Hazrat Zainab’s Nikaah to Abul Aas

Last updated on July 14th, 2024 at 03:30 pm

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) married Hazrat Zainab (Radhiyallahu anha) to Hazrat Abul Aas Bin Rabee’. Abul Aas was his kunyah (teknonym). His name, according to some, was Laqeet. Some have said ‘Zubair’ and others have mentioned ‘Hishaam’.

Hazrat Abul Aas (Radhiyallahu anhu) was the son of Haalah Bint Khuwailid, the sister of Hazrat Khadijah (Radhiyallahu anha). Thus, he was the cousin of Hazrat Zainab (Radhiyallahu anha).

In Makkah, Hazrat Abul Aas had a high position as far as wealth, business and honesty were concerned. Prior to Prophethood he also had a close relationship with Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Some Ulama have said that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had formed a brotherhood with him.

The nikaah of Hazrat Zainab (Radhiyallahu anha) took place in Makkah Mukarramah. At that time Hazrat Khadijah (Radhiyallahu anha) was still alive (and she escorted her daughter to the home of her husband).

Hazrat Abul Aas did not accept Islam in Makkah. He refused to accept Islam. However, he did not divorce Hazrat Zainab (Radhiyallahu anha) as the mushrikeen of Makkah wanted him to do. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had praised this action of his, saying: “Abul Aas has proved himself to be a wonderful son-in-law.”

These events took place at the beginning of Islam. At that time laws were not yet revealed. Thus, the question did not arise as to why a Muslim woman had stayed in marriage with a kaafir.

(Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Kee Saahbzaadiya)