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Ummul Mukminin Zainab bint Jahsy

“You are married by your fathers. And I was immediately married by God from above the seventh heaven.” (HR. al-Bukhari in Tawhid 6984 and at-Turmudzi 3213).

greeting the pride of Ummul Mukminin Zainab bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha in front of the wives of other Prophets. Naturally he was proud. In addition to marrying the best man in the history of human civilization, his marriage guardian is the Most Good, the Lord of the Worlds, Allah Tabaraka wa Ta’ala. Replies depend on his actions, then how can he achieve such a noble position? Here is the story of Zainab's mother bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha.

Ummul Mukminin Zainab bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha was a noblewoman in the midst of her people. His name and name is Zainab bint Jahsh bin Ra-ib bin Ya’mar bin Sabrah bin Murrah bin Kubair bin Ghanam bin Dudan bin Asad bin Khuzaimah al-Asadi. He was born 33 years before the Hijrah and died in 21 H. Her mother was the aunt of Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, Umaimah bint Abdul Muttalib. Thus, from the side of the Prophet, the Prophet and Zainab bint Jahsh were cousins.

Zainab was also the sister of the noble friend Abdullah bin Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anhu. One who first embraced Islam and was martyred at the Battle of Uhud. Abdullah was buried one burrow with his uncle the Prophet and his uncle also, Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib, may Allah meridhai both (al-Mizzi: Tadzhib al-Kamal 35/184 and az-Zurkali: al-I’lam 3/66).

Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam has an adopted son, Zaid bin Haritsah radhiallahu ‘anhu. Previously, Zaid was a Khadijah slave belonging to Khadijah. Then it was given to the Prophet. And he released her. Having aged enough, the Prophet sought out a man worthy of his adopted son. He met Zainab bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha, then asked for her. Zainab replied, “I have no interest in marrying her.” The Prophet then said, “No, marry him.”

Hearing the Prophet's words, Zainab asked, “O Prophet, did you order me?” As the two were discussing, Allah Ta’ala sent down His words,

“And it is not proper for a believing man (for a believing woman) when Allah and His Messenger have established a decree, there will be for them a choice (another) about their affairs. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is surely lost [Quran Al-Ahzab: 36].

Zainab said, “Did you dare me to marry, Prophet?” “Iya”, answer him. Zainab said, “If so, I will not perform (by disobeying) the Prophet. You married me to him.”

Through this matchmaking, the Prophet wanted to teach the value of equality. He wants to break old traditions and change them with modernity. There is no difference between a noble and a former slave. Islam has made them equal in humanity. The only difference is the indictment. Zaid was a former slave. And Zainab was a noble woman of the tribe of the Banu Hashim, the noblest tribe of the Quraysh. They are equal in the view of Islam. He wanted to teach his people that the social class factor was not the first scale in marriage. But religion and fear should be the reference.

Obedience of Zainab to Allah and His Messenger. Although the commandment was against his will, he did it for the sake of Allah and His Messenger. This is what led to the high position of Zainab. God will reward him with a reward he never imagined. Even by anyone.

The wheel of life keeps rolling. The noses of Zaid and Zainab set sail, but were swept away by the storm. Until Zaid met his adoptive father, Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, asked permission to divorce Zainab. The Prophet refused his wish. He said, “Fear to Allah. Stay with your wife.” Then Allah Ta’ala sent down His word,

“And (remember), when you said to the man whom Allah has bestowed blessings upon him and you (also) have given favors to him: “Hold thy wife and fear Allah”, while you hide in your heart what God will reveal, and you fear man, it is God who has more right for you to fear.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 37].

Allah Ta’ala reported to His Prophet that Zainab bint Jahsh would be his wife shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. However, if revealed now the Prophet is worried that this will be a hot issue that fried hypocrites, ‘a koq father married his son's ex-wife’. Please note, the Arab culture at that time considered adopted children the same as biological children. Sharia wants to abolish this tradition. Adopted children are not the same as real children. The way to abolish this tradition was the Prophet's marriage to Zainab. And Zayd's nasab was returned to his original father. Previously Zaid bin Muhammad became Zaid bin Harithah (Muhibbuddin ath-Thabari: as-Sumthu ats-Tsamin P. 170-171).

