي هم قال نعم لم يأت رجل قط بمثل ما جئت به إلا عودي و إن يدركني يومك أنصرك نصرا مؤزرا ثم لم ينشب ورقة أن توفي و فتر الوحي

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha relates, “The first stage of revelation upon Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was true dreams; whatever he would dream about would become manifest like the break of dawn. Thereafter, seclusion was made beloved to him. He would seclude himself in the Cave of Hira’ where he would worship for a number of nights before returning to his family. He would take provisions for his stay, then return to Khadijah and take more provisions for about the same period. Until one day, the truth came to him while in the cave of Hira’.

An angel came to him and commanded, ‘Recite!’

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘I am unable to read.’

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam related, ‘He caught me and squeezed me until it became unbearable. He then released me and instructed, ‘Recite!’

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘I am unable to read.’

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam related, “He then caught me and squeezed me for the second time until it became unbearable, then released me and instructed, ‘Recite!’

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘I am unable to read.’

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam related, “He caught me and squeezed me for the third time and then released me. He then said,

 

إِقْرَاْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ ۚ خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ۚ إِقْرَاْ وَ رَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ ۙ

Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite and your Lord is the most generous.

 

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam returned with this while his heart was pounding. He entered upon Khadijah bint Khuwaylid and said, ‘Wrap me up. Wrap me up.’ They wrapped him up until his fear went away.

He narrated the incident to Khadijah and told her, ‘I certainly feared for my life.’

Khadijah comforted him, ‘Never! By Allah, Allah will never forsake you for you maintain family ties, support the poor, assist the needy, entertain the guests, and stand up for every good course.’

Khadijah took him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal ibn Asad ibn ‘Abdul ’Uzza—Khadijah’s cousin—who was a Christian in the era of ignorance. He would write the Hebrew language. He would write the Injil in Hebrew as much as Allah willed him to. He was a very old man who had turned blind.

Khadijah told him, ‘O son of my uncle, listen to your cousin.’

Waraqah asked him, ‘O son of my brother! What have you seen?’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam related to him what he saw.

Waraqah said, ‘This is the same angel whom Allah sent to Musa ‘alayh al Salam. If only I was young and energetic. If only I were alive when your people will exile you.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked astonishingly, ‘Will they exile me?’

‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘No man has brought what you have, except that he was opposed. If I live till that day, I will lend you unshakable support.’

It was not long thereafter that Waraqah passed away and revelation stopped [for a while].”[1]

 

She was the first to embrace Islam

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Rafi’:

 

عن ابي رافع رضي الله عنه قال أول من أسلم من الرجال علي و أول من أسلم من النساء خديجة

Sayyidina Abu Rafi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “The first male to embrace Islam was ‘Ali[2] and the first female was Khadijah.”[3]

 

Allah sends greetings of peace to Khadijah

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن ابي زرعة قال سمعت أبا هريرة رضي الله عنه قال أتى جبريل النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فقال يا رسول الله هذه خديجة قد أتتك معها إناء فيه إدام أو طعام أو شراب فإذا هي أتتك فاقرأ عليها السلام من ربها عز و جل و مني و بشرها ببيت في الجنة من قصب لاصخب فيه و لا نصب

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anha narrated that Jibril came to Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said, “O Messenger of Allah! This is Khadijah. She has arrived with a container of gravy, or food, or drink. When she reaches you, give her greetings of peace from her Exalted and Glorified Rabb and from me and give her glad tidings of a house in Jannat made out of jewels; wherein there will be no noise nor fatigue.”[4]

 

She is one of the most superior women

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال حسبك من نساء العالمين مريم ابنة عمران و خديجة بنت خويلد و فاطمة بنت محمد و آسية امرأة فرعون

Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Sufficient for you of the women of the world are Maryam bint ‘Imran, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, and Asiyah—the wife of Firoun.”[5]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib:

 

عن عبد الله بن جعفر رضي الله عنهما قال سمعت عليا بالكوفة يقول سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول خير نسائها مريم بنت عمران و خير نسائها خديجة بنت خويلد قال أبو كريب و أشار وكيع إلى السماء و الأرض

‘Abdullah ibn Jafar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports that he heard Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu announcing in Kufah, “I heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying, ‘The best women of her time was Maryam bint ‘Imran and the best women of her time is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.’”

Abu Kurayb says, “Waki’ pointed towards the sky and earth [indicating the best in the heavens and the earth].”[6]

 

She is one of the most superior women of Jannat

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas:

 

و عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال خط رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم في الأرض أربعة خطوط فقال أتدرون ما هذا قالوا الله و رسوله أعلم فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أفضل نساء أهل الجنة خديجة بنت خويلد و فاطمة بنت محمد صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و مريم بنت عمران و آسية بنت مزاحم امرأة فرعون

Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam once drew four lines on the ground.

He then asked, “Do you know what this is?”

They replied, “Allah and His Rasul know better.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then explained, “The most superior women of Jannat are Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Maryam bint ‘Imran, and Asiyah bint Muzahim—the wife of Firoun.”[7]

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عروة قال قالت عائشة لفاطمة رضي الله عنها بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ألا أبشرك أني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول سيدات نساء أهل الجنة أربع مريم بنت عمران و فاطمة بنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و خديجة بنت خويلد و آسية

‘Urwah reports that Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha told Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha the daughter of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “Should I not give you good news? I have heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying, ‘The queens of the women of Jannat are four: Maryam bint ‘Imran, Fatimah bint Rasulillah, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, and Asiyah.’”[8]

 

Glad tidings of a house in Jannat made of jewels

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن أبي هريرة قال أتى جبريل النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فقال يا رسول الله هذه خديجة قد أتتك معها إناء فيه إدام أو طعام أو شراب فإذا هي أتتك فاقرأ عليها السلام من ربها عز و جل و مني و بشرها ببيت في الجنة من قصب لاصخب فيه و لا نصب

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates that Jibril came to Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said, “O Messenger of Allah! This is Khadijah. She has arrived with a container of gravy, or food, or drink. When she reaches you, give her greetings of peace from her Exalted and Glorified Rabb and from me, and give her glad tidings of a house in Jannat made out of jewels; wherein there will be no noise nor fatigue.”[9]

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت بشر رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم خديجة بنت خويلد ببيت في الجنة

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave Khadijah bint Khuwaylid glad tidings of a house in Jannat.[10]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa:

 

عن إسماعيل قال قلت لعبد الله بن أبي أوفى رضي الله عنهما بشر النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم خديجة قال نعم ببيت في الجنة من قصب لا صخب فيه و لا نصب

Ismail relates, “I asked Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa, ‘Did Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam give glad tidings to Khadijah?’

He replied, ‘‘Yes, of a house of jewels wherein there will be neither noise nor fatigue.”[11]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Jafar:

 

عن عبد الله بن جعفر بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أمرت أن أبشر خديجة ببيت من قصب لا صخب فيه و لا نصب

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Jafar ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports the statement of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “I was commanded to give glad tidings to Khadijah of a house made of jewels, wherein there will be no shouting nor toil.”[12]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas:

 

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال بينما رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم جالس مع خديجة إذ أتاه جبريل عليه السلام فقال يا محمد أقرئ خديجة مني السلام و بشرها ببيت في الجنة من قصب لا أذى فيه و لا نصب

Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports, “Once while Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was sitting with Khadijah, Jibril approached him and said, ‘O Muhammad! Convey my greetings of peace to Khadijah and give her the good news of a house in Jannat made of jewels, wherein there will be neither harm nor difficulty.’”[13]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah:

 

عن جابر قال سئل رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم عن خديجة بنت خويلد قال رأيتها على نهر من أنهار الجنة في بيت من قصب لا لغو فيه و لا نصب

Sayyidina Jabir radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was questioned about Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha.

He said, “I saw her by one of the rivers of Jannat in a house made of jewels, wherein there was neither futility nor fatigue.”[14]

 

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not marry another woman while being married to her until her demise

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عروة عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت لم يتزوج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم على خديجة حتى ماتت

‘Urwah reports from Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha, “Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not take a second wife with Khadijah until she passed away.”[15]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam love for her and his consideration for her after her demise

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت ما غرت على امرأة للنبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ما غرت على خديجة هلكت قبل أن يتزوجني لما كنت أسمعه يذكرها و أمره الله أن يبشرها ببيت من قصب و إن كان ليذبح الشاة فيهدي في خلائلها منها ما يسعهن

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha says, “I did not envy any of the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam liked how I envied Khadijah, whereas she passed away before he married me, because I would hear him speaking of her excessively. Allah commanded him to give her the glad tidings of a house of jewels. He would at times slaughter a sheep and send portions of it as gifts to her friends.”[16]

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت استأذنت هالة بنت خويلد أخت خديجة على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فعرف استئذان خديجة فارتاح لذلك فقال اللهم هالة بنت خويلد فغرت فقلت و ما تذكر من عجوز من عجائز قريش حمراء الشدقين هلكت في الدهر فأبدلك الله خيرا منها

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha relates, “Halah bint Khuwaylid, Khadijah’s sister, sought permission to enter Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam house. He recognised [this as] the way Khadijah would seek permission and thus shuddered and uttered, ‘O Allah! [It is] Halah bint Khuwaylid.’ I became jealous and said, ‘Why do you think of an old [toothless] woman of Quraysh with red gums who died a long time ago, whereas Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has given you better than her?’”[17]

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت ما حسدت أحدا ما حسدت خديجة و ما تزوجني رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إلا بعد ما ماتت و ذلك أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم بشرها ببيت في الجنة من قصب لا صخب فيه و لا نصب

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha narrates, “I did not envy anyone like I envied Khadijah whereas Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married me only after she passed away. This is because Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave her glad tidings of a house in Jannat made of jewels, wherein there will be neither noise nor difficulty.”[18]

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت ما غرت على أحد من نساء النبي صلى الله عليه و آله سلم ما غرت على خديجة و ما رأيتها و لكن كان النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يكثر ذكرها و ربما ذبح الشاة ثم يقطعها أعضاء ثم يبعثها في صدائق خديجة فربما قلت له كأنه لم يكن في الدنيا امرأة إلا خديجة فيقول إنها كانت و كانت و كان لي منها ولد

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha relates, “I did not envy any of the wives of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam the way I envied Khadijah whereas I did not even see her. However, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would frequently remember her. Sometimes he would slaughter a sheep, cut it up into portions, and send them to the friends of Khadijah. I said to him once, ‘As if there was no woman on earth besides Khadijah!’ He responded, ‘She was an extra-ordinary woman. And I had children from her.’”[19]

 

و في لفظ لمسلم عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت ما غرت على نساء النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إلا على خديجة و إني لم أدركها قالت و كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إذا ذبح الشاة فيقول أرسلوا بها إلى أصدقاء خديجة قالت فأغضبته يوما فقلت خديجة فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إني قد رزقت حبها

A narration of Muslim states that Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha said, “I did not envy any of the Nabi’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wives except Khadijah whereas I did not meet her. When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would slaughter a sheep he would say, ‘Send portions of it to the friends of Khadijah.’”

