Verily, Fatima too went out (of her in-laws' house). 'Urwa said: I came to 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) and told her about it and she said: There is no good for Fatima bint Qais (Allah be pleased with her) in making mention of it.
The Book of Divorce - Sahih Muslim 1481a
This narration from Sahih Muslim concerns Fatima bint Qais (may Allah be pleased with her) leaving her marital home during her waiting period ('iddah). The commentary reveals important jurisprudential principles regarding women's residence requirements during divorce.
Scholarly Commentary
The statement of 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) indicates disagreement with Fatima bint Qais' action. Classical scholars explain that a divorced woman should generally remain in her marital home during her 'iddah unless there are legitimate concerns for her safety or honor.
Imam Nawawi comments that this hadith shows the permissibility of criticizing narrators when necessary for preserving Islamic law. 'A'isha's objection was not personal but aimed at protecting established rulings.
The majority of scholars hold that a revocably divorced woman must stay in her marital home, while an irrevocably divorced woman may choose her residence. This narration serves as evidence for the careful balance between individual circumstances and maintaining religious obligations.
Legal Implications
This hadith forms part of the foundational evidence for the Islamic ruling on housing during the waiting period. Jurists derived that except in cases of genuine necessity, women should not leave their designated residence during 'iddah to preserve rights and prevent misunderstandings.
The exchange between 'Urwa and 'A'isha demonstrates how companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would correct actions that could potentially establish incorrect precedents in religious matters.