That is, Arab culture at that time also experienced selection. He must conform to the Islamic law. It is not sharia that adapts to the culture in society. And so with other cultures. For good or bad a culture is weighed by sharia.

It may be that the commandments of Allah and His Messenger are contrary to the will of man. When living it, it also sometimes feels turmoil in the soul. But behind it all lies a great wisdom that is beneficial to the culprit in the world and the hereafter. Likewise felt Ummul Mukminin Zainab bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha.

He is ordered to marry someone who is good and good, but does not have a kafa-ah with him (not sekufu). But he submits his will to obey Allah and His Messenger. In his household he felt a sense of disharmony and incompatibility. But behind that, Allah prepared himself to be the wife of the Prophet Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam in the world and in heaven. Not only that, through his intermediary formed the law of sharia that applies until the day of the apocalypse.

Finally, Zaid and Zainab's household was untenable. After the end of his iddah, the Prophet said to Zaid, “Go, call me to him.” That is, he wants to marry her. Zaid said, “When the Prophet declared that. I feel happy too. I went to see him. As I stood at his door, I told him, ‘Oh Zainab, the Prophet sent me and called yourself’. Zainab replied, ‘I won't speak until I get a decision from Rabbku’. Then he went to his prayer room (The Muslim account in the Book of Nikah, 1428).

Then Allah Ta’ala sent down His word,

“When Zaid has ended the need for his wife (divorced her), We control you with him so that there is no objection for the believers to (married) the wives of their adopted children, he said, when the adopted children had completed his needs from his wife. And is the decree of God it must happen.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 37].

Narrated when the Prophet married Zainab, the hypocrites rebuked him. They said, “Muhammad this forbids (former) wife of children, but he himself married (former) wife of his son.” Allah Ta’ala sent down his word,

“Muhammad was by no means the father of a man among you, but he was the Messenger of Allah and the concluding prophet. And is Allah All-Knowing of all things.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 40].

Allah Ta’ala also said,

“Come them (the adopted sons) with (to use) the names of their fathers; that is fairer with Allah, and if ye know not their fathers, so (call them as) your brethren and your elders. And there is no sin upon you against what you have professed to him, but (whose sin is) what your heart wills. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 5]. (Muhibbuddin ath-Thabari: as-Sumthu ats-Tsamin Pp 171-172).

From this event we know, the Prophet Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was not free from human speech. He has been praised by Allah for his greatness. Especially us. This story also awakens us, extinguishing traditions that are contrary to the Shari'a is not easy. It will definitely cause turmoil. At least there are discordant voices that oppose.

With the fall of the word of God:

“When Zaid has ended the need for his wife (divorced her), We have you with him.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 37].

Zainab radhiallahu ‘anha prides herself in the presence of the other wives of the prophet. He said, 'He said,

“You are married by your fathers. And I was immediately married by God from above the seventh heaven.” (HR. al-Bukhari in Tawhid 6984 and at-Turmudzi 3213).

The Prophet's wedding feast with Zainab was the greatest and most important of his marriages with his other wives. He entertained the people with bread and meat until the guests felt full.

Narrated from Ali ibn al-Husein, the Prophet got a revelation from Allah Ta’ala that Zaid would divorce Zainab. And Allah will marry Zainab to him. When Zaid told the Prophet about Zainab not obeying him, he understood that his wife wanted to part with him. The Prophet gave the order to him by saying,

“Fear Allah in your words. Hold your wife with you.”

The Prophet knew that Zaid would eventually divorce him, and he would marry his ex-wife. This is what he kept secret. He did not even provoke and became the cause of divorce even though he knew the divorce would occur. He was worried that people would comment later because he married Zainab, the ex-wife of his adopted son. God criticized the attitude of the Prophet. An attitude of concern for the opinion of the people in something that God allows. Allah criticizes the prophet “Hold your wife” when he knew that Zaid would divorce her. And Allah is more worthy to be feared under any circumstances.

