I and Hafsa agreed that one whom Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) would visit first should say: I notice that you have an odour of the Maghafir (gum of mimosa). He (the Holy Prophet) visited one of them and she said to him like this, whereupon he said: I have taken honey in the house of Zainab bint Jabsh and I will never do it again. It was at this (that the following verse was revealed): 'Why do you hold to be forbidden what Allah has made lawful for you... (up to). If you both ('A'isha and Hafsa) turn to Allah" up to:" And when the Prophet confided an information to one of his wives" (lxvi. 3). This refers to his saying: But I have taken honey.
The Book of Divorce - Sahih Muslim 1474a
This narration from Sahih Muslim reveals profound wisdom regarding marital relations and divine guidance. The incident demonstrates how Allah safeguards His Prophet's honor while providing instruction for the entire Ummah.
Contextual Analysis
The Prophet's wives 'Ā'isha and Hafsa devised a plan concerning the scent of Maghāfir (acacia gum), which led to the revelation of corrective verses. This shows how even the Mothers of the Believers were subject to human emotions and required divine guidance.
The Prophet's response - explaining he had consumed honey at Zainab's house - reflects his transparent nature and commitment to truthfulness, even in personal matters.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The incident underscores the prohibition of declaring lawful things forbidden without divine authority. The Quranic verses (66:1-4) that followed established important principles about vows and the sacred trust of marital confidentiality.
Scholars note this event teaches the importance of sincerity in repentance and the wisdom behind Allah's gradual revelation of rulings, addressing situations as they occurred in the Muslim community.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical commentators emphasize that this incident served multiple purposes: correcting a misunderstanding, establishing prophetic infallibility in conveying revelation, and teaching proper conduct in marital relationships.
The narration also illustrates how Allah protects His Messenger from any imperfection while using everyday occurrences to deliver eternal guidance for humanity.