When Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) contracted marriage with Zainab (Allah be pleased with bet), Umm Sulaim sent him hats in a vessel of stone as a gift. Anas stated that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him: Go and invite on my behalf all the Muslims whom you meet. So I invited on his behalf everyone whom I met. They entered (his house) and they ate and went out. And Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had kept his hand on the food, and he invoked blessing on that, and said whatever Allah wished him to say, and none whom I met was left uninvited. They ate to their fill and went out, but a group among them remained there and was engaged in lengthy discussion. Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) felt shy of saying them anything. So he went out and left them in his house and Allah the Great and Majestic revealed this verse:" 0 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." Qatada (instead of using the word Ghaira Nazirina) used the word Ghaira Mutahayyinina (i. e. not waiting for the time of the food). But when you are invited, enter..." up to this verse. This is purer for your hearts and their hearts.
The Book of Marriage - Sahih Muslim 1428h
This narration from Sahih Muslim describes the wedding feast of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with Zainab bint Jahsh (ra) and the subsequent revelation of Quranic guidance regarding etiquette in the Prophet's household.
Historical Context & Significance
The marriage to Zainab (ra) was divinely ordained, breaking pre-Islamic customs as she was previously married to the Prophet's freed slave Zaid ibn Harithah. This union established that in Islam, there is no stigma in marrying the former wife of an adopted son.
Umm Sulaim's gift of hats in a stone vessel demonstrates the simplicity and sincerity of early Muslim society, where gifts were given from what one possessed, regardless of material value.
The Wedding Feast & Divine Revelation
The Prophet's instruction to invite all Muslims reflects his inclusive nature and the communal spirit of Islam. The miraculous blessing of the food - where many ate from limited provisions - demonstrates Allah's favor upon the Prophet.
The guests' overstaying their welcome led to the revelation of Quranic etiquette: Muslims should not enter the Prophet's house without permission nor linger excessively after meals. This guidance purified both the companions' hearts from discomfort and the Prophet's from having to ask them to leave.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this incident established important social guidelines: respect for privacy, proper timing of visits, and consideration for hosts. The revelation came gradually to educate the community gently.
Ibn Kathir comments that this verse taught companions refined manners while maintaining their love for the Prophet. The guidance, though specific to the Prophet's household, contains universal principles of etiquette applicable to all Muslim homes.