We went with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on one of his journeys and when we reached the place Baida' or Dhat al-jaish, my necklace was broken (and fell somewhere). The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) along with other people stayed there for searching it. There was neither any water at that place nor was there any water with them (the Companions of the Holy Prophet). Some persons came to my father Abu Bakr and said: Do you see what 'A'isha has done? She has detained the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and persons accompanying him, and there is neither any water here or with them. So Abu Bakr came there and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was sleeping with his head on my thigh. He (Abu Bakr) said: You have detained the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and other persons and there is neither water here nor with them. She ('A'isha) said: Abu Bakr scolded me and uttered what Allah wanted him to utter and nudged my hips with his hand. And there was nothing to prevent me from stirring but for the fact that the messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was lying upon my thigh. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) slept till it was dawn at a waterless place. So Allah revealed the verses pertaining to tayammum and they (the Prophet and his Companions) performed tayammum. Usaid b. al-Hudair who was one of the leaders said: This is not the first of your blessings,0 Family to Abu Bakr. 'A'isha said: We made the came) stand which was my mount and found the necklace under it.
The Book of Menstruation - Sahih Muslim 367a
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Contextual Background
This blessed narration occurred during a journey with the Prophet (ﷺ) to the place called Baida' or Dhat al-Jaish. The incident involves Lady 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her), her father Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, and the noble Companions.
Juridical Analysis
The primary legal benefit derived from this narration is the legislation of tayammum (dry ablution) as a purification substitute when water is unavailable or its use would cause harm. This demonstrates Allah's mercy in facilitating worship for His servants.
The Prophet's sleep while resting his blessed head on 'A'isha's thigh indicates the permissibility of physical contact with one's wife during menstruation, provided it does not involve sexual intercourse. This refutes those who claim complete separation is required.
Spiritual Lessons
Allah's wisdom in allowing this incident to occur shows how divine legislation often emerges from seemingly difficult circumstances. The loss of the necklace became the means for revealing a great mercy for the entire Ummah.
The patience of the Companions and their respect for the Prophet's rest teaches us proper adab (etiquette) with Allah's Messenger and with one another in times of difficulty.
Miraculous Elements
The revelation occurring precisely when needed demonstrates the continuous nature of divine guidance during the Prophet's lifetime. Usaid ibn al-Hudair's recognition of this as another blessing from Abu Bakr's household shows the spiritual insight of the Companions.
The eventual discovery of the necklace beneath the camel illustrates Allah's perfect planning and how He resolves matters in ways beyond human expectation.