She continued, “One day I angered him by saying (in a condescending tone), ‘Khadijah!’ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stated, ‘Certainly, I was divinely favoured with her love.’”[20]

 

و عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم كان يكثر ذكر خديجة فقلت ما أكثر ما تكثر ذكر خديجة و قد أخلف الله تعالى لك من خديجة عجوز حمراء الشدقين و قد هلكت في دهر فغضب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم غضبا ما رأيته غضب مثله قط و قال إن الله رزقها مني ما لم يرزق أحدا منكن قلت يا رسول الله اعف عني عفا الله عنك و الله لا تسمعني أذكر خديجة بعد هذا اليوم بشيء تكرهه و في رواية كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إذا ذكر خديجة لم يكن يسأم من ثناء عليها و الاستغفار قال و رزقت مني الولد إذ حرمته مني فغدا بها علي و راح شهرا

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reports, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would frequently speak of Khadijah so I once commented, ‘You speak excessively of Khadijah whereas Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has granted you a replacement for Khadijah, (who was )an old woman with red jawbones who died a long time ago.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam became extremely enraged, such anger which I had never seen on him before, and said, ‘Undoubtedly, Allah has bestowed upon her from me that which he did not grant any of you.’

I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, forgive me, Allah has forgiven you. By Allah, you will not hear me speaking anything which will upset you about Khadijah after today.’”

In one narration it appears that when Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would speak of Khadijah, he would not tire from praising her and seeking forgiveness for her. He stated, “She was granted children from me while you were deprived of the same.” He continued mentioning her virtues for one month thereafter. [21]

 

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam becomes emotional on seeing her necklace

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة قالت لما بعث أهل مكة في فداء أسراهم بعثت زينب في فداء أبي العاص بمال و بعثت فيه بقلادة لها كانت عند خديجة أدخلتها بها على أبي العاص قالت فلما رآها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم رق لها رقة شديدة و قال إن رأيتم أن تطلقوا لها أسيرها و تردوا عليها الذي لها فقالوا نعم

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha relates, “When the people of Makkah sent ransoms to free their captives, Zainab bint al Rasul sent a ransom to free Abu al ’As; she sent a necklace which Sayyidah Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha had gifted her when she married Abu al ’As. When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saw it, he became extremely emotional and said, ‘If you feel it appropriate to free her captive and return her item to her, then do so.’ They replied in the affirmative.[22]

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Saudah bint Zam’ah

 

Voluntarily handing over her turn to Sayyidah Aisha in seeking Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam pleasure

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إذا أراد سفرا أقرع بين نسائه فأيتهن خرج سهمها خرج بها معه و كان يقسم لكل امرأة منهن يومها و ليلتها غير أن سودة بنت زمعة وهبت يومها و ليلتها لعائشة زوج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم تبتغي بذلك رضا رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم

It is reported from Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha that when Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would intend to go on a journey, he would cast lots between his wives. He who proceed with whoever’s name was drawn. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would assign to each of them a day and night except for Saudah bint Zam’ah who handed over her day and night to Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha, the wife of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, seeking thereby Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam pleasure.[23]

 

و في لفظ لمسلم عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت ما رأيت امرأة أحب إلي أن أكون في مسلاخها من سودة بنت زمعة من امرأة فيها حدة قالت فلما كبرت جعلت يومها من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لعائشة قالت يا رسول الله قد جعلت يومي منك لعائشة فكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقسم لعائشة يومين يومها و يوم سودة

A narration of Muslim from Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reads: “I have not seen a woman in whose mould I would prefer to be in more than Saudah bint Zam’ah.”

She relates that when she grew old, she handed over her day with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha saying, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have handed my day with you to Aisha.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would thereafter allocate for Aisha two days; her day and Saudah’s day.[24]

 

عن هشام بن عروة عن أبيه قال قالت عائشة يا ابن أختي كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لا يفضل بعضنا على بعض في القسم من مكثه عندنا و كان قل يوم إلا و هو يطوف علينا جميعا فيدنو من كل امرأة من غير مسيس حتى يبلغ إلى التي هو يومها فيبيت عندها و لقد قالت سودة بنت زمعة حين أسنت و فرقت أن يفارقها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يا رسول الله يومي لعائشة فقبل ذلك رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم منها قالت نقول في ذلك أنزل الله تعالى و في أشباهها أراه قال وَ إِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِنْۢ بَعْلِهَا نُشُوْزًا

Hisham ibn ‘Urwah reports from his father who relates that Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha said, “O nephew! Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would not prefer some of us over others in allocating his stay by us. It was practically his daily practice to visit all of us. He would approach each wife, without getting intimate, until he reached the wife whose turn it was and spent the night with her. When Sayyidah Saudah bint Zam’ah radiya Llahu ‘anha became old and feared that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam might separate from her, she said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, my turn is for Aisha.’ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam accepted this from her.”

She continues, “We would say that Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala revealed with regards to this and other similar women:

 

وَ إِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِنْۢ بَعْلِهَا نُشُوْزًا

And if a woman fears from her husband contempt.[25][26]

 

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam permitting her to leave Muzdalifah before the crowd

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت نزلنا المزدلفة فاستأذنت النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم سودة أن تدفع قبل حطمة الناس و كانت امرأة بطيئة فأذن لها فدفعت قبل حطمة الناس و أقمنا حتى أصبحنا نحن ثم دفعنا بدفعه فلأن أكون استأذنت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم كما استأذنت سودة أحب إلي من مفروح به

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reports, “We arrived at Muzdalifah. Saudah sought permission from Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to proceed before the rush of the people. She was a slow woman and Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam granted her permission. So she departed (from Muzdalifah) before the rush of the people. We remained until dawn and then left with the Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. I wished I had taken permission from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as Saudah had done and that would have been dearer to me than any other happiness.”[27]

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Aisha

 

She was the most beloved person to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Amr ibn al ’As:

 

عن أبي عثمان أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم بعث عمرو بن العاص على جيش ذات السلاسل قال فأتيته فقلت أي الناس أحب إليك قال عائشة قلت من الرجال قال أبوها قلت ثم من قال عمر فعد رجالا فسكت مخافة أن يجعلني في آخرهم

Abu ‘Uthman reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam appointed Sayyidina ‘Amr ibn al ’As radiya Llahu ‘anhu over the army of Dhat al Salasil and despatched them. Sayyidina ‘Amr ibn al ’As radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates:

I came to him and asked, ‘Who is the most beloved person to you?’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Aisha.’

I asked, ‘From the men?’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, ‘Her father.’

I asked, ‘Then who?’

‘Umar,’ he replied.

and then he enumerated some men. I then kept silent out of fear that he might put me last.[28]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس رضي الله عنه قال قيل يا رسول الله من أحب الناس إليك قال عائشة قيل من الرجال قال أبوها

Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was asked, “Who is the most beloved person to you.”

“Aisha,” was his reply.

It was asked, “From the men?”

“Her father,” he said.[29]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas from Sayyidina ‘Umar:

 

عن عبد الله بن عباس عن عمر رضي الله عنهما دخل على حفصة فقال يا بنية لا يغرنك هذه التي أعجبها حسنها و حب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إياها يريد عائشة فقصصت على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فتبسم

Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhum entered Hafsah’s house and said, “O my beloved daughter. Do not be misled by the manners of her who is proud of her beauty because of the love of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam for her—referring to Aisha.”

I thereafter mentioned this to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and he smiled (on hearing that).”[30]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam preference of her

 

و عن عمرو بن الحارث بن المصطلق قال بعث زياد إلى أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم بمال و فضل عائشة فجعل الرسول يعتذر إلى أم سلمة فقالت يعتذر إلينا زياد لقد كان يفضلها من كان أعظم علينا تفضيلا من زياد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم

‘Amr ibn al Harith ibn al Mustaliq reports, “Ziyad sent wealth to the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and favoured Aisha with more. The messenger began to apologise to Umm Salamah [for this favouritism] upon which she remarked, ‘Ziyad apologises to us! Certainly, someone superior to Ziyad in our sight would give her more preference; Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.’”[31]

 

She is Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam beloved and his wife in Jannat

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Ammar ibn Yasir:

 

عن عريب بن حميد قال رأى عمار يوم الجمل جماعة فقال ما هذا فقالوا رجل يسب عائشة و يقع فيها قال فمشى إليه عمار فقال اسكت مقبوحا منبوحا أتقع في حبيبة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إنها لزوجته في الجنة

‘Urayb ibn Humaid reports, “Sayyidina ‘Ammar radiya Llahu ‘anhu saw a group of people on the Day of Jamal and asked, ‘What is the matter?’

They replied, ‘A man is cursing Aisha.’