From this event, Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah believes that the Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was ma’shum from major mistakes. Ma’shum of everything that causes sharia to decrease or increase. As for the error of a minor nature, he did it and immediately got a reprimand from Allah Ta’ala.

Ummul Mukminin Zainab radhiallahu ‘anha has a position in the heart of Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. To find out the position of Zainab in the heart of the Prophet we can refer to the assessment of Mother Aisha. He said, “Zainab is a woman who equals me compared to the other wives of the Prophet. I have never seen a woman who is better in her religion, more cautious, more honest in her speech, more connected in friendship, greater in almsgiving, more honest in her speech, he is more eager to be dedicated in charity and to be closer to God than he is. It's just that (his lack), he's a bit loud and quick to anger. But he quickly returned.” (CHR. Muslim in Fadhail ash-Shahabah 2442 and an-Nasai 3946).

Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam described Zainab as an almighty woman. He said to Umar ibn al-Khattab,

“Verily Zainab bint Jahsy was a woman of awwahah.” Then someone asked, “Wahai Rasulullah, what is awwah?” He replied, “A special and submissive person. Verily, Abraham was truly a devotee of the awwah (giver) and loved to return to Allah.” [Quran Hud: 75] (Muhibbuddin ath-Thabari: as-Sumthu ats-Tsamin P. 179).

During the Battle of Thaif - after the Hunayn War - Zainab was the wife who accompanied the Prophet. He was also with the Prophet at the Battle of Khaibar and Haji Wada’ (al-Halabi: as-Sirah al-Halabiyah 3/200). During Hajj Wada’, the Prophet advised his wives,

“It. Then stay at home.”

After the Prophet Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam died, Zainab held fast to this message. He was always in his house and did not speak. All the wives of the Prophet returned except Zainab bint Jahsh and Saudah bint Zam’ah. Both say, “For the sake of Allah, we did not move our mounts after we heard the prophet's message.” (History of Ahmad 26794. Al-Arnauth commented on this sanad hadith hasan. Ath-Thabrani: al-Mu’jam al-Kabir 17/282).

Aisyah radhiallahu ‘anha said, “Partially the wife of the Prophet asked her, ‘Who among us has caught up with you the fastest (died)?’ Prophet replied, ‘The longest hand’. They took a measuring device and measured their hands. The longest hand is the Saudah. Then we realized, what is meant by the length of the hand here is easy (stretching the hand to) alms. That was the fastest to catch up with him. And Zainab is very fond of charity.” (HR. al-Bukhari in the Book of Az-Zakat 1354 and Muslim in Kitab al-Fadhail 2452).

When the false news spread about Aisha, the people stirred up and spoke. But they do not know the truth of the matter. Aisha radhiallahu's mother ‘anha said, “Rasulullah asked Zainab bint Jahsy about what happened to me. He said,

‘Wahai Zainab, what do you know about Aisyah or how do you view her?’ He replied, ‘I take care of my hearing and my vision. I do not know him but rather as a good personal figure, Rasulullah’.”

Aisha commented, “When she was a woman who equated me (my competition) with the wives of other prophets. Allah guards it with wara’ (carefulness). But, his sister (who was named) Hamnah, spoke (succeedingly spreading lies) in order for Zainab (to be the main one). From that event, destroyed people destroyed (for spreading false news) from among the companions of the prophet.” (HR. al-Bukhari in the Book of at-Tafsir 4473).

In Fath al-Bari, Ibn Hajar rahimahullah remarked that the Prophet asked Zainab bint Jahsh, Ummul Mukminin. ‘I take care of my hearing and my eyesight’. His form of care was not to comment on anything he did not hear or see. And said Aisyah ‘When she is my rival’, she means to compete with me in honor. Compete in the search for glory, high standing, and preferential treatment (Ibn Hajar: Fath al-Bari 8/478).

