"Abu Salamah bin Abdur-Rahman and I visited Fatimah bint Qais. She narrated to us that her husband had divorced her three times, and he did not leave her with anywhere to live nor any wealth. She said: 'He left ten Aqfizah for me with the son of his uncle: five were of barley, five of wheat.' She said: 'I went to the Messenger of Allah and mentioned that to him.' She said: 'He said: 'He is correct.'" (She said: ) 'So he ordered me to complete my Iddah in the home of Umm Sharik. But then the Messenger of Allah said to me: "Umm Sharik's home is visited by Muhajirun, so spend your Iddah in the home of Ibn Umm Maktum, for there you can remove your garments and he will not see you. Then when your Iddah is completed and someone proposed to you come to me." 'So when my Iddah completed. Abu Jahm and Mu'awiyah proposed to me.' She said: 'I went to the Messenger of Allah and mentioned that to him, and he said: "As for Mu'awiyah, he is a man with no wealth, and as for Abu Jahm he is a man who is harsh with women." She said: 'Then Usamah bin Zaid proposed to me, and he married me. So Allah blessed me with Usamah.'"
The Book on Marriage - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1135
Context and Background
This narration from Fatimah bint Qais concerns a woman thrice-divorced (ba'in divorce), making her marriage irrevocably terminated. Her husband failed to provide housing or adequate financial support during her waiting period (iddah), leaving only minimal sustenance.
Legal Rulings on Iddah Residence
The Prophet initially permitted her to observe iddah in Umm Sharik's home but reconsidered due to frequent visitors. He relocated her to Ibn Umm Maktum's residence—a blind companion—ensuring her privacy when removing outer garments, demonstrating the Islamic concern for women's dignity during vulnerable periods.
Marriage Guidance and Wisdom
When Fatimah received marriage proposals after completing iddah, the Prophet provided specific counsel: rejecting Mu'awiyah due to financial incapacity and Abu Jahm for harsh treatment of women. This illustrates Islam's emphasis on both material stability and kind character in marriage. Her eventual marriage to Usamah bin Zaid brought divine blessing, showing how prophetic guidance leads to favorable outcomes.
Scholarly Observations
Classical scholars note this hadith establishes that a thrice-divorced woman isn't entitled to housing maintenance during iddah, contrary to other divorce types. It also demonstrates the Prophet's role in guiding marital choices based on practical and moral considerations, reinforcing that marriage in Islam combines spiritual compatibility with worldly pragmatism.