‘Ammar walked up to him and said, ‘Be silent, despicable and rejected one. Do you revile the beloved of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam? Undoubtedly, she is his wife in Jannat!’”[32]

 

عن عبد الله بن زياد الأسدي قال سمعت عمار بن ياسر رضي الله عنهما يقول هي زوجته في الدنيا و الآخرة يعني عائشة رضي الله عنها

‘Abdullah ibn Ziyad al Asadi reports that he heard Sayyidina ‘Ammar ibn Yasir radiya Llahu ‘anhu comment, “She is his wife in this world and the Hereafter,” referring to Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha.[33]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wife in this world and the Hereafter

 

عن أبي وائل قال لما بعث علي عمارا و الحسن رضي الله عنهما إلى الكوفة ليستنفرهم خطب عمار فقال إني لأعلم أنها زوجته في الدنيا و الآخرة و لكن الله ابتلاكم لتتبعوه أو إياها

Abu Wa’il reports, “When ‘Ali sent ‘Ammar and Hassan to Kufah to recruit them, ‘Ammar delivered a sermon and said, ‘Certainly, I know very well that she is his wife in the world and the Hereafter. But Allah has tested you, to see whether you follow Him or her.’”[34]

 

عن أبي مريم عبد الله بن زياد الأسدي قال لما سار طلحة و الزبير و عائشة إلى البصرة بعث علي عمار بن ياسر و حسن بن علي فقدما علينا الكوفة فصعدا المنبر فكان الحسن بن علي فوق المنبر في أعلاه و قام عمار أسفل من الحسن فاجتمعنا إليه فسمعت عمارا يقول إن عائشة قد سارت إلى البصرة و و الله إنها لزوجة نبيكم صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم في الدنيا و الآخرة و لكن الله تبارك و تعالى ابتلاكم ليعلم إياه تطيعون أم هي

Abu Maryam ‘Abdullah ibn Ziyad al Asadi narrates, “When Talhah, Zubair, and Aisha journeyed to Basrah, ‘Ali sent ‘Ammar ibn Yasir and Hassan ibn ‘Ali. They arrived at Kufah and ascended the pulpit; Hassan ibn ‘Ali was on the top of the pulpit while ‘Ammar stood lower than Hassan. We gathered by them and I heard ‘Ammar saying, ‘Indeed, Aisha has travelled to Basrah. By Allah, she is the wife of your Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in this world and the Hereafter. However, Allah has trialled you to determine whether you obey Him or her.’”[35]

 

Her choosing Allah, His Rasul, and the abode of the Hereafter

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas from Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab:

 

عن عبد الله بن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال لم أزل حريصا على أن أسأل عمر رضي الله عنه عن المرأتين من أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم اللتين قال الله لهما إِنْ تَتُوْبَاۤ إِلَی اللهِ فَقَدْ صَغَتْ قُلُوْبُكُمَا فحججت معه فعدل و عدلت معه بالإداوة فتبرز حتى جاء فسكبت على يديه من الإداوة فتوضأ فقلت يا أمير المؤمنين من المرأتان من أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم اللتان قال الله عز و جل لهما إِنْ تَتُوْبَاۤ إِلَی اللهِ فَقَدْ صَغَتْ قُلُوْبُكُمَا فقال وا عجبي لك يا ابن عباس عائشة و حفصة ثم استقبل عمر الحديث يسوقه فقال إني كنت و جار لي من الأنصار في بني أمية بن زيد و هي من عوالي المدينة و كنا نتناوب النزول على النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فينزل يوما و أنزل يوما فإذا نزلت جئته من خبر ذلك اليوم من الأمر و غيره و إذ نزل فعل مثله و كنا معشر قريش نغلب النساء فلما قدمنا على الأنصار إذا هم قوم تغلبهم نساؤهم فطفق نساؤنا يأخذن من أدب نساء الأنصار فصحت على امرأتي فراجعتني فأنكرت أن تراجعني فقالت و لم تنكر أن أراجعك فو الله إن أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ليراجعنه و إن إحداهن لتهجره اليوم حتى الليل فأفزعني فقلت خابت من فعل منهن بعظيم ثم جمعت علي ثيابي فدخلت على حفصة فقلت اي حفصة أتغاضب أحداكن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم اليوم حتى الليل فقالت نعم فقلت خابت و خسرت أفتأمن أن يغضب الله لغضب رسوله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فتهلكين لا تستكثري على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و لا تراجعيه في شيء و لا تهجريه و اسأليني ما بدا لك و لا يغرنك أن كانت جارتك هي أوضأ منك و أحب الى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يريد عائشة و كنا تحدثنا أن غسان تنعل النعال لغزونا فنزل صاحبي يوم نوبته فرجع عشاء فضرب بابي ضربا شديدا و قال أنائم هو ففزعت فخرجت إليه و قال حدث أمر عظيم قلت ما هو أجاءت غسان قال لا بل أعظم منه و أطول طلق رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم نساءه قال قد خابت حفصة و خسرت كنت أظن أن هذا يوشك أن يكون فجمعت علي ثيابي فصليت صلاة الفجر مع النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فدخل مشربة له فاعتزل فيها فدخلت على حفصة فإذا هي تبكي قلت ما يبكيك أو لم أكن حذرتك أطلقكن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قالت لا أدري هو ذا في المشربة فخرجت فجئت المنبر فإذا حوله رهط يبكي بعضهم فجلست معهم قليلا ثم غلبني ما أجد فجئت المشربة التي هو فيها فقلت لغلام له أسود استأذن لعمر فدخل فكلم النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ثم خرج فقال ذكرتك له فصمت فانصرفت حتى جلست مع الرهط الذين عند المنبر ثم غلبني ما أجد فجئت للغلام فقلت استأذن لعمر فذكر مثله فجلست مع الرهط الذين عند المنبر ثم غلبني ما أجد فجئت الغلام فقلت استأذن لعمر فذكر مثله فلما وليت منصرفا فإذا الغلام يدعوني قال أذن لك رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فدخلت عليه فإذا هو مضطجع على رمال حصير ليس بينه و بينه فراش قد أثر الرمال بجنبه متكئ على وسادة من أدم حشوها ليف فسلمت عليه ثم قلت و أنا قائم طلقت نساءك فرفع بصره إلي فقال لا ثم قلت و أنا قائم أستأنس يا رسول الله لو رأيتني و كنا معشر قريش نغلب النساء فلما قدمنا على قوم تغلبهم نساؤهم فذكره فتبسم النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ثم قلت لو رأيتني و دخلت على حفصة فقلت لا يغرنك أن كانت جارتك هي أوضأ منك و أحب إلى النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يريد عائشة فتبسم أخرى فجلست حين رأيته تبسم ثم رفعت بصري في بيته فوالله ما رأيت فيه شيئا يرد البصر غير أهبة ثلاثة فقلت ادع الله فليوسع على أمتك فإن فارس و الروم وسع عليهم و أعطوا الدنيا و هم لا يعبدون الله و كان متكئا فقال أو في شك أنت يا ابن الخطاب أولئك قوم عجلت لهم طيباتهم في الحياة الدنيا فقلت يا رسول الله استغفر لي فاعتزل النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم من أجل ذلك الحديث حين أفشته حفصة إلى عائشة و كان قد قال ما أنا بداخل عليهن شهرا من شدة موجدته عليهن حين عاتبه الله فلما مضت تسع و عشرون دخل على عائشة فبدأ بها فقالت له عائشة إنك أقسمت أن لا تدخل علينا شهرا و إنا أصبحنا لتسع و عشرين ليلة أعدها عدا فقال النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الشهر تسع و عشرون و كان ذلك الشهر تسعا و عشرين قالت عائشة فأنزلت آية التخيير فبدأ بي أول امرأة فقال إني ذاكر لك أمرا و لا عليك أن لا تعجلي حتى تستأمري أبويك قالت قد أعلم أن أبوي لم يكونا يأمراني بفراقك ثم قال إن الله قال یٰأَیُّهَا النَّبِیُّ قُلْ لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ إلى قوله عَظِيْمًا قلت أفي هذا أستأمر أبوي فإني أريد الله و رسوله و الدار الآخرة ثم خير نساءه فقلن مثل ما قالت عائشة

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports, “I always desired to enquire from Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu concerning those two wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam whom Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala addressed:

إِنْ تَتُوْبَاۤ إِلَی اللهِ فَقَدْ صَغَتْ قُلُوْبُكُمَا ۚ

If you two [wives] repent to Allah, [it is best], for your hearts have departed.[36]

I performed hajj with him. He moved off the road and so did I with a utensil. He went to relieve himself and then returned. I poured [water] from the utensil on his hands and he made ablution.

I said, ‘O Amir al Mu’minin! Who are the two wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam whom Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala addressed, “If you two [wives] repent to Allah, [it is best], for your hearts have departed.”[37]

He replied, ‘You have astonished me, O Ibn ‘Abbas! [They are] Aisha and Hafsah.’

‘Umar then began narrating the hadith. He said:

My Ansari neighbour and I lived by the Banu Umayyah ibn Zaid situated in the upper section of Madinah. We would take turns to sit in the company of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; he would go one day and I would go the next. When I would go, I would bring him the news of that day; commands etc. and when he would go, he would do the same. We, the Quraysh, would overpower the women. When we came to the Ansar, we found them to be a nation overpowered by women. Our women began adopting the habits of the Ansari women.

[Once] I reprimanded my wife and she answered me back. I objected at this to which she said, ‘Why do you object when I answer you? By Allah, the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam answer him and some of them do not speak to him for the entire day.’

This alarmed me and I said, ‘Those among them who do this are miserable failures.’

I quickly dressed up and went to Hafsah and said, ‘Hafsah! Do some of you remain angry with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam for the entire day?’

She replied in the affirmative to which I remarked, ‘She is a failure and loser. Are you not afraid that Allah will become angry due to the anger of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and you will be destroyed? Do not demand from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, do not answer him back at anything, and do not ignore him. Ask me whatever you like. Do not be deceived by your neighbour who is smarter and more beloved than you in the sight of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam—referring to Aisha.’

We would discuss that Ghassan was preparing an army to wage war against us. My friend went [to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] on his day. He came back at night and knocked hard at my door and shouted, ‘Is he sleeping?’

I was surprised and went out to him. He said, ‘Something major has occurred!’

‘What is it?’ I asked, ‘Did Ghassan come?’

‘No,’ he replied, ‘but it is far worse than that. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has divorced his wives.’

I remarked, ‘Hafsah is a definite failure and loser. I thought that this would happen.’

I put on my clothes and preformed Salat al Fajr with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam entered his room and remained secluded therein. I went to Hafsah and saw her weeping.

I asked, ‘What makes you weep? Did I not warn you? Has Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam divorced you?’

She replied, ‘I do not know. He is there in the upper room.’

I left and came to the pulpit where some people were crying. I sat with them for a while. I however could not contain myself so I went to the room in which he was and said to his slave, ‘Seek permission for ‘Umar to enter.’

He went in and spoke to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and then came out and said, ‘I mentioned you to him but he remained silent.’

I went back and sat with the group by the pulpit. I however could not contain myself so I came to the slave and said, ‘Seek permission for ‘Umar to enter.’

The same thing happened. I thus sat with the group by the pulpit and again could not contain myself so I approached the slave and said, ‘Seek permission for ‘Umar to enter.’ And the same transpired.

As I turned around to leave, the slave called me saying, ‘Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has granted you permission.’

I entered his room and saw him lying down on mat made of straw; there was no sheet between him and the mat and the mat had left marks on his side. He was resting on a leather pillow which was stuffed with fibres [of date palm]. I greeted him with salam and then asked while I was standing, ‘Did you divorce your wives?’

He lifted his gaze at me and said, ‘No.’

I then said to calm the mood and I was still standing, ‘O Messenger of Allah! If only you had seen me; we were the Quraysh who would overpower our women. We came to a nation whose women overpower them.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam smiled at this. I then said, ‘You should have seen when I went to Hafsah and said, ‘Do not be deceived by your neighbour who is smarter and more beloved than you to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam—referring to Aisha.’

