I swear by Allah that you have no claim on us. she went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and mentioned that to him. He said: There is no maintenance due to you from him, and he commanded her to spend the 'Idda in the house of Umm Sharik, but then said: That is a woman whom my companions visit. So better spend this period in the house of Ibn Umm Maktum, for he is a blind man and yon can put off your garments. And when the 'Idda is over, inform me. She said: When my period of 'Idda was over, I mentioned to him that Mu'awiya b. Abu Sufyan and Jahm had sent proposal of marriage to me, whereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: As for Abu Jahm, he does not put down his staff from his shoulder, and as for Mu'awiya, he is a poor man having no property; marry Usama b. Zaid. I objected to him, but he again said: Marry Usama; so I married him. Allah blessed there in and I was envied (by others).
The Book of Divorce - Sahih Muslim 1480a
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses several important legal principles regarding divorce, maintenance, waiting period ('Idda), and remarriage. The woman's husband pronounced an irrevocable divorce (zihar) by equating her to his mother, which carries specific legal consequences in Islamic jurisprudence.
Scholarly Commentary on Zihar and Its Effects
Zihar is a specific form of divorce where a husband declares his wife to be like his mother's back, making her unlawful to him until he expiates this oath. The Prophet's ruling that no maintenance is due reflects the juristic position that in cases of irrevocable divorce, maintenance during 'Idda is not obligatory unless the woman is pregnant.
The instruction to observe 'Idda demonstrates the wisdom of Shariah in ensuring lineage protection and emotional stability. The Prophet's concern about her residence shows his meticulous attention to women's modesty and protection during vulnerable periods.
Prophetic Guidance in Marriage Selection
The Prophet's rejection of Mu'awiya and Jahm as suitors, followed by his recommendation of Usama ibn Zaid, illustrates the Islamic principles of spousal selection based on piety and character rather than wealth or status. His description of Abu Jahm as one who "does not put down his staff from his shoulder" indicates a harsh temperament, while Mu'awiya's poverty at that time made him unsuitable.
The final blessing mentioned ("Allah blessed therein and I was envied") confirms the divine wisdom in following prophetic guidance in marital matters, demonstrating that true success in marriage comes from obedience to Allah and His Messenger.