Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) came and sought permission to see Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). He found people sitting at his door and none amongst them had been granted permission, but it was granted to Abu Bakr and he went in. Then came 'Umar and he sought permission and it was granted to him, and he found Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) sitting sad and silent with his wives around him. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: I would say something which would make the Prophet (ﷺ) laugh, so he said: Messenger of Allah, I wish you had seen (the treatment meted out to) the daughter ofKhadija when you asked me some money, and I got up and slapped her on her neck. Allah's Messenger (mav peace be upon him) laughed and said: They are around me as you see, asking for extra money. Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) then got up went to 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) and slapped her on the neck, and 'Umar stood up before Hafsa and slapped her saying: You ask Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) which he does not possess. They said: By Allah, we do not ask Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) for anything he does not possess. Then he withdrew from them for a month or for twenty-nine days. Then this verse was revealed to him:" Prophet: Say to thy wives... for a mighty reward" (xxxiii. 28). He then went first to 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) and said: I want to propound something to you, 'A'isha, but wish no hasty reply before you consult your parents. She said: Messenger of Allah, what is that? He (the Holy Prophet) recited to her the verse, whereupon she said: Is it about you that I should consult my parents, Messenger of Allah? Nay, I choose Allah, His Messenger, and the Last Abode; but I ask you not to tell any of your wives what I have said He replied: Not one of them will ask me without my informing her. God did not send me to be harsh, or cause harm, but He has sent me to teach and make things easy.
The Book of Divorce - Sahih Muslim 1478
This narration from Sahih Muslim provides profound insight into the household dynamics of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the divine wisdom behind Quranic revelation addressing marital relationships.
Context and Background
The incident occurred when the Prophet's wives requested increased financial provisions during a period of economic hardship. Abu Bakr and Umar's intervention demonstrates the concern of senior companions for the Prophet's well-being.
The Prophet's withdrawal for twenty-nine days indicates the seriousness of the matter and the need for divine guidance in resolving this delicate family situation.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this incident led to the revelation of Quran 33:28-29, offering the Prophet's wives a choice between worldly comforts or remaining with the Prophet for the greater reward of the Hereafter.
Aisha's immediate response without consulting her parents demonstrates her profound faith and preference for spiritual rewards over material comforts, setting an example for Muslim women throughout history.
The Prophet's statement "God did not send me to be harsh, but to teach and make things easy" embodies the essential character of Islamic teachings - mercy, ease, and proper education.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes important principles regarding marital rights and responsibilities, showing that even the Prophet's household faced ordinary challenges that required divine guidance.
Scholars derive from this incident the permissibility of reasonable financial expectations in marriage balanced with contentment and consideration of circumstances.
The methodology of Quranic revelation addressing real-life situations demonstrates Islam's practical approach to solving human problems.