He again smiled. I sat down when I saw him smile. I then lifted my gaze to see his room. By Allah, I did not see anything pleasing to the eye besides three pieces of [animal] skin. I thus suggested, ‘Implore Allah to enrich your ummah. Indeed, Persia and Rome have been enriched and given the world whereas they do not worship Allah.’

He was reclining. [He sat up] and said, ‘Are you in doubt, O son of Khattab! They are a nation to whom pleasant things have been already bestowed in this very world [and there is nothing for them in the Akhirah].’

I submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah, seek forgiveness for me.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained secluded due to the incident when Hafsah disclosed the secret to Aisha. He had promised, ‘I am not going to them for a month,’ due to his severe anger at them as Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala had reprimanded him.

When 29 days had passed, he went to Aisha and began with her. Aisha said to him, ‘You took an oath that you would not come to us for a month and we have woken up after the 29^th night; which I counted.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘The month has 29 days.’

That month consisted of 29 days.

Aisha reports, “Ayat al Takhyir was revealed and Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam began with me saying, ‘I am about to mention to you something. Do not be hasty in replying before consulting your parents.’

She comments, ‘I knew very well that my parents would never instruct me to separate from him.’

He then said, ‘Allah has stated:

یٰأَیُّهَا النَّبِیُّ قُلْ لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ إِنْ كُنْـتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَیٰوةَ الدُّنْیَا وَ زِيْنَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَ أُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيْلًا وَ إِنْ كُنْـتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللهَ وَ رَسُوْلَهٗ وَالدَّارَ الْأٰخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنٰتِ مِنْكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيْمًا

O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.”[38]

I said, ‘Should I consult my parent about this? I desire Allah, His Messenger, and the abode of the Hereafter.’

He then gave the choice to his wives and they all gave the same answer as Aisha.[39]

 

The Sahabah await her day to give Gifts

 

The narration of Sayyidah Umm Salamah:

 

عن أم سلمة زوج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قالت كلمني صواحبي أن أكلم رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أن يأمر الناس فيهدون له حيث كان فإنهم يتحرون بهديته يوم عائشة و إنا نحب الخير كما تحبه عائشة قالت فسكت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و لم يراجعني فجاءني صواحبي فأخبرتهن أنه لم يكلمني فقلن لا تدعيه و ما هذا حين تدعينه قالت ثم دار فكلمته فقلت إن صواحبي قد أمرنني أن أكلمك تأمر الناس فليهدوا لك حيث كنت فقالت له مثل تلك المقالة مرتين أو ثلاثا كل ذلك يسكت عنها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ثم قال يا أم سلمة لا تؤذيني في عائشة فإنه و الله ما نزل علي الوحي و أنا في بيت امرأة من نسائي غير عائشة فقالت أعوذ بالله أن أسوءك في عائشة

Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha—the wife of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam—reports, “My co-wives asked me to request Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to instruct the people to give gifts to him wherever he is because they would wait for the day of Aisha for the same and that they too desire the good [i.e. gifts, etc.] as Aisha does.

I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! My co-wives have asked me to request you to instruct the people to give you gifts wherever you are since they wait for the day of Aisha for the same and we wish goodness just as Aisha does.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained silent and did not answer me. My co-wives came to me and I informed them that he salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not answer me.

They said, ‘Do not leave him alone [i.e. without asking him again]. What is this, you leaving him alone?’”

She continues, “He then came to me [when it was my turn] and I spoke to him saying, ‘My co-wives have instructed me to request you to order the people to give you gifts wherever you may be.’

She told him the same thing twice or thrice, and each time Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remained silent.

He then said, ‘O Umm Salamah! Do not hurt me regarding Aisha! By Allah, revelation does not come to me when I am in the house of any of my wives besides Aisha.’

She said, ‘I seek Allah’s protection from harming you with regards to Aisha.’”[40]

 

‘Umar favours her in allowance

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas:

 

عن مصعب بن سعد عن سعد قال كان عطاء أهل بدر ستة آلاف ستة آلاف و كان عطاء أمهات المؤمنين عشرة آلاف عشرة آلاف لكل امرأة منهن غير ثلاث نسوة عائشة فإن عمر قال أفضلها بألفين لحب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إياها و صفية و جويرية سبعة آلاف سبعة آلاف

Mus’ab bin Sa’d reports from Sayyidina Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “The stipend for the participants of Badr was 6000 each, while each of the Ummahat al Mu’minin received 10 000 besides three: Aisha—regarding whom ‘Umar said, ‘I favour her with 2000 more due to Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam intense love for her,’—Safiyyah, and Juwayriyah; who would receive 7 000 each.[41]

 

Her superiority over women is like the superiority of Tharid over other types of food

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول فضل عائشة على النساء كفضل الثريد على سائر الطعام

Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that he heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying, “Aisha’s virtue over other women is like the virtue of tharid[42] over other foods.”[43]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Musa al Ash’ari:

 

عن أبي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم كمل من الرجال كثير و لم يكمل من النساء إلا مريم بنت عمران و آسية امرأة فرعون و فضل عائشة على النساء كفضل الثريد على سائر الطعام

Sayyidina Abu Musa al Ash’ari radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam announced, “Many men reached perfection. The only women to reach perfection were Maryam bint ‘Imran and Asiyah—the wife of Firoun. Aisha’s virtue over other women is like the virtue of tharid over other foods.”[44]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Qurrah ibn Iyas:

 

و عن قرة بن إياس رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فضل عائشة على النساء كفضل الثريد على سائر الطعام

Sayyidina Qurrah ibn Iyas radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stated, “The virtue of Aisha over other women is like the virtue of tharid over other foods.”[45]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas:

 

و عن مصعب بن سعد عن سعد رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال إن عائشة تفضل على النساء كما يفضل الثريد على سائر الطعام

Mus’ab bin Sa’d from Sayyidina Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu from Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “Indeed, Aisha supersedes women just as tharid supersedes other types of food.”[46]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf:

 

عن أبي سلمة بن عبد الرحمن عن أبيه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فضل عائشة على النساء كفضل الثريد على سائر الطعام

Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur Rahman reports from his father that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Aisha’s virtue over other women is like the virtue of tharid over other foods.”[47]

 

The Qur’an declares her innocence of the slander made against her which will be recited by the Muslims until the Day of Qiyamah

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

و عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إذا أراد سفرا أقرع بين نسائه فأصاب عائشة القرعة في غزوة بني المصطلق فلما كان في جوف الليل انطلقت عائشة لحاجة فانحلت قلادتها فذهبت في طلبها و كان مسطح يتيما لأبي بكر و في عياله فلما رجعت عائشة لم تر العسكر قال و كان صفوان بن المعطل السلمي يتخلف عن الناس فنصب القدح و الجراب و الإداوة أحسبه قال فيحمله قال فنظر فإذا عائشة فغطى أحسبه قال وجهه عنها ثم أدنى بعيره منها قال فانتهى إلى العسكر فقالوا قولا و قالوا فيه قال ثم ذكر الحديث حتى انتهى قال و كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يجيء فيقوم على الباب يقول كيف تيكم حتى جاء يوما فقال أبشري يا عائشة فقد أنزل الله عذرك فقالت بحمد الله لا بحمدك قال و أنزل الله في ذلك عشر آيات إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ جَآءُوْ بِالْإِفْکِ عُصْبَةٌ مِّنْكُمْ قال فحد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم مسطحا و حمنة و حسان

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that whenever Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam intended a journey, he would cast lots between his wives. Aisha’s name was drawn in the Battle of Banu Mustaliq. In the middle of the night, Aisha went to relive herself and her necklace fell off. She thus went to look for it.

Mistah was an orphan [in the care] of Abu Bakr and part of his family.

When Aisha returned, she did not see the army. Safwan ibn al Mu’attal al Sulami would travel behind the army and pick up arrows, bags, and utensils (that were left behind). He noticed that it was Aisha. He thus covered his face as not to see her. He then brought his camel close to her.

He finally reached the army. People began to talk and rumours began tospread regarding him. [he then narrated the hadith until the end]

He said, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would come and stand at the door and say [to Aisha], ‘How are you feeling?’ Until he came one day and said, ‘O Aisha, be glad. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has revealed your innocence.’

She commented, ‘I thank Allah only, [and I thank no one else but Him, even] not you.’

Allah revealed ten verses in this regard:

إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ جَآءُوْ بِالْإِفْكِ عُصْبَةٌ مِّنْكُمْ …

Indeed, those who came with falsehood are a group among you…[48]

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam carried out the punishment (for slander) on Mistah, Hamnah, and Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhum.[49]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas:

 

عن عبد الله بن عباس رضي الله عنهما إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ یَرْمُوْنَ الْمُحْصَنٰتِ الْغٰفِلٰتِ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ قال نزلت في عائشة خاصة

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma commentated on the verse:

إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ یَرْمُوْنَ الْمُحْصَنٰتِ الْغٰفِلٰتِ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ

Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women …[50]

“It was revealed specifically for Aisha.”[51]

 

Her vast knowledge

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Musa al Ash’ari:

 

عن ابي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال ما أشكل علينا أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم حديث قط فسألنا عائشة إلا وجدنا عندها منه علما

Sayyidina Abu Musa al Ash’ari radiya Llahu ‘anhu states, “No matter became complicated for us, the Companions of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, except that we asked Aisha and we found her to have knowledge of it.”[52]

 

Her eloquence and intelligence

 

The narration of Sayyidina Muawiyah:

 

و عن معاوية قال و الله ما رأيت خطيبا قط أبلغ و لا أفصح و لا أفطن من عائشة

Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu observes, “I have never seen a lecturer more expressive, eloquent, and intelligent than Aisha.”[53]

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Hafsah

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لما طلق حفصة أمر أن يراجعها فراجعها

Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam divorced Hafsah, he was commanded to take her back and he complied.”[54]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Ammar ibn Yasir:

 

عن عمار بن ياسر رضي الله عنه قال لما طلق رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم حفصة أتاه جبريل فقال راجع حفصة فإنها صوامة قوامة و إنها زوجتك في الجنة

Sayyidina ‘Ammar ibn Yasir radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that when Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam divorced Hafsah, Jibril came to him and said, “Take Hafsah back for she stands in prayer and fasts excessively and she will be your wife in Jannat.”[55]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Qais ibn Zaid:

 

عن قيس بن زيد أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم طلق حفصة بنت عمر فأتاها خالاها عثمان و قدامة ابنا مظعون فبكت و قالت و الله ما طلقني رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم عن شبع فجاء رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فدخل عليها فتجلببت له فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إن جبريل أتاني فقال لي أرجع حفصة فإنها صوامة قوامة و هي زوجتك في الجنة

Qais ibn Zaid reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam divorced Hafsah bint ‘Umar. Her maternal uncles, ‘Uthman and Qudamah—sons of Maz’un—came to her.

