Analysis of Bukhari 3729 (The Proposed Marriage of ʿAli to the Daughter of Abu Jahl)

 

Analysis of Bukhari 3729 (The Proposed Marriage of ʿAli to the Daughter of Abu Jahl)

This hadith is one of the most discussed narrations regarding family ethics, polygamy, and the Prophet’s protection of Fatima. It involves Sayyiduna ʿAli (RA) proposing marriage to the daughter of Abu Jahl, while he was already married to Fatima (RA).

1. Summary of the Incident

·       ʿAli (RA) sought to marry another woman — the daughter of Abu Jahl.

·       Fatima (RA) became distressed by this news and went to the Prophet ﷺ.

·       The Prophet ﷺ publicly addressed the issue, saying:

o   Fatima is “a part of me” — her emotional well-being is tied to his.

o   He would not accept a situation where:

“The daughter of the Messenger of Allah and the daughter of the enemy of Allah are under one man.”

ʿAli (RA) then abandoned the proposed marriage.

2. The Real Issue: Emotional Harm to Fatima

The key line of the hadith:

“Fatima is a part of me, and I dislike that she be harmed.”

This shows:

·       The Prophet ﷺ intervened out of concern for emotional harm, not because the marriage was legally invalid.

·       Islam recognises emotional injury (ḍarar) as real harm.

·       The Prophet ﷺ used his position as father, not as law-giver, in this instance.

Many scholars say this ruling was specific to Fatima, because:

·       She had a unique status (“Sayyidah of the women of Paradise”).

·       The Prophet ﷺ wanted to protect her from distress.

·       A co-wife relationship with the daughter of the Prophet’s greatest enemy (Abu Jahl) would cause severe emotional pain.

This is not a general prohibition on polygamy; it is a specific, situational instruction motivated by compassion.

3. The Social Dimension: Symbolism Matters

The proposed second wife was:

·       The daughter of Abu Jahl — the Qurayshi leader who persecuted Muslims.

·       Symbolically, it would appear that:

o   the Prophet’s beloved daughter

o   and the daughter of Islam’s fiercest opponent

could be placed in the same household.

This was socially sensitive and would create unnecessary tension, rumours, and emotional strain.

The Prophet ﷺ sought to prevent:

·       Misunderstanding,

·       Pain for Fatima,

·       A symbolic insult to his household.

4. The Prophet’s Public Address

The Prophet ﷺ spoke publicly. Why?

Because the issue was already publicly known in Madinah.

Public rumours needed a public clarification.

His speech did not attack ʿAli (RA) but reaffirmed:

·       His love for Fatima,

·       His desire to protect his family,

·       His right as her father to advise his son-in-law.

5. ʿAli (RA)’s Response

ʿAli (RA) immediately abandoned the pursuit.

This shows his:

·       Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ,

·       Sensitivity toward Fatima’s feelings,

·       High moral character.

Scholars use this incident to demonstrate the nobility of ʿAli, not to criticise him.

6. Scholarly Interpretations

A. Majority View

The prohibition was specific to Fatima due to her unique status.

B. Secondary View

The Prophet ﷺ prohibited the marriage because it would cause harm, and causing ḍarar is forbidden.

C. Modern Scholarly Explanation

This hadith demonstrates:

·       The Prophet ﷺ’s concern for mental and emotional health,

·       That polygamy should not be used to cause harm,

·       That the husband must consider the wife’s wellbeing.

7. What This Hadith Teaches (Key Lessons)

1. Islam forbids emotional harm (ḍarar)

Even if an action is legally allowed.

2. Spouses must consider each other’s well-being

Polygamy is permitted, but not at the cost of injustice or emotional cruelty.

3. The Prophet ﷺ had exceptional love and care for Fatima

Protecting her honour and happiness was a priority.

4. Polygamy is regulated by ethics, not mere legality

Just because something is “allowed” does not mean it’s always “right.”

5. The Sahabah handled personal matters with humility and respect

ʿAli (RA) immediately stopped the proposal — a sign of great character.

Conclusion

Bukhari 3729 does not undermine polygamy; it highlights compassion.

The Prophet ﷺ intervened not because the marriage was unlawful, but because it would hurt Fatima emotionally and create symbolic tension in society. It demonstrates Islam’s emphasis on:

·       safeguarding family harmony,

·       preventing harm,

·       and balancing legal rights with emotional sensitivity.

This hadith is therefore a powerful example of Prophetic wisdom, compassion, and practical ethics in family life.

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Dr Shabir Choudhry

 Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: "Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people."