Sahih Bukhari 5255 May 2026
To understand the power of this hadith, we must first present the precise wording as found in the Book of Legal Punishments (Kitab al-Hudud) and the Book of Retaliation (Kitab al-Diyat).
Arabic Text: عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا، قَالَتْ: مَا ضَرَبَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ شَيْئًا قَطُّ بِيَدِهِ، وَلاَ امْرَأَةً، وَلاَ خَادِمًا، إِلاَّ أَنْ يُجَاهِدَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: ‘An ‘Aishah (radhiAllahu ‘anha), qalat: Ma daraba Rasulullahi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam shay’an qattu bi yadihi, wa la imra’atan, wa la khadiman, illa an yujahida fi sabeelillahi.
Translation: Narrated by Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her): “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) never struck anything with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, except when he was fighting in the cause of Allah.”
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Sahih Bukhari 5255 is an authentic narration from the Book of Divorce (Kitab At-Talaq) that documents a unique and deeply human encounter between Prophet Muhammad and a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun, often referred to as Al-Jauniyya.
This hadith is frequently discussed by scholars to illustrate the Prophet's compassion, his respect for personal autonomy in marriage, and the legal framework for dissolving a union when mutual compatibility is lacking. Text of the Hadith Narrated by Abu Usaid:
The narration tells of an incident where the Prophet met a woman, Al-Jauniyya, and proposed marriage to her. She replied by questioning if a woman of high status should marry a commoner, and when the Prophet attempted to calm her, she sought refuge in Allah from him. The Prophet respected her request immediately, instructed his companion Abu Usaid to provide her with two garments, and sent her back to her family. The full text can be read at Sunnah.com. Key Themes and Interpretations 1. Consent and Autonomy in Marriage
The core of Sahih Bukhari 5255 is the woman's immediate refusal, which the Prophet respected completely, highlighting the necessity of voluntary consent in Islamic marriage. 2. Respect for the "Isti'adha" (Seeking Refuge)
When the woman sought refuge in Allah, the Prophet honoured this, demonstrating that even a leader would not ignore a spiritual plea for distance. 3. Kindness in Separation
Instead of reacting with anger, the Prophet ordered that she be given two white linen dresses (Raziki garments) before returning to her family, aligning with the Quranic instruction to "release them with kindness". Scholarly Context and Clarifications
Her Identity: She is often referred to as Al-Jauniyya or, according to some reports, Umaima bint An-Nu'man or Amra.
Legal Precedent: This narration, located in the Book of Divorce, establishes that a marriage can be dissolved immediately if one party is unwilling. Conclusion
Sahih Bukhari 5255 serves as a profound example of the Prophet’s character, emphasizing that marriage requires mutual consent and that separation should be conducted with dignity and generosity.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 - Divorce - كتاب الطلاق - Sunnah.com
The Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari 5255 is a cornerstone text regarding the intersection of marriage, social conduct, and the rights of women in Islam. Located within the "Book of Divorce" (Kitab Al-Talaq), it provides a profound look at how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) handled delicate domestic disputes with empathy and justice. The Narrative of the Hadith
The Hadith recounts the story of Barirah, a freed slave girl, and her husband, Mughith. After Barirah was manumitted (freed), Islamic law gave her the "Option of Choice" (Khiyar al-Itq)—the right to either remain in her marriage or end it, as her status had changed while her husband remained enslaved at the time.
Barirah chose to end the marriage. The Hadith describes the emotional scene of Mughith following her through the streets of Medina, weeping so intensely that his beard was soaked with tears, pleading for her to return.
Seeing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to his uncle, Abbas: "O Abbas! Are you not amazed by the love of Mughith for Barirah and the hatred of Barirah for Mughith?"
The Prophet then approached Barirah and suggested, "Why do you not go back to him?" sahih bukhari 5255
Barirah asked a crucial clarifying question: "O Allah's Messenger! Do you order me to do so?"
The Prophet replied, "I only intercede (recommend) for him."
Upon hearing this, Barirah famously replied, "I have no need for him," and the Prophet respected her decision. Key Lessons and Legal Implications 1. The Right of Consent
The most significant takeaway from Hadith 5255 is the emphasis on female agency. Despite the Prophet's high status and his personal recommendation, Barirah was not legally or religiously obligated to stay in a marriage that no longer brought her happiness. This establishes that a woman’s consent is paramount in Islamic marital contracts. 2. Command vs. Recommendation
This Hadith is a primary source for Islamic jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) in distinguishing between a prophetic command (which is binding) and prophetic intercession (which is a suggestion). Barirah’s boldness in asking for clarification shows that the Companions understood the Prophet acted in different capacities—as a legislator and as a compassionate community member. 3. Emotional Realism
Islam does not ignore human emotions. The Prophet did not rebuke Mughith for his public display of grief, nor did he shame Barirah for her "hatred" or lack of feelings for her husband. The Hadith acknowledges that love cannot be forced, and a marriage without mutual affection is not something the law should bridge by compulsion. 4. The Prophet as a Mediator
The Prophet’s role in this Hadith is one of a peacemaker. He tried to reconcile the couple out of compassion for Mughith's suffering, yet he immediately stepped back when the "offered party" (Barirah) declined. It sets a beautiful standard for community leaders: try to help, but never coerce. Modern Relevance
In an era where discussions around women's rights and marital autonomy are at the forefront, Sahih Bukhari 5255 serves as a powerful rebuttal to the misconception that women in Islam are forced to remain in unhappy unions. It highlights a legal system that, even 1,400 years ago, provided specific mechanisms (like the Option of Choice) to protect the social mobility and personal happiness of women.
The story of Barirah remains a testament to the balance between mercy (the Prophet's attempt to help Mughith) and justice (respecting Barirah's right to say no).