She cried and said, “By Allah, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not divorce me due to any defect.”

Just then Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came and entered her house. She concealed herself from him.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam pronounced, “Certainly, Jibril approached me and said, ‘Take Hafsah back because she fasts excessively and performs salah at night and she will be your wife in Jannat.’”[56]

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Umm Salamah

 

Her Vision of Jibril in the Form of Sayyidina Dihyah al Kalbi

 

The narration of Sayyidina Salman al Farisi:

 

عن أبي عثمان عن سلمان رضي الله عنه قال لا تكونن إن استطعت أول من يدخل السوق و لا آخر من يخرج منها فإنها معركة الشيطان و بها ينصب رايته قال و أنبئت أن جبريل عليه السلام أتى نبي الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و عنده أم سلمة قال فجعل يتحدث ثم قام فقال نبي الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لأم سلمة من هذا أو كما قال قالت هذا دحية قال فقالت أم سلمة ايم الله ما حسبته إلا إياه حتى سمعت خطبة نبي الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يخبر خبرنا أو كما قال قال فقلت لأبي عثمان ممن سمعت هذا قال من أسامة بن زيد

Abu ‘Uthman reports from Sayyidina Salman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “If you are able to, never be the first to enter the market place and the last to leave it since it is the battlefield of Shaitan, and where he raises his flag.”

He narrates, “I have been informed that Jibril came to Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam while Umm Salamah was with him. He began speaking to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and then stood up to leave. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked Umm Salamah, ‘Who is this?’—or something to the effect. She replied, ‘This is Dihyah.’ Umm Salamah says, ‘By the oath in Allah! I really thought it was him until I heard Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam sermon informing us of our matter—or something to the effect.’”

A sub-narrator reports, “I asked Abu ‘Uthman, ‘Who did you hear this from?’ ‘From Usamah ibn Zaid,’ he replied.”[57]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam confidence in her knowledge

 

The narration of ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah:

 

عن عمر بن أبي سلمة رضي الله عنه أنه سأل رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أيقبل الصائم فقال له رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم سل هذه لأم سلمة فأخبرته أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يصنع ذلك فقال يا رسول الله قد غفر الله لك ما تقدم من ذنبك و ما تأخر فقال له رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أما و الله إني لأتقاكم لله و أخشاكم له

It is reported that ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma asked Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “Is a fasting person allowed to kiss?”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam told him, “Ask her, i.e. Umm Salamah.”

She informed him that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would do this.

Upon which he commented, “O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has forgiven all of your past and future sins.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam told him, “Behold! By Allah, I possess the most consciousness and fear of Allah than all of you.”[58]

 

Her suggestion to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam at Hudaybiyyah

 

The narration of Sayyidina Miswar ibn Makhramah and Marwan ibn al Hakam:

 

عن المسور بن مخرمة رضي الله عنه و مروان يصدق كل واحد منهما حديث صاحبه قالا خرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم زمن الحديبية ثم ذكرا ما حدث في صلح الحديبية إلى أن قالا فلما فرغ من قضية الكتاب قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لأصحابه قوموا فانحروا ثم احلقوا قال فوالله ما قام منهم رجل حتى قال ذلك ثلاث مرات فلما لم يقم منهم أحد دخل على أم سلمة فذكر لها ما لقي من الناس فقالت أم سلمة يا نبي الله أتحب ذلك اخرج ثم لا تكلم أحدا منهم كلمة حتى تنحر بدنك و تدعو حالقك فيحلقك فخرج فلم يكلم أحدا منهم حتى فعل ذلك نحر بدنه و دعا حالقه فحلقه فلما رأو ذلك قاموا فنحروا و جعل بعضهم يحلق بعضا حتى كاد بعضهم يقتل بعضا غما إلى آخر الحديث

Sayyidina Miswar ibn Makhramah radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Marwan ibn al Hakam report—each of them confirming the hadith of the other, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam left in the incident of Hudaybiyyah…”

They both narrated what transpired at the treaty of Hudaybiyyah until they said, “When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam concluded the writing of the treaty, he told his Companions, ‘Stand up, slaughter [your animals] then shave [your heads].’

By Allah, none of them stood up. And he repeated this thrice. When none of them complied, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went to Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha and explained to her what the people had done.

Umm Salamah said, ‘O Prophet of Allah! Would you like that they do it? Go out and do not speak a word to any of them until you slaughter your camel and call your barber to shave your head.’

He went out and did not speak to anyone until he done this, i.e. he slaughtered his camel and called his barber to shave his head. When they saw this, they stood up and slaughtered [their camels]. Some began shaving the heads of others so hastily [to comply with the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam after the delay] that they almost killed each other out of grief.”[59]

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh

 

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam marries her at the Command of Allah

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس قال جاء زيد بن حارثة يشكو فجعل النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول اتق الله و أمسك عليك زوجك قال أنس لو كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم كاتما شيئا لكتم هذه قال فكانت زينب تفخر على أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم تقول زوجكن أهاليكن و زوجني الله تعالى من فوق سبع سموات

Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates, “Zaid ibn Harithah came to complain [of his wife]. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam advised him, ‘Fear Allah and keep your wife.’”

Anas says, “Had Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam withheld anything, he would have kept this secret.”

He continues, “Zainab would boast to the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying, ‘Your families got you married whereas Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala gave me in marriage from above the seven heavens.’”[60]

 

عن عيسى بن طهمان قال سمعت أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه يقول نزلت آية الحجاب في زينب بنت جحش و أطعم عليها يومئذ خبزا و لحما و كانت تفخر على نساء النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و كانت تقول إن الله أنكحني في السماء

‘Isa ibn Tahman narrates that he heard Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik radiya Llahu ‘anhu saying, “The verse of hijab was revealed regarding Zainab bint Jahsh. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam on the day he married her fed bread and meat [as walimah]. She would boast to the other wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ‘Undoubtedly, Allah got me married in the heavens.’”[61]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam walimah at her marriage

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن ثابت قال ذكر تزويج زينب بنت جحش عند أنس فقال ما رأيت النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أولم على أحد من نسائه ما أولم عليها أولم بشاة

Thabit narrates that the marriage of Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh radiya Llahu ‘anha was mentioned in front of Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu upon which he commented, “I have not seen Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam have a walimah at the marriage of any of his wives the way he had at hers; he offered a sheep at the feast.”[62]

 

Her abundance of charity

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة أم المؤمنين رضي الله عنها قالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أسرعكن لحاقا بي أطولكن يدا قالت فكن يتطاولن أيتهن أطول يدا قالت فكانت أطولنا يدا زينب لأنها كانت تعمل بيدها و تصدق

Sayyidah Aisha Umm al Mu’minin radiya Llahu ‘anha relates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “The first of you to meet me will be the one with the longest hands.”

She says, “They [the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] would measure their hands to determine as to who had the longest hands. The one with the longest hands among us was Zainab bint Jahsh since she would work with her hands and give in charity.”[63]

 

The jealousy of some of Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wives over him drinking honey by her home

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يشرب عسلا عند زينب بنت جحش و يمكث عندها فواطيت أنا و حفصة على أيتنا دخل عليها فلتقل له أكلت مغافير إني أجد منك ريح مغافير قال لا و لكني كنت أشرب عسلا عند زينب بنت جحش فلن أعود له و قد حلفت لا تخبري بذلك أحدا

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reports, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would drink honey at the home of by Zainab bint Jahsh and stay [longer] at her place. Hafsah and myself agreed that whoever Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam comes to first will say to him, ‘You ate maghafir[64]? I get the smell of maghafir from you.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘No. I only drank honey by Zainab bint Jahsh. Nevertheless, I will not do it again and I have taken an oath. Do not inform anyone of this.’”[65]

 

Her taqwa and extreme piety

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن حديث عائشة رضي الله عنها و فيه قالت عائشة و كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يسأل زينب ابنة جحش عن أمري تعني الإفك فقال يا زينب ماذا علمت أو رأيت فقالت يا رسول الله أحمي سمعي و بصري ما علمت إلا خيرا قالت و هي التي كانت تساميني من أزواج رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فعصمها الله بالورع

It appears in the narration of Sayyidah Aisha [of the incident of ‘ifk] that she said, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh regarding me—about the slander—‘O Zainab, what do you know or what did you see?’

She replied, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I protect my hearing and sight. I only know goodness.’”

Aisha says, “She was the one who would compete with me [for his love] from the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala protected her due to her piety and cautiousness.”[66]

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها و فيه فأرسل أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم زينب بنت جحش زوج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و هي التي كانت تساميني منهن في المنزلة عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و لم أر امرأة قط خيرا في الدين من زينب و أتقى لله و أصدق حديثا و أوصل للرحم و أعظم صدقة و أشد ابتذالا لنفسها في العمل الذي تصدق به و تقرب به إلى الله تعالى ما عدا سورة من حدة كانت فيها تسرع منها الفيئة

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reports, “The wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam deputed Zainab bint Jahsh, Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wife—and she was the one of them who would compete with me for status in the sight of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. I have never seen a woman better in her din; more fearful of Allah, more truthful in speech, a better maintainer of family ties, more charitable, and one who is more diligent and devout in carrying out an action voluntarily to win proximity to Allah than Zainab. However she would lose her temper quickly but gain composure equally as fast.”[67]

 

The first wife of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to join him

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab:

 

عن عبد الرحمن بن أبزى أن عمر رضي الله عنه كبر على زينب بنت جحش أربعا ثم أرسل إلى أزواج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم من يدخل هذه قبرها فقلن من كان يدخل عليها في حياتها ثم قال عمر كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول أسرعكن بي لحوقا أطولكن يدا فكن يتطاولن بأيديهن و إنما كان ذلك لأنها كانت صناعا تعين بما تصنع في سبيل الله

‘Abdur Rahman ibn Abza radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates that Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu recited four takbirs [in Salat al janazah] upon Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh radiya Llahu ‘anha. He then sent word to the wives of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam enquiring as to who would place her in her grave.

They replied, “Those who would enter her house in her lifetime.”

‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu thereafter observed, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would say, ‘The first of you to join me is the one with the longest hands amongst you.”

They would thus measure their hands. She was the one intended [by the longest hand] since she was skilled and would spend in the path of Allah what she earned through her skill.”[68]

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Juwayriyah bint al Harith

 

She was the cause for the emancipation of her tribe

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت لما قسم رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم سبايا بني المصطلق وقعت جويرية بنت الحارث في السهم لثابت بن قيس بن الشماس أو لابن عم له و كاتبته على نفسها و كانت امرأة حلوة ملاحة لا يراها أحد إلا أخذت بنفسه فأتت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم تستعينه في كتابتها قالت فو الله ما هو إلا أن رأيتها على باب حجرتي فكرهتها و عرفت أنه سيرى منها ما رأيت فدخلت عليه فقالت يا رسول الله أنا جويرية بنت الحارث بن أبي ضرار سيد قومه و قد أصابني من البلاء ما لم يخف عليك فوقعت في السهم لثابت بن قيس بن الشماس أو لابن عم له فكاتبته على نفسي فجئتك أستعينك على كتابتي قال فهل لك في خير من ذلك قالت و ما هو يا رسول الله قال أقضي كتابتك و أتزوجك قالت نعم يا رسول الله قال قد فعلت قالت و خرج الخبر ألى الناس أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم تزوج جويرية بنت الحارث فقال الناس أصهار رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فأرسلوا ما بأيديهم قالت فلقد أعتق بتزويجه إياها مئة أهل بيت من بني المصطلق فما أعلم امرأة كانت أعظم بركة على قومها منها

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha recalls, “As Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam distributed the prisoners of Banu Mustaliq, Juwayriyah bint al Harith fell in the share of Sayyidina Thabit ibn Qais ibn al Shammas or his cousin and she made an agreement with him to pay a certain amount of money in exchange for her freedom [known as a contract of mukatabah]. She was extremely beautiful and graceful; no one would see her except that she would capture his heart. She came to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to request help from him to pay her master. By Allah, the moment I saw her at the door of my room, I disliked her. And I knew that the Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would see in her what I saw.

She entered his room and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I am Juwayriyah bint al Harith ibn Abi Dirar—chief of his tribe—and a calamity has afflicted me which you are aware of. I fell in the share of Thabit ibn Qais ibn al Shammas—or his cousin—and I made an agreement to pay a sum of money to secure my freedom. I have come to you asking help in paying the amount.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Are you prepared for something better than that?’

She asked, ‘And what is it, O Messenger of Allah?’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, ‘I pay the amount you owe, and then I marry you.’

She responded, ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘I have carried it out.’

The news reached the people that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has married Juwayriyah bint al Harith and they said, ‘[These are] the in-laws of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam,’ hence they emancipated all the slaves [of Banu Mustaliq] they possessed.”

Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha says, “A hundred households of the Banu Mustaliq were freed on account of Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam marriage to her. I do not know of a woman who brought greater blessings to her tribe than her.”[69]

 

Her excessive worship

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas from Sayyidah Juwayriyah:

 

عن عبد الله بن عباس عن جويرية أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم خرج من عندها بكرة حين صلى الصبح و هي في مسجدها ثم رجع بعد أن أضحى و هي جالسة فقال ما زلت على الحال التي فارقتك عليها قالت نعم قال النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لقد قلت بعدك أربع كلمات ثلاث مرات لو وزنت بما قلت منذ اليوم لوزنتهن سبحان الله و بحمده عدد خلقه و رضا نفسه و زنة عرشه و مداد كلماته

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports from Sayyidah Juwayriyah radiya Llahu ‘anha that Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam left her dwelling early in the morning to perform Salat al Fajr while she was [praying] in her prayer room. He returned after performing Salat al Duha (mid-morning optional prayer) and she was sitting at her place.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, “You remained at the same place since I left you?”

She replied in the affirmative whereupon Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stated, “After departing from you, I recited four phrases three times; had they been weighed against what you recited till now, they would be heavier:

سُبْحَانَ اَللّٰهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ عَدَدَ خَلْقِهِ وَرِضَا نَفْسِهِ وَزِنَةَ عَرْشِهِ وَمِدَادَ كَلِمَاتِهِ

Glory be to Allah with His praise the amount of His creation, which pleases His being, equal in weight to His Throne and as many as His words.[70]

 

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Safiyyah

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam marriage to her

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال لما دخل رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم بصفية بات أبو أيوب على باب النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فلما أصبح فرأى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم كبر و مع أبي أيوب السيف فقال يا رسول الله كانت جارية حديثة عهد بعرس و كنت قتلت أباها و أخاها و زوجها فلم آمنها عليك فضحك رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و قال له خيرا

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates that when Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam consummated his marriage with Safiyyah radiya Llahu ‘anha, Abu Ayub radiya Llahu ‘anhu spent the night standing guard at the door of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

In the morning when he saw Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he shouted, “Allahu Akbar!”

He had a sword with him.

He explained, “O Messenger of Allah! She was a young girl who was newly married. And you had killed her father, her brother, and her husband (in battle). I did not trust her with you.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam laughed and praised him.[71]

 

The daughter of a Nabi, niece of a Nabi, and wife of a Nabi

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas:

 

عن أنس قال بلغ صفية أن حفصة قالت بنت يهودي فبكت فدخل عليها النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم هي تبكي فقال ما يبكيك فقالت قالت لي حفصة إني بنت يهودي فقال النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إنك لابنة نبي و إن عمك لنبي و إنك لتحت نبي ففيم تفخر عليك ثم قال اتقي الله يا حفصة

Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates that information reached Sayyidah Safiyyah radiya Llahu ‘anha that Sayyidah Hafsah radiya Llahu ‘anha remarked about her that she was, “The daughter of a Jew,” so she began to weep.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam entered her home while she was crying and asked, “What makes you cry?”

She said, “Hafsah said that I am the daughter of a Jew.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam announced, “You are certainly the daughter of a Nabi [Musa ‘alayh al Salam], your paternal uncle is a Nabi [Harun ‘alayh al Salam], and you are married to a Nabi [Muhammad salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam]. On what grounds does she boast over you?”

He then advised, “Fear Allah, O Hafsah!”[72]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam walimah at her wedding

 

The narration of Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah:

 

عن جابر بن عبد الله رضي الله عنه قال لما دخلت صفية بنت حيي رضي الله عنها على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فسطاطه حضره ناس و حضرت معهم ليكون لي فيها قسم فخرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فقال قوموا عن أمكم فلما كان من العشي حضرنا فخرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إلينا في طرف ردائه نحو من مد و نصف من تمر عجوة فقال كلوا من وليمة أمكم

Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports that when Sayyidah Safiyyah bint Huyayy radiya Llahu ‘anha entered the tent of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, people gathered there and I joined them so that I may have a share.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came out and said, “Excuse your mother.”

At night we gathered again. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam came out to us with approximately a mudd and a half of fresh dates in the corner of his shawl.

He then said, “Eat from the walimah of your mother.”[73]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam apologises to her for killing her father and husband

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar:

 

عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنه قال كان بعيني صفية خضرة فقال لها النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ما هذه الخضرة بعينيك قالت قلت لزوجي إني رأيت فيما يرى النائم قمرا وقع في حجري فلطمني و قال أتريدين ملك يثرب قالت و ما كان أبغض إلي من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قتل أبي و زوجي فما زال يعتذر إلي و قال يا صفية إن أباك ألب علي العرب و فعل و فعل حتى ذهب ذلك من نفسي

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma narrates that Safiyyah had a green [bruise] mark on her eyes.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked her, “What is this green [bruise] on your eyes?”

She replied, “I told my husband, ‘I saw in a dream a moon falling into my lap,’ and he slapped me and shouted, ‘Do you desire the king of Yathrib?’”

She related, “There was none more hated in my sight than Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; he killed my father and my husband. He continued apologising to me saying, ‘O Safiyyah! Your father assembled the Arabs against me and did this and that,’ until this [hatred] left my heart.”[74]

 

 

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Umm Habibah Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam marriage to her was to comfort her in her tragedy

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت هاجر عبيد الله بن جحش بأم حبيبة بنت أبي سفيان و هي امرأته إلى أرض الحبشة فلما قدم أرض الحبشة مرض فلما حضرته الوفاة أوصى إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فتزوج رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أم حبيبة و بعث معها النجاشي شرحبيل بن حسنة

Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha reports, “‘Ubaidullah ibn Jahsh emigrated with his wife Umm Habibah bint Abi Sufyan to the land of Abyssinia. As he reached Abyssinia, he fell ill. When death approached him, he made a bequest for Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam [to marry Umm Habibah]. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam thus married Umm Habibah and Najashi sent Shurahbil ibn Hassanah with her [to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam].”[75]

 

Her eagerness in fulfilling the command of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Sayyidah Zainab bint Abi Salamah from Sayyidah Umm Habibah:

 

عن زينب بنت أبي سلمة عن أم حبيبة بنت أبي سفيان لما جاءها نعي أبيها دعت بطيب فمسحت ذراعيها و قالت ما لي بالطيب من حاجة لولا أني سمعت النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول لا يحل لامرأة تؤمن بالله و اليوم الآخر تحد على ميت فوق ثلاث إلا على زوج أربعة أشهر و عشرا

Sayyidah Zainab bint Abi Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha reports that when the demise of her father reached Sayyidah Umm Habibah bint Abi Sufyan radiya Llahu ‘anha, she called for perfume and applied some to her forearms remarking, “I do not have any desire for this perfume. It was nothing else except that I heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying, ‘It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn over the deceased for more than three days, except over her husband; for four months and ten days.’”[76]

 

 

 

 

The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Umm al Mu’minin Sayyidah Maimunah bint al Harith

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam despatches Abu Rafi’ to bring her to him

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Rafi’:

 

عن أبي رافع قال كنت في بعث مرة فقال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم اذهب فاتني بميمونة فقلت يا رسول الله إني في بعث فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ألست تحب ما أحب فقلت بلى يا رسول الله قال اذهب فاتني بها فذهبت فجئته بها

Sayyidina Abu Rafi’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu recalls, “I was once on an expedition when Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam directed me, ‘Go and bring Maimunah to me.’

I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I am in the expedition.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, ‘Do you not love what I love?’

‘Definitely, O Messenger of Allah,’ I submitted.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam instructed, ‘Go and bring her to me.’

Accordingly, I went and brought her.”[77]

 

Her taqwa and maintaining family ties

 

The narration of Yazid ibn al Asamm from Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن يزيد بن الأصم ابن أخت ميمونة قال تلقيت عائشة و هي مقبلة من مكة أنا و ابن لطلحة بن عبيد الله و هو ابن أختها و قد كنا وقعنا في حائط من حيطان المدينة فأصبنا منه فبلغها ذلك فأقبلت على ابن أختها تلومه و تعذله و أقبلت علي فوعظتني موعظة بليغة ثم قالت أما علمت أن الله تعالى ساقك حتى جعلك في أهل بيت نبيه ذهبت و الله ميمونة و رمي برسنك على غاربك أما إنها كانت من أتقانا لله عز و جل و أوصلنا للرحم

Yazid ibn al Asamm—the nephew of Maimunah—says, “I met Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha while she was returning from Makkah—the son of Talhah ibn ‘Ubaidullah, who is her nephew, and I. We had jumped into one of the orchards of Madinah and eaten its fruits and this news reached her. She turned to her nephew, rebuked and reproached him, and then turned to me and gave me some heart touching advice.

She then said, ‘Do you not know that Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala brought you and placed you in the family of His Nabi. By Allah, Maimunah has left and [now] your bridle has broken [so you do as you please because she is no longer here to admonish you]. As for her, she was the most fearful of Allah, the Exalted and Glorified, from us all and would maintain family ties the most.”[78]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam praise for her and her sisters

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas:

 

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الأخوات مؤمنات ميمونة زوج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و أختها أم الفضل بنت الحارث و أختها سلمى بنت الحارث امرأة حمزة و أسماء بنت عميس أختهن لأمهن

Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma relates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “The believing sisters are Maimunah, the wife of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, her sister Umm al Fadl bint al Harith, her sister Salma bint al Harith, the wife of Hamzah, and Asma’ bint ‘Umays their uterine sister.”[79]

 

NEXT⇒ Chapter Four – The narrations of the Ahlul Bayt on the virtues of Sayyidina Abu Bakr al Siddiq

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[1] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab bad’ al Wahi hadith no. 3 just as he mentioned it at the following numbers: 2392, 4957, 6982, 4953; Sahih Muslim in Kitab al Iman hadith no. 160.

[2] Al Tirmidhi said in Al Sunan vol. 5 pg. 642 hadith 3734: Some ‘Ulama’ have stated that the first man to accept Islam is Abu Bakr al Siddiq radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu was the first child to accept Islam, who was 8 years of age at the time, and the first woman to accept Islam is Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha.

[3] Al Bazzar narrated it in his Musnad vol. 9 pg. 235 al bahr al zakhir hadith no. 3294. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 220 and attributed it to al Bazzar and then stated, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.”

[4] Sahih al Bukhari, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab tazwij al Nabi Khadijah wa fadliha hadith no. 3820 and in Kitab al tawhid, bab qawl Allah Ta’ala yuridun an yubaddilu kalam Allah hadith no. 7497, Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah Umm al Mu’minin hadith no. 2432.

[5] ‘Abdul Razzaq recorded it in his Musannaf vol. 11 pg. 430 hadith no. 20919; and from the tariq of al Tirmidhi in al Manaqib, bab fadl Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha hadith no. 3878. Al Albani declared it sahih and agreed with him. Imam Ahmed in al Musnad—Musnad Anas ibn Malik—hadith no. 12414; al Arna’ut declared it sahih. Ibn Hibban in al Manaqib, Kitab ikhbarihi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ‘an Manaqib al Sahabah 6951, 7003.

[6] Sahih al Bukhari, Manaqib al Ansar hadith no. 3815, Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah Umm al Mu’minin radiya Llahu ‘anha 2430 and the wording is his.

[7] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad—Musnad ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas—hadith no. 2903; al Tabarani in Dhikr Banat al Rasul salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wa Dhikr Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha vol. 22 pg. 407 hadith no. 1019; al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha hadith no. 4852 and stated, “Isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 222, 223 and stated, “Ahmed, Abu Ya’la, and al Tabarani narrated it and their narrators are the narrators of al Sahih. Ibn Hibban narrated it in his sahih 7010. al Arna’ut declared it sahih in al Musnad 2903, 2668 and in Sahih Ibn Hibban 7010, Hussain Salim Asad in Musnad Abi Ya’la 2722 and al Albani in al Silsilah al Sahihah 1508.

[8] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Fada’il no. 1336; al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab Khadijah bint Khuwaylid vol. 3 pg. 205 hadith no. 4853 with a Sahih muttasil isnad.

[9] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al Ansar, bab tazwij al Nabi Khadijah wa fadliha hadith 3820; Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah hadith 2432.

[10] Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum, bab min fada’il Khadijah Umm al Mu’minin radiya Llahu ‘anha hadith no. 2434.

[11] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al Ansar, bab tazwij al Nabi Khadijah wa fadliha hadith 3819; Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah no. 72, 2433.

[12] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 23 pg. 10 hadith no. 13; Imam Ahmed in al Musnad hadith ‘Abdullah ibn Jafar hadith 1758. Shu’ayb al Arna’ut stated, “Sahih and this isnad is Hassan.” Sahih Ibn Hibban, Kitab ikhbarihi ‘an Manaqib al Sahabah hadith 7005; ibn Abi Shaybah in al Musannaf hadith 32288; Shaybani in al Ahad wa al Mathani hadith 296; Abu Ya’la hadith 6797; al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab Khadijah bint Khuwaylid vol. 3 pg. 203, 204 hadith no. 4848, 4849 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of Muslim but they have not recorded it.” al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 223 and attributed it to Ahmed, Abu Ya’la and al Tabarani and then stated, “The narrators of Ahmed are the narrators of al Sahih besides Muhammad ibn Ishaq and he has emphatically mentioned listening. Al Arna’ut declared it sahih in al Musnad 1757. Hussain Salim Asad said in Musnad Abi Ya’la 6797, “Isnad is jayyid.”

[13] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir, dhikr azwaj rasul Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam vol. 23 pg. 8 hadith 7. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 224, “Al Tabarani narrated it and the sanad has someone I do not recognise.” Its source is from al Sahih from the narration of Abu Hurairah and Aisha and besides them. See the previous ahadith.

[14] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir, dhikr azwaj rasul Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam vol. 23 pg. 8 hadith 6; in al Awsat vol. 8 pg. 120 hadith no. 8153. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 223 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir and al Awsat and his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih besides Mujalid ibn Sa’id who has been deemed reliable especially in the ahadith of Jabir. Its source is from al Sahih from the narration of Abu Hurairah and Aisha and besides them. See its takhrij in the previous ahadith.

[15] Sahih Muslim,Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah no. 77, 2436.

[16] Sahih al Bukhari, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab tazwij al Nabi Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha no. 3816; Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah no. 74, 2435.

[17] Sahih al Bukhari, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab tazwij al Nabi Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha no. 3821; Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah no. 78, 2437.

[18] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Manaqib, bab fadl Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha hadith no. 3876 and stated, “Hadith Hassan Sahih.” Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab dhikr Khadijah bint Khuwaylid radiya Llahu ‘anha vol. 3 pg. 205 hadith no. 4854 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of Sheikhayn but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Albani declared it sahih in Sahih al Tirmidhi.

[19] Sahih al Bukhari, Fada’il al Ansar, bab tazwij al Nabi Khadijah radiya Llahu ‘anha no. 3818; Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Khadijah no. 74, 2435.

[20] Sahih Muslim,al Fada’il hadith no. 2435.

[21] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 23 pg. 11 and 13. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 224 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it and his isnads are Hassan.”

[22] Abu Dawood narrated it in al jihad, bab fi fida’ al asir bi al mal hadith no. 2692; al Albani declared it Hassan. Imam Ahmed in al Musnad hadith of Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha no. 26405; al Arna’ut declared it Hassan. Al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab al Maghazi wa al Siyar hadith 4306 and stated, “This hadith is sahih according to the standards of Muslim but he has not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him; al Muntaqa of Ibn al Jarud hadith 1090. al Bayhaqi in al Kubra hadith 12628.

[23] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hibah, bab hibat al mar’ah li ghayr zawjiha hadith no. 2593 and at other places in his Sahih; Sahih Muslim, al Tawbah hadith no. 2770, also Kitab al Rida’, bab jawaz hibatiha nawbataha li darratiha hadith no. 1463.

[24] Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Rida’, bab jawaz hibatiha nawbataha li darratiha hadith no. 1463.

[25] Surah al Nisa’: 128

[26] Abu Dawood narrated it in al Nikah, bab fi al qism bayn al nisa’ hadith no. 2135; al Hakim in al Mustadrak vol. 2 pg. 203 hadith 2760 and stated, “Isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. al Albani labelled it sahih.

[27] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hajj, bab man Qadima da’afat ahlihi bi layl hadith no. 1681; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Hajj, bab istihbab taqdim daf’ al da’afah min al nisa’ wa gharihinn min Muzdalifah ila Mina hadith no. 1290.

[28] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Maghazi, bab ghazwat dhat al salasil hadith no. 4358; Sahih Muslim, in Fada’il al Sahabah with slight variations, bab min fada’il Abi Bakr al Siddiq radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 2384.

[29] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Manaqib, bab fadl Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha hadith no. 3890 and stated, “Hassan Sahih gharib from this way.” Ibn Majah hadith no. 101; Ibn Hibban in al Manaqib hadith 7107. Al Albani declared it sahih in Sahih al Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.

[30] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Nikah, bab hubb al rajul ba’d nisa’ihi afdal min ba’d hadith no. 5218; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Talaq, bab fi al ila’ wa i’tizal al nisa’ hadith no. 1479.

[31] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Mujam al Awsat vol. 3 pg. 114 hadith 2651. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 242 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it in al Awsat and his isnad his Hassan.”

[32] Imam Ahmed narrated it in Fada’il al Sahabah hadith 1631, 1647; al Tirmidhi condensed in al Manaqib, bab manaqib Aisha hadith 3888 and said, “Hassan sahih.” Muhaqqiq Wasi Allah ‘Abbas declared it sahih.

[33] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Manaqib, bab manaqib Aisha hadith no. 3898 pg. 1057 and stated, “Hassan sahih.” Sheikh al Albani declared it sahih.

[34] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab fadl Aisha hadith no. 3772.

[35] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Fitan hadith 7100.

[36] Surah al Tahrim: 4

[37] Surah al Tahrim: 4

[38] Surah Ahzab: 28-29

[39] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Mazalim, bab al ghurfah wa al ’ulyah al mushriqah fi al sutuh hadith no. 2468; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Talaq, bab bayan anna takhyir imra’atihi la yakun talaqan illa bi al niyyah hadith no. 1479

[40] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad hadith 26555; Ibn Hibban declared the hadith Sahih in Kitab al Manaqib hadith 7109. Sheikh al Albani labelled it sahih. Sheikh Shu’ayb al Arna’ut said, “Isnad is sahih which also might be declared Hassan. A hadith with similar wording appears in Sahih al Bukhari, 2580, Kitab al Hibah wa Fadliha, bab in ahda ila sahibihi ‘an Aisha.

