"The Prophet used to stay with Zainab bint Jahsh and drink honey at her house. Hafsah and I agreed that if the Prophet came to either of us, she would say: 'I detect the smell of Maghafir (a nasty-smelling gum) on you; have you eaten Maghafir?' He came to one of them and she said that to him. He said: 'No, rather I drank honey at the house of Zainab bint Jahsh, but I will never do it again.' Then the following was revealed: 'O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allah has allowed to you.' 'If you two turn in repentance to Allah, (it will be better for you).' addressing 'Aishah and Hafsah; 'And (remember) when the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wives.' refers to him saying: "No, rather I drank honey.""
The Book of Divorce - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3421
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i recounts the incident where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was confronted by his wives 'Aishah and Hafsah regarding his consumption of honey at Zainab bint Jahsh's house, leading to divine revelation addressing the matter.
Contextual Analysis
The incident demonstrates the human dynamics within the Prophet's household and serves as a profound lesson about marital relationships and divine guidance. The Prophet's willingness to forego something permissible to maintain household harmony shows his exemplary character.
The revelation that followed (Surah At-Tahrim, verses 1-3) gently corrected the situation, affirming that the Prophet should not prohibit what Allah has made lawful, while also guiding the wives toward repentance and proper conduct.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this incident illustrates several important principles: the permissibility of honey consumption, the importance of transparency in marital relationships, and the wisdom behind divine intervention in the Prophet's personal affairs.
Ibn Kathir and other commentators emphasize that this revelation served to establish boundaries regarding what matters spouses may question and what should remain within the realm of permissible personal choices.
The incident also demonstrates Allah's protection of His Prophet from making unnecessary prohibitions upon himself, setting a precedent for Muslims to avoid extreme asceticism that goes beyond what Islamic law requires.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes that while seeking to please one's spouse is commendable, one should not prohibit what Allah has made lawful. The balance between marital harmony and religious principles is delicately maintained in Islamic teachings.
Scholars derive from this that confidential matters between spouses should be respected, and that suspicion without evidence is discouraged in marital relationships.