📖Sahih al-Bukhari 4788
Narrated Aisha: I used to look down upon those ladies who had given themselves to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and I used to say, “Can a lady give herself (to a man)?” But when Allah revealed: “You (O Muhammad) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive any of them whom you will; and there is no blame on you if you invite one whose turn you have set aside (temporarily).’ (33.51) I said (to the Prophet), “I feel that your Lord hastens in fulfilling your wishes and desires.

1. The Context of the Hadith

• Historical Background:
  In 7th-century Arabia, society was predominantly poor, and marriage was often a means of protection and social stability, especially for widows, divorced women, or those without family support. Many women approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) not only out of respect for his status but also seeking his help and protection.
• Revelation of Qur’an 33:51:
  The verse provided the Prophet flexibility in managing offers of marriage, especially considering his role as a Prophet and leader. His actions were guided by divine wisdom, balancing personal limitations and communal responsibilities.

2. The Prophet’s Role as a Leader

• Marriage as a Responsibility:
  The Prophet (ﷺ) did not view marriage as a means to satisfy personal desires but as a responsibility. Sahih al-Bukhari 5029 highlights that he was not interested in taking more wives for personal reasons but often did so to support women in need, especially widows or those without family.
• Helping the Poor and Vulnerable:
  At a time when dowry and family support were essential for marriage, many poor women and widows could not afford these. By marrying them, the Prophet provided them with dignity, protection, and social standing. His marriages were acts of compassion and social reform.

3. Aisha’s Reaction

• Her Jealousy:
  Aisha’s reaction reflects her deep love and natural human emotions. She felt jealous of other women who sought the Prophet’s attention, as seen in her humorous remark: “I feel that your Lord hastens in fulfilling your wishes and desires.” This was not a sin but a reflection of her affection for the Prophet and her honesty in expressing her feelings.
• Her Admiration for the Prophet:
  Despite her jealousy, Aisha deeply respected the Prophet’s character and understood the greater purpose behind his actions. This balance of emotions shows her intelligence and strong bond with him.

4. The Wisdom Behind the Verse

• Flexibility for the Prophet:
  The verse gave the Prophet the freedom to decide whether to accept or decline marriage offers based on his circumstances, without any blame. This was important due to the unique demands of his role as the final messenger.
• Compassionate Leadership:
  The marriages served a greater purpose, demonstrating that the Prophet (ﷺ) prioritized the needs of the community and set an example of caring for the poor and vulnerable.

5. Lessons from Sahih al-Bukhari 5029

• Marriages in Islam are Acts of Responsibility:
  The Prophet’s marriages were not driven by personal desires but were a means to help others and set an example for society. Modern Muslims can learn the importance of prioritizing compassion and support in relationships.
• Support for Women in Need:
  The Prophet’s actions show that Islam upholds the dignity of all individuals, especially women who are vulnerable. His marriages highlight the importance of creating a support system for widows, divorced women, and the poor.
• Understanding Cultural Norms:
  At that time, dowry and family gifts were integral to marriage. The Prophet’s acceptance of poor and vulnerable women as wives broke social barriers, showing that wealth and status should not define relationships.

6. Lessons for Modern Times

• Jealousy Reflects Love:
  Aisha’s jealousy serves as an example that such feelings are natural in relationships. It also emphasizes that women can express their emotions openly, as Aisha did, without it being sinful.
• Marriage as a Support System:
  The Prophet’s approach to marriage teaches that relationships should be built on mutual support and care, especially for those in need.
• Helping the Vulnerable:
  Just as the Prophet helped widows and poor women, Muslims today are encouraged to extend compassion and assistance to those in need, ensuring social justice and equality.

7. Takeaway Message

The hadith shows the perfect balance between divine wisdom, human emotions, and social responsibility. The Prophet’s marriages were acts of compassion and responsibility, not personal indulgence. Aisha’s reaction reflects her love and devotion, while also teaching us that expressing emotions in a marriage is natural and healthy. This narrative highlights the importance of understanding relationships in their cultural and historical context while deriving timeless lessons of compassion, justice, and love.

Summary:

The hadith highlights that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) acted under divine command when dealing with offers of marriage, and Allah revealed Qur’an 33:51, granting him the choice to accept or decline without blame. This privilege was unique to the Prophet as a messenger of God, who knew his capacity to manage his wives while also helping poor women and widows. However, Qur’an 33:52 was later revealed to prevent the Prophet from taking more wives, This verse showed that Allah, in His wisdom, understood the Prophet’s situation and knew that taking more wives would cause potential problems. By revealing this verse, Allah put a limit on the Prophet’s marriages, recognizing that the Prophet could not handle additional responsibilities without compromising his ability to serve his mission and manage the family effectively, The hadith also illustrates the natural jealousy of Aisha, the Prophet’s wife, who expressed her emotions openly, even making a remark about God’s revelations. Neither Allah nor the Prophet reprimanded her, showing that such emotions are natural and must be understood with compassion. This serves as an example for modern families, teaching that women have the right to express their feelings, especially about sensitive matters like a second marriage. It also emphasizes the importance of consulting and understanding one’s wife before considering another marriage, as jealousy and emotions are natural and must be handled with care to maintain family harmony.