Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Muhammad bin Sa’d narrates from his father that Sayyiduna ‘Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) sought permission to enter upon the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and at that time, some Qurayshi women were sitting with him. They were asking him questions, demanding in abundance, and expressing their demands in loud voices. When Sayyiduna ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) sought permission to enter, they quickly put on their veils. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave Sayyiduna ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) permission, and when he entered, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was smiling. He said: “O Messenger of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you, and may Allah always keep you smiling (but what is the reason for your smile)?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I am amazed at these women who were sitting with me. When they heard your voice, they quickly put on their veils.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah! You are more deserving that one should fear you.” Then he turned to those women and said: “Enemies of your own selves! Do you fear me and not the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)?” They said: “You are harsher and sterner than the Messenger of Allah.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Ibn Khattab! Enough. By Him in Whose hand is my soul! Whenever Shaytan sees you walking down a street, he turns into another street (out of fear of you).”