When the Prophet's Wife Felt Jealous

One day, Halah binti Khuwailid, the sister of Khadijah binti Khuwailid, asked permission to visit the Prophet Muhammad. Upon hearing her voice, the Prophet, who was at home, was reminded of Khadijah.

He was startled and said, “O Allah, it is Halah!”

Seeing his reaction, Aisyah, as a woman, felt jealous. She remarked, “Why do you still remember that old woman with reddish gums who passed away long ago?”

Upon hearing Aisyah’s comment, the Prophet’s expression changed. Aisyah had never seen such a change in his face except when revelation descended.

The Prophet welcomed Halah binti Khuwailid warmly. His face brightened once more.

After the woman had left, Aisyah commented in his presence, “By Allah, you treated this old woman very differently. You have never treated anyone like this.”

The Prophet said, “She used to visit often when Khadijah was still alive. Do you not know that showing compassion is part of faith?”

He frequently remembered Khadijah. Sometimes he would slaughter a goat, cut it into pieces, and send them to Khadijah’s relatives. Aisyah even commented upon seeing this, “It is as if there is no woman in the world other than Khadijah.”

The Prophet answered her jealous remark, “She was extraordinary. Her contributions were immense. And I had children with her.”