To understand the power of this hadith, we must first present the precise wording as found in the Book of Legal Punishments (Kitab al-Hudud) and the Book of Retaliation (Kitab al-Diyat).
Arabic Text: عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا، قَالَتْ: مَا ضَرَبَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ شَيْئًا قَطُّ بِيَدِهِ، وَلاَ امْرَأَةً، وَلاَ خَادِمًا، إِلاَّ أَنْ يُجَاهِدَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: ‘An ‘Aishah (radhiAllahu ‘anha), qalat: Ma daraba Rasulullahi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam shay’an qattu bi yadihi, wa la imra’atan, wa la khadiman, illa an yujahida fi sabeelillahi.
Translation: Narrated by Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her): “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) never struck anything with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, except when he was fighting in the cause of Allah.”
The Arabic word used here is al-ghayrah (non-jealousy). In Islamic culture, gheerah is a positive trait for a man—a protective sense of honor regarding his family’s modesty. But as with all human emotions, it can become destructive.
Sahih Bukhari 5255 is a significant narration in Islamic jurisprudence, found in the Book of Divorce (Kitab At-Talaq).
It details an encounter between the Prophet Muhammad and a woman known as al-Jauniyya
(Umaima bint an-Nu’man), offering profound insights into Prophetic character, the sanctity of personal consent, and the legal protocols of divorce Summary of the Hadith According to the narration on Sunnah.com
, the Prophet approached al-Jauniyya to formalise their marriage and asked her to "gift" herself to him. She responded by questioning if a "princess" could give herself to an "ordinary man" (or subject). When the Prophet reached out to comfort her, she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". Sunnah.com
The Prophet immediately respected her request, stating she had sought refuge with the ultimate Protector. He then instructed his companion, Abu Usaid, to provide her with two linen dresses and return her safely to her family. Sunnah.com Analysis and Key Themes Absolute Consent in Marriage : This hadith is often cited by scholars on platforms like SeekersGuidance
as evidence that a woman’s consent is paramount. Despite his status as a Prophet and leader, Muhammad did not compel her to remain in the marriage once she expressed discomfort or a desire for separation. The Ethics of Divorce
: The Prophet's reaction illustrates a "beautiful" way to end a relationship. Rather than responding with anger to her perceived rudeness, he provided her with gifts (the linen dresses) and ensured her safe passage home, fulfilling the Quranic injunction to "part with them in a good manner". Humility and Character : Commentaries on Reddit's r/Islam sahih bukhari 5255
note the Prophet's humility. Despite being a head of state, he accepted her description of him as a "subject" or "ordinary man" without correction, demonstrating his choice to be a "Prophet-servant" rather than a "Prophet-king". Addressing Misunderstandings
: Some narrations suggest the woman was misled by others into saying that specific phrase, thinking it was a term of endearment, while others suggest she simply did not recognise the Prophet. Regardless of the reason, the legal outcome remained: the marriage was dissolved immediately upon her request for refuge.
In conclusion, Sahih Bukhari 5255 serves as a foundational text for understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of marriage
and divorce in Islam, highlighting that no person, regardless of their status, has the right to force a union against another's will. scholarly commentaries
on how this hadith influenced specific Islamic divorce laws?
The reference Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is found in the Book of Divorce (Kitab al-Talaq). Here is the English translation of the hadith:
Narrated by `Aisha (RA):
"The wife of Rifa
ah Al-Qurazi came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I was the wife of Rifaah and he divorced me irrevocably. Then I marriedAbdur-Rahman bin Az-Zubair, but he is like a fringe of a garment (i.e., impotent or unable to fulfill marital duties).' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Perhaps you want to return to Rifaah? That is not lawful until you have tasted the sweetness of marriage (i.e., full consummation) with your current husband, and he has tasted the same with you.'"
The ultimate beauty of Sahih Bukhari 5255 lies in its depiction of the Prophet as a mercy to the worlds (Rahmatan lil ‘Alameen). Aisha’s witness is a 1,400-year-old testimony that true masculinity in Islam is not measured by how hard a man can strike, but by how fully he can restrain his anger.
Whenever a Muslim faces conflict with a spouse, an employee, or a dependent, this hadith should echo in their heart: "He never struck anything with his hand."
You will find Sahih Bukhari 5255 cited and analyzed in scholarly papers on: To understand the power of this hadith, we
Would you like the Arabic text or a scholarly explanation of this ruling as well?
