❖ The Reality Behind the Objections of Orientalists, Atheists, and Hadith Rejecters
Orientalists, atheists, and Hadith rejecters often cite the incident of Juwairiyah found in Sahih al-Bukhari as a means to attack the character of the Noble Prophet ﷺ. They misrepresent the incident to raise objections against Hadith and the Prophetic biography (Seerah). In this article, we present a detailed clarification of the narration and expose the reality of these objections.
❖ The Narration in Sahih al-Bukhari
In Sahih al-Bukhari, the narration is recorded as follows:
"Abu Nu'aym, 'Abdur Rahman ibn Ghaseel, Hamzah ibn Abi Usaid, and Abu Usaid narrate that we went out with the Prophet ﷺ to a garden known as Shout... The Prophet ﷺ said to her: 'Surrender yourself to me.' She replied: 'Can a princess surrender herself to a common man?'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Divorce, Hadith 5092)
This Hadith is brief and does not provide full details of the incident—something which critics exploit for propaganda against Hadith.
❖ Full Context of the Incident
◈ The Marriage Proposal
Hazrat Nu‘man ibn Abi Jun al-Kindi approached the Prophet ﷺ and offered his daughter, Ummaymah bint Nu‘man, in marriage. She was a widow and remarkably beautiful, and she herself wished to marry the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ accepted and contracted the marriage with a dowry of 500 dirhams.
(Tabaqat al-Kubra 8/114)
◈ Juwairiyah’s Arrival in Madinah
Abu Usaid (RA) brought Juwairiyah to Madinah. The women of Madinah, having heard of her beauty, gave her misleading advice: if she wanted to keep the Prophet ﷺ at a distance, she should say to him: "أعوذ بالله منك".
(Tabaqat al-Kubra 8/114)
◈ Result of the Misguidance
When the Prophet ﷺ approached her, she said: "I seek Allah’s protection from you."
The Prophet ﷺ replied: "You have sought protection from the One who grants protection."
He then respectfully gifted her two garments and sent her back to her family with full honor and dignity.
❖ The Prophet ﷺ’s Reaction
The Prophet ﷺ realized that this behavior stemmed from the deceit of others. Upon discovering the truth, he said:
"These women are like the women of Yusuf عليه السلام, and their deception is great."
(Tabaqat al-Kubra 8/114)
❖ Clarifying Key Terms and Misunderstandings
✦ Meaning of "هَبِي نَفْسَكِ"
The Prophet ﷺ’s words “Give yourself to me” were intended to comfort and incline her towards the marriage bond—not as a demand for a relationship without marriage or dowry.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar explains:
"These words were spoken to win her heart and offer her emotional ease."
(Fath al-Bari: 9/360)
✦ Misinterpretation of "سُوقَة"
Hadith rejecters often misinterpret the word “سوقة” as “vulgar” or “lowly person.” However, the accurate meaning is: “one who is not a king or ruler.”
(Lisan al-Arab: 10/166)
✦ Juwairiyah Did Not Recognize the Prophet ﷺ
Another narration in Sahih al-Bukhari indicates that the woman did not recognize the Prophet ﷺ.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Drinks, Hadith 5637)
❖ The Noble Character of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ neither forced her in any way nor acted improperly. Rather, he let her go with complete respect and generosity.
❖ Key Takeaways from the Incident
➊ A proper marriage between Juwairiyah and the Prophet ﷺ had already taken place.
➋ There is no trace of coercion or indecency in this incident.
➌ The word “سوقة” simply means someone who is not a ruler, not a derogatory term.
➍ Juwairiyah had been deceived by others, and the Prophet ﷺ showed forbearance and did not take offense at her misunderstanding.
❖ Reality of the Objections
Just as the Qur'an mentions the blasphemous words of idolaters and Jews against Allah’s messengers without considering them offensive within the Qur'anic context, this Hadith merely quotes the mistaken words of Juwairiyah that resulted from her misunderstanding. The intent is narrative, not approval.
❖ Conclusion
This incident is not contrary to the noble character of the Prophet ﷺ. In fact, it reflects his sublime character, patience, and honor. Hadith rejecters, driven by prejudice and ignorance, attempt to distort this narration, while the truth is entirely different from their portrayal.
