(Sayyidah Zainab bintu Jahsh [radhiyallahu ‘anha] – Part Four)

One of the wrong customs of the Arabs was that they would regard a person’s adopted son as his very own son. Therefore, all the laws that applied to one’s biological son would apply to an adopted son as well, including the impermissibility of marrying the adopted son’s ex-wife. Allah Ta‘ala had decreed to break this custom through the action of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Therefore, Allah Ta‘ala informed him via divine revelation that when Sayyiduna Zaid bin Haarithah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) divorces Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha), she will come into his marriage. In doing so, the people will learn and realize that the injunction that is applied to the wife of one’s own son is not applicable to the wife of one’s adopted son. (Seeratul Mustafa [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam] vol. 3, pg. 309)

Hence, when her ‘iddah had terminated, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instructed Sayyiduna Zaid (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to personally go to her and convey a proposal of marriage on his behalf. Sayyiduna Zaid (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thus complied to the request of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and set out towards her home.

He had such great consideration and respect in his heart for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), that although the law of hijaab was not yet revealed, he turned his back completely while addressing Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha) and did not look in her direction, because Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was intending to marry her. He conveyed Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) proposal saying, “O Zainab! Glad tidings! Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has sent me to you, (with a message that) he is proposing to you.”

Upon hearing this, she replied, “I will not do anything until I consult my Rabb (i.e. make istikhaarah).” She then proceeded to the place in her home where she used to offer her salaah and engaged in istikhaarah. (Saheeh Muslim #3502, Sunan Nasaai #3253, Sharhun Nawawi and Fat-hul Baari vol. 8, pg. 673)

Allah Ta‘ala, through His divine wisdom, performed the nikaah of Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha) to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the heavens and informed him about it by revealing a lengthy verse of the Quraan Majeed, in which this also appears, “When Zaid had no longer any need for her, We got her married to you.” (Surah Ahzaab v37)

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was in the house of Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) when this verse was revealed. After it’s revelation, he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) smiled and requested, “Who will go to Zainab in order to give her the glad tidings that Allah Ta‘ala has married me to her in the heavens?”

A female servant of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Sayyidah Salmaa (radhiyallahu ‘anha), hurriedly went to convey the glad tidings to Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha). When she received the news, she immediately fell into sajdah out of gratitude for this great bounty, and even made a vow to fast for two months.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then came to her home and entered without even seeking permission, since Allah Ta‘ala had already performed their nikaah in the heavens. (Mustadrak Haakim #6775 and Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 102)

Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha) would mention to the other wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that their marriages were conducted by their relatives while her marriage was conducted by Allah Ta‘ala above the seven skies. (Saheeh Bukhaari #7420)

This incident took place in either the 3rd, 4th or 5th year after hijrah. (Sharhuz Zurqaani vol. 4, pg. 413) Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was thirty-five years old at that time. (Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 102)

Lessons:

1. When a person has a very dear and sincere friend, he will consult with him whenever he has any important decision to make. However, this friend, no matter how close and sincere he may be, will only be able to advise him according to his limited understanding of the issue, and cannot put khair (goodness) in his decision. Hence, who better can there be to consult other than Allah Ta‘ala, Who not only knows what’s best for a person, but will also put khair and blessings in the decision that the person makes. Therefore, when the proposal came, Sayyidah Zainab (radhiyallahu ‘anha) immediately turned to Allah Ta‘ala and asked Him for guidance and goodness.

2. Although Sayyidah Zainab’s (radhiyallahu ‘anha) marriage to Sayyiduna Zaid (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) ended in divorce, her initial submission to Allah Ta‘ala’s command proved to be a profound blessing. Through this union, Allah Ta‘ala used her to abolish the entrenched Arab custom of regarding one’s adopted son as one’s own son. Ultimately, this then paved the way for her to marry Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), a union that brought her immense honour in this world and the next. Thus, if we also submit to the commands of Allah Ta‘ala and the teachings of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), we will also enjoy great blessings and honour, although we may go through an initial period of difficulty.

Other parts may be accessed via the following links:

Part One   Part Two   Part Three   Part Four   Part Five   Part Six