While I was going along with 'Abdullah b. Ma'sud (Allah he pleased with him) in Mina, 'Uthman b. 'Affan (Allah be pleased with him) happened to meet him and said: Come here, Abu 'Abd al-Rahman (kunya of Abdullah b. Mas'ud), and he isolated him (from me), and when 'Abdullah (b. Mas'ud) saw that there was no need (for this privacy), he said to me: 'Alqama, come on, and so I went there. (Then) 'Uthman said to him: Abu Abd al-Rahman, should we not marry you to a virgin girl that your past may be recalled to your mind? 'Abdullah said: If you say so, the rest of the hadith is the same as narrated above.
The Book of Marriage - Sahih Muslim 1400 b
A commentary from the perspective of classical Islamic scholarship
Contextual Analysis
This narration demonstrates the noble character of the Companions and their mutual concern for one another's spiritual and worldly welfare. 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) approaches Abdullah ibn Mas'ud with wisdom and discretion, initially seeking privacy out of respect for the sensitive nature of marital matters.
Scholarly Interpretation
The phrase "should we not marry you to a virgin girl that your past may be recalled to your mind" carries profound wisdom. Scholars explain that marriage to a young virgin can rejuvenate a man's spirit and remind him of his youthful vigor and enthusiasm in worship. This reflects the Islamic understanding of marriage as both a spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
Classical commentators note that 'Uthman's suggestion embodies the prophetic tradition of encouraging marriage for those capable, as it protects chastity and completes half of one's faith. The discretion shown in the conversation exemplifies the Islamic etiquette of discussing sensitive matters privately.
Legal and Spiritual Dimensions
This hadith emphasizes the permissibility and virtue of older men marrying younger women in Islam, provided all marital rights are fulfilled. Scholars derive from this the importance of companions advising one another toward beneficial actions that strengthen faith and protect from sin.
The response of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud - "If you say so" - demonstrates the humility and acceptance of good counsel among the righteous, showing how the early Muslims valued and acted upon sincere advice from their peers in matters of religion and life.