Zaynab bint Jahsh
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: زينب بنت جحش (Zaynab bint Jahsh)
- Turkish: Cehş kızı Zeynep
Biography
Zaynab bint Jahsh (d. ca. 641) was a prominent figure in early Islamic history and one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad. Born into a noble tribe of the Quraysh, Zaynab was known for her pride and strong character. She was initially married to Zayd ibn Haritha, the Prophet’s former bondsman and adopted son. This marriage was orchestrated by the Prophet to break the pre-Islamic tribal customs and the belief in social hierarchies; however, the marriage ended in divorce as Zaynab considered Zayd to be her social inferior.
Marriage to the Prophet
In 627 CE, following her divorce from Zayd, Zaynab married the Prophet Muhammad. This marriage raised significant implications and was directly referenced in the Qur’an:
فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرٗا زَوَّجۡنَـٰكَهَا لِكَيۡ لَا يَكُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ حَرَجٞ فِيٓ أَزۡوَٲجِ أَدۡعِيَآٮِٕهِمۡ إِذَا قَضَوۡاْ مِنۡهُنَّ وَطَرٗاۚ وَكَانَ أَمۡرُ ٱللَّهِ مَفۡعُولٗا(33:37)
Translation: “So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you, so that there would not be any difficulty for the believers regarding the wives of their adopted sons when the latter have no longer any need of them.” (Qur’an, 33:37)
Significance and Legacy
This marriage carried profound legal and social implications, notably in the context of adoption in Islamic law. It underscored the Qur’anic guidance that adoptive relationships do not carry the same legal standings as blood relationships. Zaynab’s marriage to the Prophet Muhammad was therefore also a matter of divine command, indicating the deep connection between faith and the social order in Islam.
For Further Studies
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (4 Volumes)” by Ibn Kathir - Provides a detailed account of the life of Prophet Muhammad, including his marriages and tribal customs.
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan - Offers insights into the moral and ethical context of the Prophet’s actions, including his marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh.
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings - A biographical study based on the early Islamic sources.
Takeaways
- Zaynab bint Jahsh is a figure of paramount significance in early Islamic history and is known for her dignity and high social standing.
- Her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad abolished traditional social hierarchies, demonstrating divine guidance in marital relationships.
Conclusion
Zaynab bint Jahsh’s story is an integral part of the broader narrative of the Prophet Muhammad’s life and the development of Islamic social Customs. Her role in setting precedents that impacted Muslim family law underscores her lasting legacy in the annals of Islamic history.
