That she borrowed a necklace from Asma' and it was lost. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sent some of his companions to look for it. During their journey the time of prayer was due and they prayed without ablution. When they returned to the Prophet (ﷺ) they complained about it. So the Divine Verse of Tayammum was revealed. Usaid bin Hudair said (to `Aisha), "May Allah reward you handsomely. By Allah, whenever you have a difficulty, Allah took you out of it and brought with it, a Blessing for the Muslims."
Companions of the Prophet
Sahih al-Bukhari 3773
Narration Context
This blessed narration from the Mother of the Believers, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), recounts the incident where she borrowed a necklace from Asma' that was subsequently lost. The Prophet (ﷺ) dispatched companions to search for it, leading to the divine revelation of Tayammum when they faced prayer time without water for ablution.
Scholarly Commentary
The wisdom of Allah manifests in this incident, demonstrating how individual difficulties can become sources of divine mercy for the entire Ummah. Usaid bin Hudair's statement encapsulates this profound truth - recognizing how Allah brings forth blessings through the trials of His righteous servants.
The legal implication establishes Tayammum as a legitimate purification method when water is unavailable or its use harmful. This divine concession reflects the ease and practicality of Islamic jurisprudence, accommodating genuine human needs while maintaining spiritual obligations.
Spiritual Insights
This incident teaches Muslims to perceive difficulties through the lens of divine wisdom. What appears as hardship may conceal immense blessings. The companions' initial complaint transformed into gratitude upon recognizing the eternal benefit derived from their temporary inconvenience.
The narration also highlights the elevated status of the Prophet's household, whose personal experiences often became sources of divine legislation for the Muslim community, demonstrating their central role in Islamic guidance.