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Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a famous narration from the "Book of Divorce" (Kitab al-Talaq) that recounts a brief and distinctive encounter between the Prophet Muhammad and a woman known as al-Jauniyya (a lady from the tribe of Bani Jaun).
This hadith is often discussed by scholars to illustrate principles of consent, dignity, and the legal framework of divorce in Islam. The Narrative
As recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet and his companions traveled to a garden called Ash-Shaut. A woman from the Bani Jaun tribe had been brought there to be married to him.
When the Prophet entered her room and invited her to "give herself" to him (a formal proposal of marriage), her reaction was unexpectedly sharp:
The Response: She replied, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?".
The Prophet's Gesture: He reached out his hand to pat her, intended as a gesture of tranquility to calm her.
The Refusal: She recoiled, stating, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". Key Insights and Scholarly Context 1. Immediate Respect for Personal Boundaries
The most striking aspect of this hadith is the Prophet’s immediate reaction to her refusal. Rather than insisting or taking offense, he replied: "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge". He immediately left the room and instructed his companions to provide her with two white linen dresses and return her safely to her family. Scholars from platforms like SeekersGuidance highlight this as a foundational example of honoring a woman's refusal and granting a divorce (or annulment) instantly upon her request. 2. Social Background: The "Princess" Label
Commentators note that her question—"Can a princess marry an ordinary man?"—reflected her high tribal status and perhaps a lack of awareness of the Prophet’s unique spiritual rank. Some narrations suggest she may have been misled or pressured by others' jealousy to use that specific phrase ("I seek refuge with Allah") to appear aloof, not fully realizing it would lead to an immediate end to the marriage. 3. Legal Implications in the "Book of Divorce"
The inclusion of this hadith in the chapter titled "Whoever divorced (his wife), and should a man tell his wife face to face that she is divorced" is significant. It establishes that: A marriage can be terminated verbally and directly.
The husband should provide parting gifts (the white linen dresses) and ensure the woman's safe return to her kin, fulfilling the Quranic command to "release them with kindness". 4. Summary Table of the Encounter Element Location Ash-Shaut Garden Subject Al-Jauniyya (daughter of Al-Jaun) Key Phrase "I seek refuge with Allah from you" Outcome Immediate divorce and return to family with gifts
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 - Divorce - كتاب الطلاق - Sunnah.com sahih bukhari 5255
This is the gheerah that arises when there is reasonable suspicion or clear violation of Islamic norms. Examples include:
This jealousy is a protective mechanism. It stems from love, responsibility, and the desire to preserve the sacred boundaries set by Allah. The Prophet praised this—it is the jealousy of the righteous.
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 reference Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is found in the Book of Divorce (Kitab al-Talaq). Here is the English translation of the hadith:
Narrated by `Aisha (RA):
"The wife of Rifa
ah Al-Qurazi came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I was the wife of Rifaah and he divorced me irrevocably. Then I marriedAbdur-Rahman bin Az-Zubair, but he is like a fringe of a garment (i.e., impotent or unable to fulfill marital duties).' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Perhaps you want to return to Rifaah? That is not lawful until you have tasted the sweetness of marriage (i.e., full consummation) with your current husband, and he has tasted the same with you.'"
While the hadith prohibits hitting altogether, other narrations (e.g., Sahih Bukhari 2560) specifically say, "Do not strike the face." Scholars note that the Prophet’s example sets the ideal—zero physical aggression.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So you should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser." Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a famous narration from
(In some translations, the final phrase is rendered as: "...so marry the one who is religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust [i.e., may you prosper/otherwise you will lose out].")
This hadith teaches Muslims to look beyond the superficial or materialistic aspects of a potential spouse. While compatibility in attraction and lifestyle is important, the ultimate deciding factor for a blessed and successful union should be the character and piety of the individual.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a notable hadith found in the Book of Divorce Kitab al-Talaq
). It details an encounter between Prophet Muhammad and a woman from the tribe of Banu Jaun, often referred to as al-Jauniyya Summary of the Hadith
The narration (found in full in sources) describes the Prophet meeting a woman known as al-Jauniyya, who had been brought to him. When the Prophet requested, "Give me yourself (in marriage) as a gift," she responded, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?" Upon her seeking refuge in Allah, the Prophet immediately respected her wish, instructing that she be given two white linen dresses and sent back to her family. www.prophetmuhammad.com Key Context & Scholarly Insights Identified as Umaima bint al-Nu'man or Asma bint al-Nu'man.
While often framed as a proposal, some scholars suggest the marriage was already contracted but not consummated. Her refusal led to an immediate, respectful separation. Significance:
Scholars interpret the incident, specifically the Prophet's swift compliance with her request to seek refuge, as a clear precedent against forced marriage and a demonstration of respect for a woman's agency. Reference Details Sahih al-Bukhari , Book 68 (Book of Divorce), Chapter 69.
Sahih Bukhari 5255 is a significant narration in Islamic jurisprudence, found in the Book of Divorce (Kitab At-Talaq).
It details an encounter between the Prophet Muhammad and a woman known as al-Jauniyya
(Umaima bint an-Nu’man), offering profound insights into Prophetic character, the sanctity of personal consent, and the legal protocols of divorce Summary of the Hadith According to the narration on Sunnah.com
, the Prophet approached al-Jauniyya to formalise their marriage and asked her to "gift" herself to him. She responded by questioning if a "princess" could give herself to an "ordinary man" (or subject). When the Prophet reached out to comfort her, she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". Sunnah.com A husband sees a non-mahram man speaking privately
The Prophet immediately respected her request, stating she had sought refuge with the ultimate Protector. He then instructed his companion, Abu Usaid, to provide her with two linen dresses and return her safely to her family. Sunnah.com Analysis and Key Themes Absolute Consent in Marriage : This hadith is often cited by scholars on platforms like SeekersGuidance
as evidence that a woman’s consent is paramount. Despite his status as a Prophet and leader, Muhammad did not compel her to remain in the marriage once she expressed discomfort or a desire for separation. The Ethics of Divorce
: The Prophet's reaction illustrates a "beautiful" way to end a relationship. Rather than responding with anger to her perceived rudeness, he provided her with gifts (the linen dresses) and ensured her safe passage home, fulfilling the Quranic injunction to "part with them in a good manner". Humility and Character : Commentaries on Reddit's r/Islam
note the Prophet's humility. Despite being a head of state, he accepted her description of him as a "subject" or "ordinary man" without correction, demonstrating his choice to be a "Prophet-servant" rather than a "Prophet-king". Addressing Misunderstandings
: Some narrations suggest the woman was misled by others into saying that specific phrase, thinking it was a term of endearment, while others suggest she simply did not recognise the Prophet. Regardless of the reason, the legal outcome remained: the marriage was dissolved immediately upon her request for refuge.
In conclusion, Sahih Bukhari 5255 serves as a foundational text for understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of marriage
and divorce in Islam, highlighting that no person, regardless of their status, has the right to force a union against another's will. scholarly commentaries
on how this hadith influenced specific Islamic divorce laws?
Hadith Number: Sahih al-Bukhari 5255
Chapter: The Chapter on the Prohibition of Intoxicants (Kitab Al-Ashribah).
Narrator: Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Hadith (Text):
I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):
- Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious learned men).
- Religious ignorance will prevail.
- Drinking of alcoholic drinks (will be widespread).
- There will be a prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse."