536 - AL-AHZAB (Ayat# 36-40)
The marriage of Zainab bint Jahsh and Zayd ibn Harithah is a significant event in early Islamic history, addressing both religious rulings and prevailing societal customs. Initially, Zainab and her brother were not inclined towards marriage with Zayd, who, despite belonging to a noble lineage, had experienced enslavement, carrying a social stigma. However, this union occurred at the command of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This act challenged existing norms, as it was considered inappropriate for a free woman to marry a former slave. The Quranic verses revealed on this occasion emphasize that believers should not impose their will against divine decree. Following the completion of Zayd’s iddah (waiting period) after divorce, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was permitted by Allah to marry Zainab, establishing a new precedent and eliminating a jahili practice. This event aimed to abolish the custom of considering adopted sons as one’s own offspring and to demonstrate that Allah's commands supersede personal desires. The narrative also touches upon the birth of Ibrahim, the Prophet’s son from Mariah al-Qibtiyah, and highlights the continuation of prophethood through lineage.
