Friday, 14 June 2013

Surrounded by the Wives



Asked, If Hafsa’s daughter is in the habit of criticizing the prophet, she replied, “By truth we use to criticize him.” I inducted her and said, “Beware of God’s punishment and anger of the prophet.” Ummu Selma said, “Oh son of Khatab. “Your conduct is very strange. You are interfering with everything. Are you going to interfere in the affairs of the prophet and his wives ?”

There is another story quoted by Muslin. Once Abu Becker came to the residence of Mohammed and sought his permission for entry into his room. He was given permission. Accordingly, he entered into the room. He saw Mohammed sitting gloomy in the midst of his wives. Soon after Umer also came and sought permission of Mohammed for entry to his room. Permission was accordingly granted. He also saw Mohammed sitting amidst his wives  in a gloomy mood. With a view to change the mood of Mohammed Umer said, “Oh prophet of God, if Binthu Kharij bargain with you for maintenance, I would have given her a clear place.” Mohammed laughed and said. “They have surrounded me demanding maintenance.” Hearing this Abu Becker gave a slap on his daughter Aisha. Umer also slapped his daughter Hafsa. He asked, “Are you demanding something which is not within the reach of the prophet?” Thereupon the wives of Mohammed said, “By God, you see that we did not demand anything from the prophet.”


Once Mohammed did not go to mosque, that became a matter of talk among the people. The reason for Abu Becker and Umer go to Mohammed residence was this. It is in this background that the following verse was revealed in the Quran. “Oh prophet, tell your wives,  if you want the world and the material and its resources, I will leave you …. If you want Allah and his prophet and his wives thereafter, God will reward to the righteous among you.” There is another incident which would reveal the liberty with him used by his wives. Once Mohammed went to his wife Saineb’s house. He stayed there longer than usual. It was not liked by his other wives. Aisha said, “I and Hafsa decided to say when Mohammed comes, some bad odor was emanating from his mouth.”

Justice PK Shamsuddin

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