Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a famous narration from the Book of Divorce (Kitab At-Talaq) concerning the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a woman from the tribe of Banu Jaun, often referred to as al-Jauniyya. The Core Narrative
According to the Sunnah.com Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 entry, the Prophet (ﷺ) entered upon the woman in a garden called Ash-Shaut. He invited her to "gift" herself to him—a common expression for marriage at the time.
The woman responded by questioning if a princess would ever give herself to an "ordinary man" (meaning someone outside her immediate royal circle). When the Prophet (ﷺ) reached out to pat her to calm her down, she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you." Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately respected her plea and replied, "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge". He then instructed his companion, Abu Usaid, to provide her with two white linen dresses and return her to her family. Key Interpretations and Insights
Scholars and historians provide several layers of context to help understand this interaction:
Recognition of Consent: This hadith is often cited to demonstrate that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not force himself on anyone. The moment she expressed discomfort or sought refuge in Allah, he ceased the interaction and arranged for her safe return.
The Identity of the Woman: Most sources identify her as Umaima bint an-Nu’man ibn Sharahil. Some scholars, as noted by SeekersGuidance, suggest she may have been misled by others who were jealous or that she was mentally challenged, which explains her initial "rude" response regarding the Prophet's status.
Marriage vs. Gift: While the phrase "give me yourself as a gift" was used, Islamic law (based on this and other narrations) clarifies that the Prophet (ﷺ) was seeking a formal marriage.
Legal Implication (Divorce): Imam Bukhari placed this hadith in the Book of Divorce because the Prophet's instruction to "let her go back to her family" acted as a verbal separation or release from the marriage contract that had been initiated. Educational Context
This narration is part of larger studies on Prophetic Character and Fiqh of Marriage/Divorce. Many educators, such as those featured on YouTube, use this hadith to discuss the etiquette of social interactions and the sanctity of personal boundaries. The Book of Marriage (Sahih Al Bukhari) Class 55
alhamdulillah alhamdulillah thank you guys for joining me for another installment from our Thursday night sisters. class where we' YouTube·Shadeed Muhammad
Should a man tell his wife face to face that she is divorced
We went out with the Prophet (ﷺ) to a garden called Ash-Shaut till we reached two walls between which we sat down. The Prophet (ﷺ) sounah.com
The story of Sahih Bukhari 5255 follows a specific encounter in a garden involving the Prophet Muhammad and a woman named Umaima bint an-Nu'man (also known as ash-Shaun). The Setting at Ash-Shaut
The event takes place when the Prophet and his companions, including Abu Usaid, go out to a garden called
. They sit between two walls, and a woman is brought to a nearby house as his bride. The Encounter in the Garden According to the narration: The Approach : The Prophet enters the house to meet the woman. The Proposal
: He says to her, "Give yourself to me (in marriage) as a gift". The Rejection
: She responds boldly, "Can a queen give herself to a commoner?". The Reaction sahih bukhari 5255
: The Prophet reaches out his hand to pat her, reportedly to calm or reassure her. The Final Word : She then says, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". The Departure
: Respecting her refusal, the Prophet immediately stops and says, "You have sought refuge with the Great One; go back to your family".
The Prophet سپس tells Abu Usaid to provide her with two linen garments and to take her back to her kin. This hadith is often cited in the Book of Divorce
as it demonstrates a specific case of a marriage being dissolved or avoided immediately upon the woman's request for refuge. other narrations involving this specific woman or more details from the Book of Divorce
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a famous narration from the "Book of Divorce" (Kitab al-Talaq) that recounts a brief and distinctive encounter between the Prophet Muhammad and a woman known as al-Jauniyya (a lady from the tribe of Bani Jaun).
This hadith is often discussed by scholars to illustrate principles of consent, dignity, and the legal framework of divorce in Islam. The Narrative
As recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet and his companions traveled to a garden called Ash-Shaut. A woman from the Bani Jaun tribe had been brought there to be married to him.
