This week in the TP, we wrapped up a two-week session diving into an ayah from Surah Ahzab, which relates to the Prophet ﷺ’s marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh:
“And remember, O Prophet, when you said to the one whom Allah had favoured and you had favoured, ‘Keep your wife and fear Allah,’ while concealing within yourself what Allah was going to reveal. And you were fearing the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him.”
(Surah Ahzab, Ayah 37)
This ayah has often been a topic of discussion—especially among critics and Orientalists—who frequently focus on the Prophet ﷺ’s marriages amongst other areas. Aisha is often mentioned, but another case they raise is his ﷺ marriage to Zaynab. She was previously married to Zayd ibn Harithah, the Prophet ﷺ’s adopted son, and after their divorce, the Prophet ﷺ married her not long after.
Critics have discussed this ayah and asked, what exactly was the Prophet ﷺ concealing? This question has led to numerous assumptions and false accusations.
In our session, we explored the evidences found in the books of Hadith, Seerah and Tafsir and looked at how scholars throughout history have interpreted this ayah. Over the centuries, two primary interpretations have emerged: an earlier view and a later one, each with a range of scholarly perspectives.
We walked through both and concluded that each opinion holds weight, supported by reputable scholars — and neither undermines the noble character of the Prophet ﷺ. Sadly, Orientalists often approach these issues through a skewed lens, stripping away context and making unfair assumptions. The best way to counter this is through sound education — guiding students through the sources with clarity and context.
And Allah knows best.
Ilhaam Institute 
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