Hazrat Zainab Bint e Jahsh - BY: Fatima Ahmad

Hazrat Zainab Bint e Jahsh 

.First Zainab's (RA) bint Jahash original name was "Barat" which the Holy Prophet (pbuh) changed when she embraced Islam. 

.she was the daughter of prophet's aunt 

.She was first married in 3 Hijra to Zaid bin Hartha (RA), the freed slave of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). By this marriage the old age tradition "Not giving the daughter in marriage to the slave" was discarded and the theory of "Equality" in Islam was established.

.It is reported that Zainab (RA) bint Jahash was not happy with the proposal of her marriage with Zaid bin Hartha (RA). She agreed to the proposal when Allah (S.T.) revealed this verse.

It is not fitting for a Believer man or woman when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys Allah and His Apostle he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.

(Surah 33 "Al-Ahzab", Ayah 36).

.It was a tradition in the Arabs to adopt sons and they were treated as the real ones. The wives of the adopted sons were in the same position as that of real daughter-in-laws. It was therefore not considered to bring them under their marriages. 

.Allah (S.T.) send down Angel Jibrael and informed the Holy Prophet (pbuh) to marry Zainab (RA) bint Jahash. The Holy Prophet (pbuh), by taking the existing problem (of not marrying the widow of the adopted sons) into consideration and was much worried as to how the people would feel if he (pbuh) marries with Zainab (RA).In the meantime Allah (S.T.) revealed as:

Muhammad is not the father of any of your men but (he is) the Apostle of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.

(Surah 33 "Al-Ahzab", Ayah 40)

.As narrated in Muslim by Anas bin Malik (RA) the Holy Prophet (pbuh) sent the proposal to Zainab (RA) after the waiting period was completed through Zaid bin Hartha (RA). She said she could not immediately any reply and that she would consult Allah (S.T.) i.e. "Istekhara Salat". She did not even complete her prayer that Allah (S.T.) revealed the verse that her marriage was arranged up in the skies by the Lord. Zainab (RA) bint Jahash was very much pleased and she gave off all her jewellery to the slave girl. Thus he entered the category of Ummul-Mumineen.

.Zainab's (RA) marriage had certain special features which distinguish her from other wives of the Prophet (pbuh). Her 'Nikah' was performed by Allah (S.T.). There were no formal gaurdian and the witnesses but the verses of Holy Quran serve this purpose. There was no dowry for this marriage as it was conducted by the command of Allah (S.T.), Allah (S.T.) stood guarantee on behalf of the Prophet (pbuh).

.The 'Walima' feast was so uunique and grand that no other wife of the Prophet (pbuh) had at her marriage. A goat was slaugtered and about 300 men enjoyed the feast.

.Zainab (RA) was very pious, generous and God-fearing woman. She used to observe fasts, engage in prayers at day and night. A'isha Siddiqua (RA) narrates: Zainab (RA) competes with me (A'isha Siddiqua (RA)) in honour and dignity (Muslim). She also says that I have never seen a lady who gives more charity and prays to Allah's (S.T.) pleasure.

.Umm-e-Salma (RA) spoke highly of the virtues and good qualities of Zainab (RA) and she said Zainab (RA) is a beautiful woman and the Prophet (pbuh) comes to her very often. She is a pious woman, keeps fast, engages in prayer at nights and spends all her wealth on the needy and the poor.

.It is said that when Zainab (RA) bint Jahash was died, the poor and the orphans of Madina-al-Munauwara were upset. Umer Farooq (RA) reported "I heard A'isha (RA) saying (after the death of Zainab (RA) that a praiseworthy and unique lady had gone, who was a protection for orphans and widows. The Prophet (pbuh) loved Zainab (RA) very much. He (pbuh) devoted more time and more attend to her.

.Zainab (RA) had made a corner of her house as a Mosque and she used to pray there and the Holy Prophet (pbuh) very often used t visit her in the Mosque. Zainab (RA) used to make "Istekhara" for everything. She is one of the fortunate ladies to whom the Holy Prophet (pbuh) had informed her of being in Paradise (Jannat).

.Zainab (RA) bint Jahash died in 20 Hijra when in the period of Caliph Umer Farooq (RA). Umer Farooq (RA) offered her funeral prayer and she was burried in the "Janatul-Baqi"(Graveyard). She was 51 years old when she died. She had prepared her shroud (Kafan) by herself.