When the Prophet entered her room and invited her to "give herself" to him (a formal proposal of marriage), her reaction was unexpectedly sharp:
The Response: She replied, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?".
The Prophet's Gesture: He reached out his hand to pat her, intended as a gesture of tranquility to calm her.
The Refusal: She recoiled, stating, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". Key Insights and Scholarly Context 1. Immediate Respect for Personal Boundaries
The most striking aspect of this hadith is the Prophet’s immediate reaction to her refusal. Rather than insisting or taking offense, he replied: "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge". He immediately left the room and instructed his companions to provide her with two white linen dresses and return her safely to her family. Scholars from platforms like SeekersGuidance highlight this as a foundational example of honoring a woman's refusal and granting a divorce (or annulment) instantly upon her request. 2. Social Background: The "Princess" Label
Commentators note that her question—"Can a princess marry an ordinary man?"—reflected her high tribal status and perhaps a lack of awareness of the Prophet’s unique spiritual rank. Some narrations suggest she may have been misled or pressured by others' jealousy to use that specific phrase ("I seek refuge with Allah") to appear aloof, not fully realizing it would lead to an immediate end to the marriage. 3. Legal Implications in the "Book of Divorce"
The inclusion of this hadith in the chapter titled "Whoever divorced (his wife), and should a man tell his wife face to face that she is divorced" is significant. It establishes that: A marriage can be terminated verbally and directly.
The husband should provide parting gifts (the white linen dresses) and ensure the woman's safe return to her kin, fulfilling the Quranic command to "release them with kindness". 4. Summary Table of the Encounter Element Location Ash-Shaut Garden Subject Al-Jauniyya (daughter of Al-Jaun) Key Phrase "I seek refuge with Allah from you" Outcome Immediate divorce and return to family with gifts
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 - Divorce - كتاب الطلاق - Sunnah.com Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a famous narration from
Reality: The Quran gives a scale of actions (advice, separation, then a symbolic gesture). The Prophet’s example shows that the highest rank is to never reach that third level. There is no contradiction; the Quran provides a limit, and the Prophet provides the ideal.
In the 21st century, this hadith is a cornerstone for:
The litmus test is simple: Do you have objective, external evidence? If not, your jealousy is a sin, not a virtue.
Abdullah ibn Umar—who narrated this hadith—was known for his strictness. Yet even he acted upon this teaching. Once, a man came to him complaining about his wife speaking to her cousin. Ibn Umar asked: “Did you see anything impermissible?” The man said no. Ibn Umar replied: “Then your jealousy is baseless, and that is hated.”
Similarly, many early scholars used Sahih Bukhari 5255 to argue against a husband isolating his wife from her family or preventing her from visiting her parents unless there was genuine, visible harm.
Notably, the hadith does not mention children. Some scholars argue that light, non-harming taps for a child’s discipline (e.g., for missing prayer at age 10) are permissible, following other narrations. However, the overarching principle is mercy.
The keyword "Sahih Bukhari 5255" is far more than a reference for hadith students. It is a lighthouse in the storm of marital and social discord. In an age where domestic violence is rampant globally, this prophetic tradition stands as an unyielding barrier against cruelty.
Imam Bukhari placed this narration intentionally in his chapters on retaliation and punishments—not to permit them at home, but to define their limits. The Prophet of Islam did not need to raise his hand to be obeyed. He was obeyed because he loved, and he was followed because he forgave.
May this analysis of Sahih Bukhari 5255 inspire readers to embody the prophetic mercy in their own hands and hearts.
References: Sahih Bukhari, Book 78 (Oaths and Vows), Hadith 5255 (according to some numbering systems; in the classic Fath al-Bari, it is Book 78, Hadith 128). All translations are from the original Arabic via trusted sources (Sunnah.com, USC-MSA).