[41] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab tasmiyat azwaj Rasulillah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam vol. 4 pg. 9 hadith no. 6724 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of Sheikhayn but they have not recorded it due to the irsal of Mutarrif ibn Tarif.” Al Dhahabi remained silent from commenting.

[42] A type of dish which includes bread, meat, and gravy which was considered to be delicacy among the Arabs.

[43] Sahih al Bukhari, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Aisha no. 3770; Muslim in Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fi fadl Aisha hadith 2446.

[44] Sahih al Bukhari, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fi fadl Aisha no. 3769; Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fi fadl Aisha no. 2431.

[45] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah; bab dhikr Qurrah ibn Iyas hadith 6483; al Tabarani in Mujam al Kabir vol. 19 pg. 28 hadith no. 60. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 243 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it and its isnad is Hassan.”

[46] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Awsat vol. 2 pg. 278 hadith 1978. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 243 and said, “Al Tabarani narrated it in al Awsat and his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.”

[47] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 23 pg. 42 hadith 108. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 243 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it and his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih except that Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur Rahman did not hear from his father.”

[48] Surah al Nur: 11-20

[49] Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 230 and stated, “Al Bazzar narrated it. Muhammad ibn ‘Amr appears therein and his hadith is Hassan. The rest of the narrators are reliable. The original incident is reported in Sahihayn from the hadith of Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha.”

[50] Surah al Nur: 23

[51] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab tasmiyat azwaj Rasulillah fi al jahiliyyah wa al islam vol. 4 pg. 11 no. 6731 and he stated, “The hadith’s isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it. It has a mutabi’.” Ibn Abi Hatim narrated it from Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Ibn Jarir al Tabari from Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha. Ibn Kathir rahimahu Llah says, “There is nothing in the narration that suggests that the ruling is specifically for her. What does appear is that she was the reason of revelation and not someone else although the ruling applies to her just as it applies to all besides her.” Tafsir Surah al Nur: 23.

[52] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Manaqib, bab manaqib Aisha hadith no. 3883. Abu ‘Isa commented, “This hadith is Hassan Sahih gharib.” Al Albani declared it sahih.

[53] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 23 pg. 183. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 243 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir and his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih hadith no. 298.” Ibn Abi ‘Asim in Al Ahad wa al Mathani, 3027, and it appears therein, “Lecturer besides Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.”

[54] Abu Ya’la narrated it vol. 6 pg. 436 hadith 3815; its Muhaqqiq said, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.” Ibn Sa’d narrated it in Al Tabaqat vol. 8 pg. 84; al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab al Talaq hadith 2796. Al Bayhaqi narrated it in al Kubra, Kitab al Raj’ah vol. 7 pg. 367 hadith 14930; al Maqdisi in al ahadith al Muskhtarah vol. 6 pg. 38 hadith 1983 and stated, “Its isnad is sahih.” It has a shahid in Musnad al Shafi’i from Ibn ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu with a Sahih isnad. Abu Dawood, Kitab al Talaq, bab fi al muraja’ah 2283; Ibn Majah, Kitab al Talaq, bab haddathana Suwaid ibn Sa’id 2016; al Nasa’i, Kitab al Talaq, bab al raj’ah 3560 from Ibn ‘Abbas from ‘Umar ibn al Khattab that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam divorced Hafsah and then took her back.

[55] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir fi dhikr azwaj Rasulillah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Hafsah bint ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma vol. 23 pg. 188 hadith 306; al Shaybani in Al Ahad wa al Mathani vol. 5 pg. 409 hadith 3052; Musnad al Bazzar, Musnad ‘Ammar ibn Yasir, vol. 4 pg. 237 hadith 1401. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 244 and attributed it to al Bazzar and al Tabarani and stated, “Hassan ibn Abi Jafar appears in both their sanads and he is da’if.” However, the hadith has shawahid the references of which passed in the previous hadith.

[56] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab dhikr Umm al Mu’minin Hafsah bint ‘Umar vol. 5 pg. 19 hadith no. 6817; al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir, bab al qaf, Qais ibn Zaid vol. 18 pg. 365 hadith 934. Ibn Sa’d mentioned it in al Tabaqat vol. 8 pg. 84 and the wording is his. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 245 and attributed it to al Tabarani and then said, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.” Al Matalib al ’Aliyah 4154. It has shawahid which have been mentioned.

[57] al Bukhari narrated it in al Manaqib, bab ‘alamat al nubuwwah fi al islam no. 3633; Muslim in Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il Umm Salamah no. 100, 2451 and the wording is his.

[58] Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Sawm, bab bayan anna al qublah fi al sawm laysat muharramah hadith no. 1108.

[59] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Shurut, bab al Shurut fi al Jihad hadith no. 2731, 2732, 2733.

[60] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Tawhid, bab wa kana ‘arshuhu ‘ala al ma’ hadith no. 7420.

[61] Sahih al Bukhari; bab wa kana ‘arshuhu ‘ala al ma’ hadith no. 7421; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Nikah, bab zawaj Zainab bint Jahsh hadith no. 1428.

[62] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Nikah, bab man awlama ‘ala ba’d nisa’ihi akthar min ba’d hadith no. 5171; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Nikah, bab zawaj Zainab bint Jahsh hadith no. 90, 1428.

[63] Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab min fada’il Zainab Umm al Mu’minin hadith no. 2452; Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Zakat, bab ayyu al sadaqah afdal hadith no. 1420 however it appears therein that the incident took place with Sayyidah Saudah bint Zam’ah and not Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anhuma. Ibn Hajar rahimahu Llah discussed the issue at length and mentioned all the ahadith that are reported in this regard, and presented the views of the ‘Ulama’; those who say that it is Saudah and those who say it is Zainab bint Jahsh. He thereafter concluded that it is Zainab bint Jahsh—may Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala be pleased with all the Ummahat al Mu’minin. Whoever wishes further elaboration on this matter should study Fath al Bari of Ibn Hajar vol. 3 pg. 285–288. And Allah knows best.

[64] A foul smelling plant.

[65] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Tafsir, bab Surah al tahrim hadith no. 4912; Muslim in al Talaq, bab wujub al kaffarah ‘ala man harrama imra’atahu wa lam yanwi al Talaq hadith no. 1474.

[66] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Tafsir, bab lawla idh sami’tumuh zann al mu’minun wa al mu’minat bi anfusihim khayran hadith 4750 and at other places and the wording is his; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Tawbah, bab fi hadith al ifk hadith no. 2770.

[67] Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab fi fadl Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha hadith no. 2442.

[68] Musnad al Bazzar vol. 1 pg. 315, al bahr al zakhkhar hadith no. 245. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 248 and attributed it to al Bazzar and then said, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih” Ibn Sa’d mentioned it in al Tabaqat al Kubra vol. 8 pg. 111, 112. Al Albani declared the first portion as sahih till حياتها (her life) in Talkhis Ahkam al Jana’iz. The second portion of it is recorded in Sahihayn with similar words.

[69] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad hadith 26408; Shu’ayb al Arna’ut declared it Hassan. Abu Dawood narrated it in al ’Itq hadith 3931; al Albani declared it Hassan. Ibn Hibban in his Sahih in Kitab al Nikah hadith 4054, 4055; al Hakim in al Mustadrak hadith no. 6855.

[70] Sahih Muslim, al Dhikr wa al Du’a’, bab al tasbih awwal al nahar wa ‘ind al nawm hadith no. 2726.

[71] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah; bab dhikr Umm al Mu’minin Safiyyah bint Huyayy radiya Llahu ‘anha vol. 4 pg. 30 hadith no. 6787 and stated, “Isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Ibn Sa’d in al Tabaqat vol. 8 pg. 126.

[72] ‘Abdul Razzaq narrated it in his Musannaf vol. 11 pg. 430 hadith no. 20921. From this tariq all of them narrated it viz. al Tirmidhi in al Manaqib, bab fada’il azwaj al Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam hadith no. 3894 and said, “Hadith is Hassan sahih gharib from this way; Imam Ahmed in al Musnad hadith no. 12415; Abu Ya’la in his Musnad hadith no. 3437; Ibn Hibban in his Sahih in al Manaqib hadith no. 7211. Al Albani, al Arna’ut and Hussain Salim Asad declared it sahih.

[73] Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad hadith 14616; al Arna’ut comments, “Its isnad is Hassan.” Abu Ya’la hadith 2251; Hussain Salim Asad said, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ and attributed it to Ahmed and stated, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.”

[74] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 24 pg. 67 hadith 177; it is part of a lengthy narration. Ibn Hibban narrated it in his Sahih hadith 5199; al Arna’ut declared it sahih. al Bayhaqi in al Sunan al Kubra vol. 9 pg. 137 hadith 18168. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 251 and attributed it to al Tabarani and stated, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.”

[75] Ibn Hibban narrated it in his Sahih vol. 13 pg. 385 hadith no. 6027; Shu’ayb al Arna’ut stated, “His isnad is sahih according to the standards of al Bukhari.”

[76] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Talaq, bab wa alladhin yutawaffawna minkum hadith no. 5345; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Talaq, bab wujub al ihdad fi ‘iddat al wafah hadith no. 85, 1486.

[77] Ibn Khuzaimah narrated it in his sahih, Kitab al Manasik, bab ibahat safar al mar’ah ma’a ‘abd zawjiha hadith 2528; its Muhaqqiq al A’zami declared it sahih. Ahmed in his Musnad , hadith Abi Rafi’ hadith 27229; Sa’id ibn Mansur in his Sunan, bab ma ja’a fi ta’at al imam vol. 2 pg. 231 hadith 2490. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 249 and attributed it to Ahmed and stated, “His narrators are the narrators of al Sahih except Hassan ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Rafi’ who is reliable.”

[78] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab dhikr Umm al Mu’minin Maimunah bint al Harith radiya Llahu ‘anha vol. 4 pg. 34 hadith no. 6799 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of Muslim but they have not recorded it.” Ibn Sa’d narrated it in al Tabaqat vol. 8 pg. 138; Ibn Hajar commented on it in al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 413, “This is a Sahih sanad.”

[79] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 11 pg. 415 hadith no. 12178; al Hakim in al Mustadrak vol. 4 pg. 35 hadith no. 6801 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of Muslim but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Ibn Sa’d in al Tabaqat vol. 8 pg. 138; Hafiz ibn Hajar declared it sahih in al Isabah vol. 4 pg. 412. Al Albani declared it sahih in al Jami’ al Saghir 4529 and in al Silsilah al Sahihah 1764.