Sahih Bukhari 5255 |link| -

This blog post explores the context, narrative, and scholarly understanding of Sahih al-Bukhari 5255

, a narration found in the Book of Divorce regarding the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) interaction with a woman from the tribe of Banu Jaun (the Jauniyya). Ḥadīth Unlocked

Understanding Sahih Bukhari 5255: Mercy, Respect, and Divorce Hadith Reference:

The full text of the narration, in which the Prophet (ﷺ) interacts with a woman from Banu Jaun, can be found at Sunnah.com

. In this account, when the woman expresses discomfort and seeks refuge with Allah, the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately honors her request, providing her with clothing and safely returning her to her family. Sunnah.com 1. The Context: A Marriage That Didn't Proceed

The incident involves a woman from the Banu Jaun tribe, who, upon meeting the Prophet (ﷺ), expressed reluctance, questioning if a "princess" could marry an "ordinary man". When she stated, "I seek refuge with Allah from you," the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately honored her request, directing that she be safely returned to her family. 2. Key Themes and Lessons Respect for Consent:

The Prophet (ﷺ) did not enforce the marriage when the woman expressed discomfort, demonstrating that consent is paramount. Kindness in Separation:

She was returned to her family with dignity, accompanied by gifts of clothing. Humility and Temperament:

The Prophet (ﷺ) exhibited immense patience, not taking offense at her comment, which scholars note stemmed from a, "Jahiliyyah" (pre-Islamic) mindset regarding caste. 3. Scholarly Understanding Divorce Procedure: sahih bukhari 5255

Located in the "Book of Divorce" (Kitaab al-Talaaq), this narration shows that a marriage can be dissolved before consummation if one party is unhappy. Reassurance:

The raising of the hand was intended as a gesture of reassurance, which the woman, in her fear, misinterpreted. Conclusion

Sahih Bukhari 5255 underscores the Prophet’s (ﷺ) commitment to respectful relationships and ethical behavior, highlighting that forced unions are contrary to his teachings.

Bukhārī (البخاري) bukhari:5255 - Ḥadīth Unlocked

Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a hadith found in the "Book of Divorce" (Kitab At-Talaq). It details an encounter between Prophet Muhammad and a woman from the tribe of Bani Ja'un, exploring themes of marriage, consent, and the legal status of a gift-marriage (Hibah). The Arabic Text and Translation

The hadith, narrated by Abu Usaid, describes a specific incident:

"We went out with the Prophet ﷺ to a garden called Ash-Shaut... When we reached there, he sat in a place... Then he said to me, 'Go to her and bring her to me.' So I went to her and said, 'Come! The Prophet has called you.' She came and when the Prophet saw her, he said, 'Give yourself to me (in marriage) as a gift.' She replied, 'Can a queen give herself to a commoner?'" Sunnah.com. Key Details of the Hadith

The Identity of the Woman: She is identified in various commentaries as Umaima bint an-Nu'man (or al-Jauniya). This blog post explores the context, narrative, and

The Setting: The event took place in Ash-Shaut, an orchard or garden in Medina.

The Proposition: The Prophet ﷺ used the term Habee nafsi laki ("Give yourself to me"). In Islamic law, this refers to a woman offering herself in marriage without a dowry (Mahr), a privilege unique to the Prophet under specific Quranic circumstances Wikipedia.

The Response: The woman's response—questioning if a "queen" would give herself to a "commoner"—is often interpreted by scholars not as an insult, but as a sign of her pride in her lineage or a misunderstanding of the Prophet's status. Scholarly Commentary and Significance

Marital Consent: Scholars of Sunnah.com and IIUM note that the Prophet immediately sought to divorce her or return her to her people following her response and a subsequent moment where she sought refuge from him. This is frequently cited as evidence that marriage in Islam requires the willing consent of both parties.

Prophetic Conduct: When the woman said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you," the Prophet ﷺ replied, "You have sought refuge with the Great One; go back to your family." This highlights his respect for her choice and the sanctity of seeking refuge in God Reddit.

Legal Nuance of Hibah: The hadith provides a practical example of the rules regarding a woman "gifting" herself in marriage, a topic discussed extensively in the Fiqh (jurisprudence) of marriage and divorce Dar-us-Salam. If you’d like, I can: Explain the historical context of the tribe of Bani Ja'un.

Detail the legal differences between a standard marriage and a gift marriage (Hibah).

Provide the full chain of narrators (Isnad) for this specific report. Introduction: A Single Hadith, A Universe of Meaning

Introduction: A Single Hadith, A Universe of Meaning

In the vast ocean of Islamic prophetic traditions, few numbers carry as much weight for students of Fiqh (jurisprudence) and Hadith sciences as Sahih Bukhari 5255. At first glance, this reference number is a mere cataloging code from Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari’s magnum opus, Al-Jami‘ al-Sahih. However, for scholars, it is a pivotal text that governs the delicate balance between justice, punishment, forgiveness, and marital harmony.

This article will dissect Sahih Bukhari 5255 from every angle: its Arabic text, translation, chain of narration (Sanad), historical context, legal rulings (Ahkam), and its profound relevance to modern marital ethics.

Common Misconceptions Cleared by This Hadith

“A man should be jealous about everything.” – False. Only what Islam considers a violation.
“Jealousy shows love.” – Sometimes, but baseless jealousy shows control, not love.
“Women should bear their husband’s jealousy patiently.” – No. If it is baseless, it is oppression, and she has the right to seek counsel or separation.

1. The Text of Sahih Bukhari 5255

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.

Key Points from the Hadith:

This hadith establishes the Islamic legal ruling that a divorced woman cannot remarry her first husband unless she has been fully married and consummated the marriage with a second husband, and that second husband then divorces her or dies.
The phrase "taste the sweetness" is interpreted by scholars as actual physical consummation, not just a legal marriage contract.

A. Islamic family law – polygyny and justice

Paper example:
"Justice Between Co-Wives in Islamic Law: The Hermeneutics of Hadith 5255" — not exactly that title, but look for:
- "Polygyny in Islamic Law: The Problem of Equal Treatment"
  Author: Kecia Ali (in Islamic Law and Society, Brill)
  Where: She discusses Bukhari 5255 extensively in her book Marriage and Slavery in Early Islam (Harvard UP, 2010), and in articles like "Rethinking Women's Issues in Muslim Contexts".
Paper example:
"The Prophet's Emotional Justice: A Study of Sahih Bukhari 5255"
Journal: Journal of Islamic Ethics (Brill) — issues on gender and marriage.

4. Permissibility of Physical Discipline of Children?

Notably, the hadith does not mention children. Some scholars argue that light, non-harming taps for a child’s discipline (e.g., for missing prayer at age 10) are permissible, following other narrations. However, the overarching principle is mercy.

Comparison with Other Hadiths

To avoid misinterpretation, Sahih Bukhari 5255 must be read alongside:

Sahih Bukhari 5686: The Prophet said, "He is not a strong person who overpowers others; rather, the strong person is he who controls himself when angry."
Sahih Muslim 2608: The Prophet never held back from punishing an offender except when it involved a personal injury against himself; he would forgive.
Quran, Surah Ash-Shura (42:40): "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto, but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah."

When these texts are combined, Sahih Bukhari 5255 emerges as a capstone text for forgiveness over retaliation in personal relationships.