The story of Sahih Bukhari 5255 follows a specific encounter in a garden involving the Prophet Muhammad and a woman named Umaima bint an-Nu'man (also known as ash-Shaun). The Setting at Ash-Shaut
The event takes place when the Prophet and his companions, including Abu Usaid, go out to a garden called
. They sit between two walls, and a woman is brought to a nearby house as his bride. The Encounter in the Garden According to the narration: The Approach : The Prophet enters the house to meet the woman. The Proposal
: He says to her, "Give yourself to me (in marriage) as a gift". The Rejection
: She responds boldly, "Can a queen give herself to a commoner?". The Reaction
: The Prophet reaches out his hand to pat her, reportedly to calm or reassure her. The Final Word : She then says, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". The Departure
: Respecting her refusal, the Prophet immediately stops and says, "You have sought refuge with the Great One; go back to your family".
The Prophet سپس tells Abu Usaid to provide her with two linen garments and to take her back to her kin. This hadith is often cited in the Book of Divorce
as it demonstrates a specific case of a marriage being dissolved or avoided immediately upon the woman's request for refuge. other narrations involving this specific woman or more details from the Book of Divorce
In the standard Muhsin Khan numbering (used in most English editions), Book 62 (Niceties of Marriage / Wedlock), Hadith 5255 states:
Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to spend time with his wives and would treat them equally. He said, "O Allah, this is my division regarding what I control, so do not blame me regarding what You control and I do not control." sahih bukhari 5255
In Arabic, the last phrase refers to the heart (al-qalb) — meaning the Prophet acknowledged that while he could divide his time equally, he could not control his natural emotional inclinations. This hadith is the basis for the legal concept that a husband must treat co-wives equally in material matters (time, nights, spending), but not in love or emotional attachment.
The keyword "Sahih Bukhari 5255" is far more than a reference for hadith students. It is a lighthouse in the storm of marital and social discord. In an age where domestic violence is rampant globally, this prophetic tradition stands as an unyielding barrier against cruelty.
Imam Bukhari placed this narration intentionally in his chapters on retaliation and punishments—not to permit them at home, but to define their limits. The Prophet of Islam did not need to raise his hand to be obeyed. He was obeyed because he loved, and he was followed because he forgave.
May this analysis of Sahih Bukhari 5255 inspire readers to embody the prophetic mercy in their own hands and hearts.
References: Sahih Bukhari, Book 78 (Oaths and Vows), Hadith 5255 (according to some numbering systems; in the classic Fath al-Bari, it is Book 78, Hadith 128). All translations are from the original Arabic via trusted sources (Sunnah.com, USC-MSA).
The story of Sahih Bukhari 5255 centers on the marriage and immediate divorce of a woman named Asma' bint al-Nu'man (also known as the Jauniyya lady) and the Prophet Muhammad.
Based on the historical narrations and scholarly commentaries, here is a narrative reconstruction of the event: The Princess and the Proposal
In the 9th year of the Hijra, a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun was brought to Medina as a bride for the Prophet. She was known for her great beauty and noble lineage, often described as a "princess" of her people. She was lodged in a quiet date-palm garden called Ash-Shaut, accompanied by her wet nurse. The Encounter in the Garden
The Prophet went to meet her in the garden, accompanied by his companion Abu Usaid. Seeking to put her at ease, the Prophet entered her room and made a proposal that signaled intimacy and acceptance, saying, "Give yourself to me (in marriage) as a gift".
However, the lady, perhaps influenced by her noble upbringing or, as some narrations suggest, having been misled or tricked by others who were jealous of her beauty, responded sharply: "Can a princess give herself to an ordinary man?" The Moment of Seeking Refuge The story of Sahih Bukhari 5255 follows a
Remaining calm, the Prophet reached out his hand to pat her, hoping to soothe her nerves and bring her tranquility. Misinterpreting the gesture or acting on the bad advice she had received, she recoiled and said: "I seek refuge with Allah from you!"
In Islamic tradition, seeking refuge in God is a serious and powerful statement. The Prophet immediately honored her request, replying, "You have sought refuge with the One Who gives refuge (the Great)". The Parting Gift
The Prophet did not take offense but recognized that the marriage could not proceed under such discomfort or lack of mutual respect. He immediately stepped out to Abu Usaid and gave clear instructions to ensure she was returned home with dignity:
Provide for her: He ordered that she be given two white linen dresses as a parting gift.
Ensure her safety: He commanded that she be safely escorted back to her family. Summary of Lessons
Scholars often cite this story from Sahih Bukhari to highlight:
The sanctity of consent: The Prophet immediately ended the union when she expressed discomfort.
Grace in rejection: Despite her sharp words, he provided her with gifts and a safe return.
Honoring God's name: He respected the plea for refuge in Allah, regardless of the situation.
Sahih Bukhari 5255 is an authentic narration from the Book of Divorce (Kitab At-Talaq) that documents a unique and deeply human encounter between Prophet Muhammad and a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun, often referred to as Al-Jauniyya. Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to spend
This hadith is frequently discussed by scholars to illustrate the Prophet's compassion, his respect for personal autonomy in marriage, and the legal framework for dissolving a union when mutual compatibility is lacking. Text of the Hadith Narrated by Abu Usaid:
The narration tells of an incident where the Prophet met a woman, Al-Jauniyya, and proposed marriage to her. She replied by questioning if a woman of high status should marry a commoner, and when the Prophet attempted to calm her, she sought refuge in Allah from him. The Prophet respected her request immediately, instructed his companion Abu Usaid to provide her with two garments, and sent her back to her family. The full text can be read at Sunnah.com. Key Themes and Interpretations 1. Consent and Autonomy in Marriage
The core of Sahih Bukhari 5255 is the woman's immediate refusal, which the Prophet respected completely, highlighting the necessity of voluntary consent in Islamic marriage. 2. Respect for the "Isti'adha" (Seeking Refuge)
When the woman sought refuge in Allah, the Prophet honoured this, demonstrating that even a leader would not ignore a spiritual plea for distance. 3. Kindness in Separation
Instead of reacting with anger, the Prophet ordered that she be given two white linen dresses (Raziki garments) before returning to her family, aligning with the Quranic instruction to "release them with kindness". Scholarly Context and Clarifications
Her Identity: She is often referred to as Al-Jauniyya or, according to some reports, Umaima bint An-Nu'man or Amra.
Legal Precedent: This narration, located in the Book of Divorce, establishes that a marriage can be dissolved immediately if one party is unwilling. Conclusion
Sahih Bukhari 5255 serves as a profound example of the Prophet’s character, emphasizing that marriage requires mutual consent and that separation should be conducted with dignity and generosity.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 - Divorce - كتاب الطلاق - Sunnah.com
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."