When Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) married Zainab bint jahsh, he invited people (to the wedding feast) and they ate food. They then sat there and entered into conversation. He (the Holy Prophet) made a stir as if he was preparing to stand up, but (the persons busy in talking) did not stand up. When he (the Holy Prophet) saw it, he stood up and when he did so, some other persons stood up. 'Asim and Abd al-A'la in their narrations made this addition: Three (persons) sat there, and Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) came there to enter (the apartment) but he found the people sitting there. Then they stood up and went away. He said: Then I came and informed Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) that they had gone away. He (the Holy Prophet) then came there until he entered (the apartment). I also went and was about to enter, when he hung a curtain between me and him (and it was on this occasion that) Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, revealed this verse:" O you who believe, enter not the houses of the Prophet unless permission is given to you for a meal, not waiting for its cooking being finished to the (words)" Surely this is serious in the sight of Allah" (xxxiii. 53).
Contextual Background
This narration from Sahih Muslim 1428 e describes the wedding feast of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with Zainab bint Jahsh, which became the occasion for the revelation of Quranic verses regulating etiquette for visiting the Prophet's household.
Scholarly Commentary
The incident demonstrates the Companions' deep love for the Prophet's company, yet their oversight in recognizing his need for privacy with his new bride.
The Prophet's gentle approach - first making subtle movements, then standing - shows his exemplary manners in not directly asking guests to leave.
The divine intervention through Quranic revelation (33:53) established permanent guidelines for respecting the Prophet's household and personal life.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes the prohibition of overstaying visits, especially during sensitive times like wedding nights.
It teaches the importance of reading social cues and being considerate of hosts' needs without explicit instruction.
The revelation transformed a specific incident into universal Islamic etiquette for all Muslim households regarding visiting manners.
Spiritual Lessons
Allah's direct legislation in response to human situations shows Divine care for practical social guidance.
The incident illustrates how everyday occurrences in the Prophet's life became sources of divine revelation and legal principles.
It demonstrates the balance between love for the Prophet and respect for his personal boundaries as ordained by Allah.