Why Did Prophet Muhammad Marry His Adopted Son's Divorced Wife?

Introduction: 

Today we are going to discuss a very sensitive topic that has been misinterpreted and misused by some Christian and ex-Muslim critics to defame Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The topic we are discussing is the marriage of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with Zaynab bint Jahsh, who was the divorced wife of his adopted son Zayd bin Harithah.

Background of The Marriage:

The marriage story of Zayd and Zaynab is mentioned in Quran. Quran says: "It is not for a believing man or woman—when Allah and His Messenger decree a matter—to have any other choice in that matter. Indeed, whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone ˹far˺ astray."

First, let's explore the background of the marriage. Zayd bin Harithah was an orphan who was taken care of by the Prophet (ﷺ) after his father's death. The Prophet (ﷺ) loved Zayd as his own son and raised him with utmost care and affection. Eventually, he adopted Zayd and gave him the name Zayd bin Muhammad. Later, Prophet Muhammad himself proposed  Zaynab for Zayd, and Zaynab who was the cousin of the Prophet told the Prophet, oh the messenger of Allah! Am I not free in personal matters? Then the above verse was revealed. 

It is interesting to note that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) personally paid the dower of 160 dirhams in cash, a cloak and veil, a coat of armour, 50 mudd of grain, and 10 mudd of dates. I think critics don’t know this fact. If Prophet Muhammad had desired Zaynab, why would he have arranged for her to marry Zayd?

However, their marriage was not a happy one, and they faced several problems that eventually led to their divorce. Despite the Prophet's (ﷺ) efforts to reconcile them, they decided to end their marriage. After the divorce, Zainab was left without any support or protection in a society that valued male protection, and she was in need of a husband.

Claim Of The Christians And Ex-Muslims

Concerning verse 37 of Surah Ahzab, we read a few claims of Christians who say that the Holy Prophet became hopelessly enamored with Zaynab, the spouse of his slave, Zayd. In traditions, it is said, the  Prophet was amazed by her magnificence and wished to wed her and hoped Zayd separated from her.

Now we will examine this matter from Quran. Let's see what Quran 33:37 says about this matter, In the Quran Allah ﷻ says  

"And [remember, O Muḥammad], when you said to the one (Zayd) on whom Allāh bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allāh," while you concealed within yourself that which Allāh is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allāh has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort [i.e., guilt] concerning the wives of their claimed [i.e., adopted] sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command [i.e., decree] of Allāh accomplished."

My Rebuttal:

These verses were revealed when Zayd and Zaynab had a strained relationship, and Zayd had expressed his intention to divorce her to the Prophet (peace be upon him) after making several complaints. Despite initially accepting the marriage in obedience to Allah and His Messenger's command, Zaynab couldn't shake off the feeling that Zayd, a former slave brought up by her family, was not her equal. This created more bitterness between them, leading to their divorce just over a year after getting married.

However, some have misunderstood this ("Keep your wife and fear Allāh," while you concealed within yourself that which Allāh is to disclose) sentence to suggest that the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to marry Zaynab and convinced Zayd to divorce her. But the true meaning is different. Reading this sentence in conjunction with verses 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the Surah, it becomes clear that Allah had hinted to the Prophet (peace be upon him) during the time of Zayd and Zaynab's marital problems that Zayd would eventually divorce Zaynab, who would then be married by the Prophet (peace be upon him).

But Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) anticipated criticism if he were to marry Zaynab, as pre-Islamic customs frowned upon marriage between a man and his adopted son's ex-wife. Arab society considered the adoption of a son to be akin to having a biological child, and marrying his former wife, even if she was divorced, was deemed incestuous. Hence, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) kept hidden in his heart which Allah ﷻ was to disclose, which is mentioned in the Quran as an internal conflict.

The above verse 33:37 clearly shows that the marriage was not the Prophet's (ﷺ) own decision but was ordained by Allah ﷻ. It was a test for the believers to accept the fact that adoption is not the same as biological kinship and that marriage with the divorced wife of an adopted son is not a forbidden act.

Furthermore, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not initiate the marriage proposal but waited for a clear command from Allah ﷻ. As narrated in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 

"I did not see anything repulsive in my heart except that I disclosed that to Zayd. Zayd said, 'I will leave her, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), should I divorce her?' I said, 'No.' Then the Prophet (ﷺ) recited the verses from Surah Al-Ahzab."

Hadith Of Tabari:

Let’s see what Christians and Ex-Muslims love to quote the hadith of Tabari in this regard. In the accounts provided by 9th-century historian al-Tabari, it is said that Prophet Muhammad visited Zayd's house on two separate occasions. During one of these visits, the hair skin curtain that served as Zayd's front door was accidentally blown aside, revealing Zaynab dressed only in her shift. Upon realizing her state of undress, Zaynab quickly dressed herself and informed Prophet Muhammad that Zayd was not at home but that he was welcome to visit. Despite the invitation, Prophet Muhammad did not enter, instead exclaiming to himself, "Praise be to Allah, who turns hearts around!" before departing.

Upon Zayd's return, Zaynab informed him of Prophet Muhammad's visit, and Zayd became worried that Prophet Muhammad may have developed feelings for his wife. He offered to divorce Zaynab, but Muhammad advised him to fear Allah and keep his wife. However, this advice did not resolve the conflict between the couple, and Zaynab ultimately shut Zayd out of their bedroom.

It should be noted that the story presented by al-Tabari has been rejected by the majority of Muslim scholars. This is due to the lack of any chain of narration and its complete absence from any authentic hadith. Furthermore, it is illogical that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would suddenly become aware of Zaynab's beauty after having known her all her life. If her beauty had been the reason for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to marry her, he would have done so himself rather than arranging her marriage to Zayd.

While there are other accounts that suggest the same story but the fact is that all those narrations are weak and not authentic but Christians and Ex-Muslims don’t tell this to you. The story of Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Zaynab is not solely based on this incident. It is important to approach such sensitive topics with knowledge and wisdom and to avoid perpetuating baseless accusations or spreading misinformation.

Moreover, it is important to note that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not marry Zaynab immediately after her divorce from Zayd. There was a waiting period of three menstrual cycles, as mandated by Islamic law, during which the Prophet (ﷺ) did not have any contact with her. This clearly refutes the allegations of any illicit relationship between them.

Now let's come to the accusations made by some Christian and ex-Muslim critics. They accuse the Prophet (ﷺ) of using his power and influence to marry Zainab against her will or to justify his own desires.

However, this accusation is baseless and lacks evidence. In fact, Zaynab herself was initially hesitant to marry the Prophet (ﷺ) and expressed her reluctance. However, after realizing that it was a divine commandment, she agreed to the marriage out of obedience to Allah ﷻ.

As narrated in Sahih Muslim, Zainab said: 

"I was reluctant to marry Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), but Allah had ordained it, and thus I submitted to it."

In conclusion, the marriage of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with Zaynab bint Jahsh was not a result of his own desires or motives but was a divine commandment from Allah ﷻ. It was a test for the believers to accept the principle that adoption does not create the same kinship ties as blood relations and that marrying the divorced wife of an adopted son is not forbidden.

The accusations made by some Christian and ex-Muslim critics are baseless and lack evidence. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not use his power or influence to marry Zaynab against her will, and she agreed to the marriage out of obedience to Allah ﷻ.

As Muslims, it is our duty to understand the teachings of our religion and to defend them against any false accusations. We must approach such sensitive topics with knowledge, wisdom, and compassion, and not let our emotions cloud our judgment. May Allah ﷻ guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the whispers of the Shaytan. Ameen.