Monday 21 March 2011

Safiyyah: "By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, I truly wish that what has afflicted you would afflict me (instead)."

In a narration that has a good chain, Ibn Sa'd related that Zaid ibn Aslam said,
"The wives of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasalam) gathered around him during his final sickness (the one that ended in his death), and Safiyyah said, "By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, I truly wish that what has afflicted you would afflict me (instead)." The other wives winked (or pointed) at one another disparagingly at her for what she said.*

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alayhi wasalam) who saw what they did, said, "Wash out your mouths!" They said, "From what?" He (sal Allahu alayhi wasalam) said; "From the way you (disparagingly) winked (or pointed) with one another at her. By Allah, she is indeed truthful." (both in general terms and particularly regarding what she said."
)


*Because Safiyyah was Jewish, and Jews were thought to be of as 'sly' and tricking. Furthermore, the wives would challenge each other because of wanting Attention of their husband (Prophet Muhammad, sal Allahu alayhi wasalam.)


SOURCE
: [Refer to Sharh Al-Mawaahib al Ladaniyyah (2/233) and to Al-Isaabah Fee Ma'rifatus-Sahaabah (the Book of Women) by Ibn Hajar al Askalani.]

The Noble Life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallaaabee. Translated in English. Volume 3 - p1603 - DarusSalaam Publications. ISBN #9960-9678-6-7