Hazrat Sayyedah Khadijah — Page 30
30 The people of Makkah were against this marriage. They tried their utmost to persuade Abul‘Aas to divorce his wife and choose any of their daughters instead. In reply Abul‘Aas said, ‘I will not bear separation from my wife. Neither do I desire any other woman from amongst your daughters. ’ The Holy Prophet saw and Hazrat Khadijah ra appreciated his faithfulness to Zainab ra. The attachment between Abul‘Aas and his wife was mutual, for when the family of the Holy Prophet saw migrated to Madinah; Zainab ra remained behind at Makkah with her husband. Hazrat Khadijah ra died in the year 619 AD while her daughter Zainab ra was still living in Makkah. It so happened that Abul‘Aas took part in the Battle of Badr and fought against the Muslims. The Makkans were defeated and Abul‘Aas was taken prisoner along with many other Makkans. The Quraish sent men with money and other valuables to ransom their prisoners. Hazrat Zainab ra also sent some articles by way of ransom for her husband. These articles included a necklace, which Hazrat Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, had given to her daughter as part of her dowry. The Holy Prophet saw saw this necklace. It reminded him of his beloved wife Khadijah ra and he was overwhelmed with emotion. He said to his Companions, ‘I have no authority to give you any decision in this matter, however I know that this necklace is cher- ished by Zainab as a last memento of her deceased mother. I there- fore suggest that she should not be deprived of it and it may be returned to her. ’ The Companions agreed readily. As a condition of his freedom, however, the Holy Prophet saw said to Abul‘Aas to send Zainab ra to Madinah as soon as possible. Abul‘Aas promised to do so.