). It narrates an event involving a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun (the Jauniyya) and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Sunnah.com Text of Sahih Bukhari 5255 Narrated Abu Usaid:
The Hadith narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) met a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun in a garden called Ash-Shaut. When he proposed to her, she expressed hesitation, asking, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?" She then said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you." The Prophet (ﷺ) responded to this by allowing her to return to her family, instructing that she be given two white linen dresses. (Full text of the narration is available in reference) Sunnah.com Context and Analysis The Marriage Arrangement: Scholars from SeekersGuidance
note that the marriage was arranged by her father, who believed she was interested in the Prophet (ﷺ). The Lady's Reaction:
When the woman expressed her hesitation—specifically saying, "I seek refuge with Allah from you"—the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately respected her decision and granted her a divorce. Scholarly Interpretations: Noble Character:
The incident is frequently cited to highlight the Prophet's (ﷺ) commitment to upholding a woman's consent in marriage. Contextual Understanding: Commentaries like those by Ibn Hajar (in Fath al-Bari
) suggest she may have been misguided or confused about the suitor's identity. Reference Codes: Sunnah.com: Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 Traditional: Volume 7, Book 63, Number 182. SeekersGuidance You can view the full Arabic and English text on Sunnah.com
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 - Divorce - كتاب الطلاق - Sunnah.com
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a significant hadith found in the Book of Divorce (Kitab ut-Talaq). It details an encounter between the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun, often referred to as al-Jauniyya. Hadith Text (Summary)
Narrated by Abu Usaid:The Prophet ﷺ went to a garden called Ash-Shaut where a lady from Bani Jaun (identified as Umaima bint An-Nu'man bin Sharahil) had been lodged. When the Prophet ﷺ entered and asked her to "give herself" to him (referring to marriage), she replied, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?".
The Prophet ﷺ reached out to pat her to calm her, but she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you." He immediately responded, "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge," and instructed his companion to give her two linen dresses and return her to her family. Key Lessons and Context "The wife of Rifa ah Al-Qurazi came to
Respect for Personal Boundaries: This hadith is often cited to demonstrate that the Prophet ﷺ did not force himself on anyone. As soon as the woman sought refuge in Allah, he respected her wish and ended the union.
Kindness in Separation: Even after being rejected and spoken to harshly, the Prophet ﷺ commanded that she be given gifts (two white linen dresses) before being sent back, adhering to the Quranic principle of "releasing with kindness".
Historical Nuance: Scholars from SeekersGuidance and IslamQA note that the woman may have been "tricked" by others who told her that saying those words would endear her to the Prophet ﷺ, or that she was simply unfamiliar with his status at the time.
Legal Classification: In Islamic jurisprudence, this incident is categorized under divorce/separation occurring before the consummation of marriage. Quick Facts
Sahih Bukhari 5255, found in the Book of Divorce, narrates an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) honored a woman's request to seek refuge in Allah, immediately ceasing his marriage proposal to her and arranging for her safe return. Scholars highlight this authentic narration as a demonstration of respect for consent and a rejection of forced interaction. Read the full narration and commentary at Sunnah.com.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 - Divorce - كتاب الطلاق - Sunnah.com
This hadith is profound as it outlines four major signs that indicate the approach of the Day of Judgment (The Hour). It describes a shift in societal norms from piety to immorality.
1. The Disappearance of Knowledge
The "taking away" of knowledge does not necessarily mean books will disappear. Rather, it refers to the death of genuine scholars (Ulama) who possess both the text of the religion and its deep understanding. When the bearers of knowledge pass away without leaving successors of similar caliber, true guidance is lost.
2. The Prevalence of Ignorance As true scholars disappear, "Jahl" (ignorance) takes root. In Islamic terminology, Jahl is not just a lack of information, but it often implies acting contrary to the truth. It leads to people making rulings based on their own desires or opinions without religious basis.
3. Widespread Drinking of Alcohol The hadith explicitly mentions the consumption of Khamr (intoxicants) becoming common. It indicates a time when social taboos against alcohol are broken, and it becomes a norm or openly practiced, despite its clear prohibition in Islam.
4. Prevalence of Illegal Sexual Intercourse (Zina) The hadith warns that adultery and fornication will become widespread and open. The phrase used implies that it will no longer be hidden out of shame, but will be prevalent in society, normalized by the people.