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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