Sahih Bukhari 5255: Analysis of the Hadith of Jauniyya Sahih Bukhari 5255 is an authentic report recorded in the Sahih al-Bukhari under the Book of Divorce (Kitab al-Talaq). It documents an encounter between Prophet Muhammad and a woman from the tribe of Bani Jaun, often referred to as Al-Jauniyya. 1. Narrated Text and Context
The hadith is narrated by Abu Usaid, who accompanied the Prophet to a garden called Ash-Shaut.
The Setting: The woman, identified as the daughter of Nu'man bin Sharahil (or Umaima bint An-Nu'man), was brought to a house in a date-palm garden.
The Interaction: When the Prophet approached her and said, "Give me yourself (in marriage) as a gift," she responded with a question about her status: "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?".
The Climax: As the Prophet moved his hand toward her to calm her, she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you." He immediately respected her request, stating, "You have sought refuge with One Who gives refuge," and ordered Abu Usaid to provide her with two white linen dresses and return her to her family. 2. Scholarly Interpretations and Insights
Islamic scholars, such as those from SeekersGuidance and ICRAA, provide several perspectives to contextualize the woman's response: References: Sahih Bukhari
The "Princess" Remark: Her question about a princess marrying an "ordinary man" is interpreted by some as a sign of her pride or lack of awareness regarding the Prophet's status.
Mental State: Some traditions suggest she may have been mentally challenged or confused at the time of the meeting.
External Influence: Other reports indicate that some of the Prophet's other wives may have playfully or mischievously advised her to say that phrase as a way to gain his favor, not realizing it would lead to her dismissal.
Legal Implication: The Prophet's immediate withdrawal and instruction to return her to her family is cited as a demonstration of the Islamic principle that a marriage cannot proceed without the woman's willing consent. 3. Structural Significance in Sahih Bukhari
Imam Bukhari placed this hadith in the chapter titled: "Should a man tell his wife face to face that she is divorced".
Divorce Protocol: The hadith serves as a primary source for the ruling that a man may explicitly declare a divorce or separation directly to the woman.
Categorization: Although the encounter describes a failed proposal or an unconsummated marriage, it is categorized under divorce because the Prophet’s command to "let her go back to her family" acted as a legal dissolution of their potential or initial tie. 4. Comparison with Related Reports
Similar themes of marital etiquette and specific legal procedures are found in nearby narrations in Sahih Bukhari:
Sahih Bukhari 5258: Discusses the legality of divorcing a wife during her menstrual period, emphasizing proper timing and procedure.
Sahih Bukhari 5254: Often cross-referenced, it provides more detail on the lineage of the woman (Umaima bint An-Nu'man) and the specific location of the garden.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5255 is a notable hadith found in the Book of Divorce Kitab al-Talaq
). It details an encounter between Prophet Muhammad and a woman from the tribe of Banu Jaun, often referred to as al-Jauniyya Summary of the Hadith
The narration (found in full in sources) describes the Prophet meeting a woman known as al-Jauniyya, who had been brought to him. When the Prophet requested, "Give me yourself (in marriage) as a gift," she responded, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?" Upon her seeking refuge in Allah, the Prophet immediately respected her wish, instructing that she be given two white linen dresses and sent back to her family. www.prophetmuhammad.com Key Context & Scholarly Insights Identified as Umaima bint al-Nu'man or Asma bint al-Nu'man.
While often framed as a proposal, some scholars suggest the marriage was already contracted but not consummated. Her refusal led to an immediate, respectful separation. Significance:
Scholars interpret the incident, specifically the Prophet's swift compliance with her request to seek refuge, as a clear precedent against forced marriage and a demonstration of respect for a woman's agency. Reference Details Sahih al-Bukhari , Book 68 (Book of Divorce), Chapter 69.
I can certainly help you find or understand Sahih Bukhari 5255, but it's important to clarify a key point:
There is no single "proper paper" (scholarly journal article) dedicated entirely to Hadith 5255 alone — because in academic Islamic studies, papers are typically written on themes, chapters (Abwab), or legal questions, not individual hadith numbers.
However, Sahih Bukhari 5255 is a famous and significant narration. Let me break it down for you so you can locate academic discussions of it.