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a famous narration from the Book of Divorce (Kitab At-Talaq) concerning the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a woman from the tribe of Banu Jaun, often referred to as al-Jauniyya. The Core Narrative
According to the Sunnah.com Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 entry, the Prophet (ﷺ) entered upon the woman in a garden called Ash-Shaut. He invited her to "gift" herself to him—a common expression for marriage at the time.
The woman responded by questioning if a princess would ever give herself to an "ordinary man" (meaning someone outside her immediate royal circle). When the Prophet (ﷺ) reached out to pat her to calm her down, she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you." Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately respected her plea and replied, "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge". He then instructed his companion, Abu Usaid, to provide her with two white linen dresses and return her to her family. Key Interpretations and Insights
Scholars and historians provide several layers of context to help understand this interaction:
Recognition of Consent: This hadith is often cited to demonstrate that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not force himself on anyone. The moment she expressed discomfort or sought refuge in Allah, he ceased the interaction and arranged for her safe return.
The Identity of the Woman: Most sources identify her as Umaima bint an-Nu’man ibn Sharahil. Some scholars, as noted by SeekersGuidance, suggest she may have been misled by others who were jealous or that she was mentally challenged, which explains her initial "rude" response regarding the Prophet's status.
Marriage vs. Gift: While the phrase "give me yourself as a gift" was used, Islamic law (based on this and other narrations) clarifies that the Prophet (ﷺ) was seeking a formal marriage.
Legal Implication (Divorce): Imam Bukhari placed this hadith in the Book of Divorce because the Prophet's instruction to "let her go back to her family" acted as a verbal separation or release from the marriage contract that had been initiated. Educational Context
This narration is part of larger studies on Prophetic Character and Fiqh of Marriage/Divorce. Many educators, such as those featured on YouTube, use this hadith to discuss the etiquette of social interactions and the sanctity of personal boundaries. The Book of Marriage (Sahih Al Bukhari) Class 55
alhamdulillah alhamdulillah thank you guys for joining me for another installment from our Thursday night sisters. class where we' YouTube·Shadeed Muhammad
Should a man tell his wife face to face that she is divorced To understand the power of this hadith, we
We went out with the Prophet (ﷺ) to a garden called Ash-Shaut till we reached two walls between which we sat down. The Prophet (ﷺ) sounah.com
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a significant hadith found in the Book of Divorce (Kitab ut-Talaq). It details an encounter between the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun, often referred to as al-Jauniyya. Hadith Text (Summary)
Narrated by Abu Usaid:The Prophet ﷺ went to a garden called Ash-Shaut where a lady from Bani Jaun (identified as Umaima bint An-Nu'man bin Sharahil) had been lodged. When the Prophet ﷺ entered and asked her to "give herself" to him (referring to marriage), she replied, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?".
The Prophet ﷺ reached out to pat her to calm her, but she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you." He immediately responded, "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge," and instructed his companion to give her two linen dresses and return her to her family. Key Lessons and Context
Respect for Personal Boundaries: This hadith is often cited to demonstrate that the Prophet ﷺ did not force himself on anyone. As soon as the woman sought refuge in Allah, he respected her wish and ended the union.
Kindness in Separation: Even after being rejected and spoken to harshly, the Prophet ﷺ commanded that she be given gifts (two white linen dresses) before being sent back, adhering to the Quranic principle of "releasing with kindness".
Historical Nuance: Scholars from SeekersGuidance and IslamQA note that the woman may have been "tricked" by others who told her that saying those words would endear her to the Prophet ﷺ, or that she was simply unfamiliar with his status at the time.
Legal Classification: In Islamic jurisprudence, this incident is categorized under divorce/separation occurring before the consummation of marriage. Quick Facts
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):
Scholars often cite this hadith to describe the state of the "Akhir al-Zaman" (The End Times). Many observe that these signs are clearly visible in modern society, where religious literacy is often low despite the availability of information, and the other social ills mentioned have become normalized in various parts of the world.
The story of Sahih Bukhari 5255 follows a specific encounter in a garden involving the Prophet Muhammad and a woman named Umaima bint an-Nu'man (also known as ash-Shaun). The Setting at Ash-Shaut
The event takes place when the Prophet and his companions, including Abu Usaid, go out to a garden called
. They sit between two walls, and a woman is brought to a nearby house as his bride. The Encounter in the Garden According to the narration: The Approach : The Prophet enters the house to meet the woman. The Proposal
: He says to her, "Give yourself to me (in marriage) as a gift". The Rejection
: She responds boldly, "Can a queen give herself to a commoner?". The Reaction
: The Prophet reaches out his hand to pat her, reportedly to calm or reassure her. The Final Word : She then says, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". The Departure I can write that for you in proper
: Respecting her refusal, the Prophet immediately stops and says, "You have sought refuge with the Great One; go back to your family".
The Prophet سپس tells Abu Usaid to provide her with two linen garments and to take her back to her kin. This hadith is often cited in the Book of Divorce
as it demonstrates a specific case of a marriage being dissolved or avoided immediately upon the woman's request for refuge. other narrations involving this specific woman or more details from the Book of Divorce
In the standard Muhsin Khan numbering (used in most English editions), Book 62 (Niceties of Marriage / Wedlock), Hadith 5255 states:
Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to spend time with his wives and would treat them equally. He said, "O Allah, this is my division regarding what I control, so do not blame me regarding what You control and I do not control."
In Arabic, the last phrase refers to the heart (al-qalb) — meaning the Prophet acknowledged that while he could divide his time equally, he could not control his natural emotional inclinations. This hadith is the basis for the legal concept that a husband must treat co-wives equally in material matters (time, nights, spending), but not in love or emotional attachment.
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 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