In this incident clearly visible quality piety Mother Zainab radhiallahu ‘anha. He was being careful. It is not easy to accuse her honey, Aisyah radhiallahu's mother ‘anha, of any form of accusation she does not see and with her own ears.

After the death of the Prophet Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, his generosity did not fade. She remains an adulterous woman. His heart is not related to the world and its jewels. It is mentioned that Umar sent a gift to Ummul Mukminin Zainab bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha. When the gift arrived, Zainab's mother said, “May God forgive Umar, my sisters are more deserving of this division than I am.” They said, “Everything is for you.” Zainab, “Subhanallah.”

Then Zainab alerted the bottom of the treasure with a cloth. He said, “Close the top with a cloth.” People are covering it up. Zainab said to Barzah bint Rafi’, “Put your hands and hold them tightly. Then take it to the Fulan family.” Barzah distributed it in the family and left some. Barzah said to Zainab's Mother, “May God forgive you. By Allah, there is truly our share in this gift.” Zainab replied, “For you guys who are at the bottom of clothes.” Barzah said, “We also lifted the bottom. Then we found money for 85 Dirham.” Then Zainab raised both hands and prayed, “Yes Allah, do not let the gift of Umar reach me again after this year.” Barzah said, “And he died (before the arrival of the next division).” (Ibnul Jauzi, Shifatu ash-Shafwah, 1/326).

The following are the verses of the Quran that come down with regard to the events that happened to the mother of Zainab radhiallahu ‘anha. Allah Ta’ala says,

“And (remember), when you said to the man whom Allah has bestowed blessings upon him and you (also) have given favors to him: “Hold thy wife and fear Allah”, while you hide in your heart what God will reveal, and you fear man, it is God who has more right to fear you. So when Zayd had ended the need for his wife (divorced her), We controlled you with him so that there would be no objection for the believers to (married) the wives of their adopted children, when the adopted children had completed his needs from his wife. And is the decree of God it must happen.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 37].

Anas ibn Malik radhiallahu ‘anhu said, “Verily this verse is ‘while you hide in your heart what Allah will declare...’ [Quran Al-Ahzab: 37]. Descending related to the state of Zainab bint Jahsy and Zaid bin Haritsah radhiallahu ‘anhuma (Ibn Kathir: Tafsir al-Quran al-Azhim 6/425. Al-Bukhari in the Book of at-Tafsir 4509).

Then saith Allah Ta’ala,

“O you who believe, do not enter the houses of the Prophet unless you are allowed to eat without waiting for the cooking time (food), but if you are invited, come in and when you finish eating, come out without prolonging the conversation. Verily this will disturb the Prophet and the Prophet is ashamed of you (to send you out), and Allah is not ashamed (to explain) the truth. When you ask them for something (need) (wives of the Prophet), ask them from behind the veil. Such a way is more sacred to your heart and their hearts. And ye shall not harm (heart) the Messenger of Allah and shall not (after all) marry his wives forever after he has died. Verily the deed is exceedingly great (his sin) by Allah.” [Quran Al-Ahzab: 53].

Anas ibn Malik radhiallahu ‘anhu said, “When the Prophet married Zainab bint Jahsh, he invited the people. They also eat dishes. After eating, they sat down and talked. The Prophet motioned to stand, but they did not stand. When he stood up, some of them stood up. The one who was still sitting, there were three people left. The Prophet went into the interior of his house, and there was a group of people. Then these people stood up. I (Anas) moved on and came. I told him they were gone. He came to the house. I came in and there was a hijab between me and him. Then come down the word of Allah, “O you who believe, do not enter the houses of the Prophet.

Ummul Mukminin Zainab bint Jahsy radhiallahu ‘anha died during the reign of Umar bin al-Khattab. In fact, in the year 20 H. There is also a mention of the year 21. At the time of his death, he was 53 years old (Ibnul Jauzi: Shifatu ash-Shafwah 1/326).