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A Divorce nullified by Prayer – Hafsa Bint Umar

 


       There is another wife of the Prophet (Pbuh), Hafsa bint Umar, who had a unique interaction with the angel Jibreel (AS). Unlike Khadija (RA) or Aisha (RA), Hafsa's story has a serious twist to it. Before delving into her story, it is worth mentioning her brother Abdullah ibn Umar, who was a devout follower of the Sunnah of the Prophet (Pbuh) and was very similar to Umar bin al-Khattaab (RA). When he was young and in the company of the Prophet (Pbuh), he wished to have a dream that he could share with the Prophet (Pbuh). This background information will help in understanding Hafsa's story and her interaction with Jibreel (AS).

      The reason for this is that in the mornings, the Prophet (Pbuh) would ask people to share their good dreams as a means of connecting with him. Therefore, Abdullah ibn Umar prayed to Allah to give him a dream that he could share with the Prophet (Pbuh). However, instead of the dream he had hoped for, he dreamt of two angels who took him to the edge of hellfire, where he saw people he recognized. This was a terrifying dream, but he was comforted by another angel who instructed the angels to take him to the right instead, as it was not his place. Although it was not the dream he had intended to share with the Prophet (Pbuh), he approached his sister Hafsa (RA), who was also the wife of the Prophet (Pbuh), and asked her to speak to the Prophet (Pbuh) about his dream. The Prophet (Pbuh), being aware that his response would be relayed back to Abdullah, praised him before addressing his dream.

      He praised Abdullah as an excellent young man but added that he should pray more at night. This had a profound impact on Abdullah's life and he became known for his Qiyamul Layl. Hafsa, who was Abdullah's sister and the wife of the Prophet (Pbuh), acted as the messenger between them. She conveyed the message to Abdullah that he should increase his Qiyamul Layl to ensure that the angels take him to Jannah instead of Hellfire. However, what sets Hafsa apart is that she and the Prophet (Pbuh) actually went through a period of separation, and he even considered divorcing her.

     Although the Prophet (Pbuh) did not mistreat Hafsa (RA), he had decided to separate from her. This may not seem like a praise of Hafsa (RA), but the fact that Jibreel (AS) came to the Prophet (Pbuh) to convince him to take her back is what makes her special. Jibreel (AS) did not ask the Prophet (Pbuh) to take her back because of her lineage, reputation, or what people might say, but because she was a woman who fasted and prayed a lot, and Jibreel had seen that she was the Prophet's wife in Paradise as well. Hafsa (RA) had distinguished herself in the sight of Allah and the angels, and this is why Jibreel (AS) testified to her virtues.

     It is truly remarkable how Allah planned for Hafsa (RA) to be the one to hear Abdullah bin Umar's dream and deliver the message from the Prophet (Pbuh) to him. This was further affirmed by the testimony of Jibreel (AS), who came to the Prophet (Pbuh) to plead on Hafsa's behalf. Jibreel (AS) attested that Hafsa (RA) is a woman who is distinguished by her devotion to qiyam and siyam. This is a testament to the fact that these ranks are not achieved through familial relations or social status, but through the deeds that we do to elevate ourselves in the eyes of Allah.

      It is noteworthy that the exact location where we stand to pay our respects to the Prophet (Pbuh), Abu Bakr, and Umar (RA) is the same place where Hafsa (RA)'s home was located. This is the very home that was blessed and distinguished by Allah by having the Quran gathered within its walls. The fact that the scrolls, bones, and papers were gathered in her home was not a coincidence, but rather a result of her piety and dedication to her worship. Hafsa (RA)'s devotion to qiyam and siyam is a shining example of the deeds that the Prophet (Pbuh) taught us to elevate ourselves until the end of times.

 

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