The Marriage of Zainab Bint Jahsh to Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
By Brother Mohammed.
Those who write against the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) have different aims and intentions. The main aim of those who propagate these false allegations don't appear as though they are out of sincere research or genuine care but, they are allegations perpetuated for the sake of disfiguring the image of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). The allegations against the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is not something new but it has continued for many generations. In response to such allegations, throughout the years there has been a group refuting and responding to the insincere and deceitful claims of those who purposely misinform others about the Prophet Muhammad (Salla llahu `alay wasalam).
Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was sent to reform his society1, including the areas that are private and of the public domain. The institution of marriage is an area that pertains to both the public and private sphere. In addition, with the advent of Islam there were different forms of marriages which stemmed from the cultural norms of the Arabs2, as well as different forms of prohibitions based on either mythical beliefs3 or tradition of their forefathers4.
One particular tradition which Islam reformed was adoption5. Under Islam “adoption” does not mean the “adopted” child gets the name of the “adoptive” parents. The Arabs during the time of the prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would conceal the real identity of a particular child and give them their own6. This was detrimental to the future of the child, had they ever wished to find their real lineage or if their real parents and relatives wanted to get in touch with them. The "adopted" child is not mislead and deceived into thinking they are of a particular family, they are told the truth about their lineage under a Islamic state. In response to the cultural practice of the Arabs where they misinformed the child Allah (swt) informed the community:
(Holy Qur`an 33:5) "Proclaim their real parentage. That will be more equitable in the sight of Allah. And if ye know not their fathers, then (they are) your brethren in the faith, and your clients. And there is no sin for you in the mistakes that ye make unintentionally, but what your hearts purpose (that will be a sin for you). Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) prior to the above verse being revealed adopted Zaid Ibn Haritha7. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was the cousin of Zainab Bint Jahsh8. And Zaid Ibn Haria married Zainab Bint Jahsh. However, she was of high lineage and wealthy9. It is narrated by Anas that Zaid came one day complaining to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) about his marriage to Zainab Bint Jahsh. In response to this the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said “Fear Allah and hold on to your wife” 10
There is no evidence indicating the details of their conversations, dissatisfaction and unhappiness together but, we do know that Zaid Ibn Haritha used to be a slave11. And Zainab was from a honourable house and well known within her community. It is not unlikely that the factors of their roots and lineage became a barrier to upholding a strong marriage.
There are several allegations against this marriage namely that the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was attracted to Zainab's looks and therefore Zaid divorced Zainab so that the Prophet Muhammad (Salla llahu `alay wasalam) would marry her. Secondly that this marriage is inherently immoral and wrong because Zaid was under the custodianship of the prophet. However those who have prompted these claims overlook certain things, namely the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was always in touch with Zainab12. Her looks were not hidden away from him nor was he unaware of her beautiful looks. Another factor that is overlooked is the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) proposed to Zainab on behalf of Zaid Ibn Harith who was his first wife's freed slave13, and his emancipation was through the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) himself14. In response to this proposal from the Prophet, Zainab refused15 because they were from two different tribes and because she perceived her lineage to be much higher. In addition, because of her persistent refusal and lack of acknowledgement that within the Muslim community neither colour, tribe or race should be a determining factor of who to marry the following verse was revealed:
(Holy Qur`an 33:36) “When Allah and His messenger have decided on a matter that concerns them, it is not fitting for any believing man or women to claim freedom of choice in that matter: whoever disobeys Allah and His messenger is far astray.”
There was no element of force or coercion used to initiate an agreement from Zainab16 but, it was a reminder that those who do not listen to the advise of the Prophet Muhammad (Salla llahu `alay wasalam) and their lord are far from the truth. After the revelation of this verse the marriage contract was consummated between Zainab (ra) and Zaid (ra)17.
When Zaid divorced Zainab bint Jahsh Allah commanded the messenger of Allah to marry her and in response to his proposal she declared:
I will not do anything until Allah orders me18.
And her saying so leaves the matter with Allah and the reasoning behind this marriage is illustrated in the following verse:
(Holy Qur`an 33:37) Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favour: "Retain thou (in wedlock) thy wife, and fear Allah." But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their "adopted" sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them. And Allah's command must be fulfilled.
The marriage has nothing to do with the status and position of women nor the intentions of the Noble Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم). To bring this matter into question illustrates the insincere intentions of the proponents of such allegations. The marriage was a command from Allah in order to teach the believing community who they are permitted to marry.
Footnotes to be added.
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