Surah Al-Mujaadila (58) — Ayah 1

1. Allah has certainly heard the statement of the woman who was disputing with you (O Prophet) concerning her husband and was complaining to Allah. And Allah was hearing the conversation between both of you. Surely, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

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The Background of the Rulings on Zihar:

In the Age of Ignorance, it was customary that when a husband and wife quarreled, the husband, in a state of anger, would say to his wife: ﴿أنْتِ عَلَيَّ كَظَهْرِ أمِّي﴾ meaning, "You are to me like the back of my mother." This was considered a permanent divorce. It was not just an ordinary divorce, but was regarded as a severe form of divorce, after which there remained no possibility for the husband and wife to come together again. Regarding this absurd custom, Muslims had already been informed in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 4, that by performing zihar—declaring one's wife to be like the back of one's mother—she does not become his mother, nor has Allah made any such law. However, no detailed Shari'ah ruling had been given about this. Now, the incident occurred that an Ansari, Aws ibn Samit, and his wife, Khawla bint Tha'labah, had a quarrel, and in anger, Aws ibn Samit uttered the words of zihar. The commonly understood meaning between the two parties was that this was an eternal divorce. Later, both spouses deeply regretted it, and since they had children, the future of the children brought many dangers to the fore. Khawla bint Tha'labah came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked about the ruling. But since no clear ruling on zihar had yet been revealed, the Prophet ﷺ said, "I think you have become forbidden to him." At this, Khawla said to the Prophet ﷺ: "O Messenger of Allah! My husband did not utter the word of divorce. I spent my youth with him. Now, in old age, with whom will I spend my days? Also, I have children from Aws. If I give them up, they will become victims of neglect, and if I keep them with me, I cannot bear their expenses." She wept as she spoke and kept saying, "Please tell me a better solution," and also, "May Allah reveal a better decision for me." Allah heard her plea. Thus, Allah Almighty revealed the opening verses of this Surah. She was returning in her distress when the Prophet ﷺ called her back and recited these verses to her. In them, not only was the solution to her problem provided, but because of this woman, Allah Almighty abolished this evil custom for the future and bestowed mercy upon all of mankind. Thus, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) held this woman in great esteem. Once, during his caliphate, Sayyiduna Umar was passing by somewhere when the aforementioned Khawla called him on the way and began to speak to him. Sayyiduna Umar ؓ stood and listened to her attentively. Someone asked, "What is the matter that you are listening so attentively to this old woman and giving her so much importance?" Sayyiduna Umar replied: "This is the woman whose words Allah Almighty heard above the seven heavens. How could Umar dare not to pay attention to her words?"