"The Messenger of Allah said: 'O Umm Salamah, do not bother me about 'Aishah, for by Allah, the Revelation has never come to me under the blanket of any of you apart from her.'"
Hadith Text & Context
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'O Umm Salamah, do not bother me about 'Aishah, for by Allah, the Revelation has never come to me under the blanket of any of you apart from her.'"
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 3949 reveals a profound moment where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addresses Umm Salamah, one of his noble wives, regarding her feelings toward 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with them).
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's wisdom in managing household affairs with justice and compassion. His statement serves as both a gentle admonition to Umm Salamah and a clarification of 'Aishah's unique spiritual status.
The phrase "under the blanket" (في لحاف) signifies intimate private moments. That revelation came exclusively while he was with 'Aishah indicates her special spiritual capacity and purity of heart to receive divine communication in such moments.
Scholars note this does not imply superiority in faith or piety over other wives, but rather a specific divine wisdom in why revelation occurred in her company during private moments. This distinction was divinely ordained, not personally chosen.
Practical Lessons
The Prophet's gentle approach teaches us how to address delicate family matters with wisdom, avoiding harshness while maintaining truth.
This narration reminds believers to accept divine apportionments without envy, recognizing that Allah grants different virtues to different people according to His wisdom.
For marital relationships, it demonstrates the importance of transparent communication and the permissibility of clarifying special circumstances between spouses when necessary for household harmony.