Nasai

(1) The marriage of Hazrat Zaynab radi Allahu anha took place with Hazrat Zayd bin Harithah, but they could not get along. Eventually, the matter reached divorce. Hazrat Zayd radi Allahu anhu was the adopted (so-called, foster) son of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Prior to this, the ruling had already been revealed that an adopted son is not a real son, nor does he inherit. Allah Ta’ala intended to implement this ruling practically, so the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was commanded that if Zayd divorced her, then you should marry Zaynab, so that it would be practically clarified that an adopted son is not a real son, and it is permissible to marry the divorced wife of an adopted son. You (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) feared the reproach of the people, so you tried that Zayd would not divorce her, but who can avert the decision of Allah Ta’ala? Hazrat Zayd gave the divorce. When the waiting period (‘iddah) ended, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, by the command of Allah, sent a proposal of marriage to Hazrat Zaynab. She sought guidance (istikharah) from Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala revealed a verse in the Noble Qur’an that now, since the waiting period has ended, We have married you to her. Both were pleased with the pleasure of Allah. They became husband and wife.

(2) “Let me consult” does not mean that she did not wish to enter into the marriage with you (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). In fact, even before the first marriage, she desired to marry you. Her seeking guidance (istikharah) was either a psychological effect of the failure of the previous marriage, or she was hesitant on the basis of whether she would be able to fulfill the rights of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam properly or not.

(3) “The command of the Noble Qur’an was revealed,” and that is the verse in which the blessed name of Hazrat Zayd radi Allahu anhu is explicitly mentioned. The Divine statement is: ﴿فَلَمَّا قَضَى زَيْدٌ مِنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَاكَهَا﴾ (al-Ahzab: 33:37) In this virtue, no other companion shares with her. Radi Allahu anhu wa ardaah.

(4) Performing istikharah (seeking guidance) is recommended, even if the matter outwardly appears to be good.