Her First Marriage: Zayd ibn Haritha
The Prophet had proposed that Zaynab — of noble Qurayshi lineage — marry Zayd, his freed slave and adopted son. Zaynab and her brother were initially reluctant on account of social disparity; the Quranic verse 33:36 is understood to address their hesitation: “It is not for a believing man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should have any choice in their matter.” They acquiesced. The marriage was unhappy and ended in divorce.
The Marriage That Became a Verse
When Zayd divorced Zaynab, the Prophet received divine permission — and indeed, divine command — to marry her (33:37). The marriage was deeply significant in Islamic law: it demonstrated that Zayd was not a biological son, so his former wife was not forbidden to the Prophet. The Quran named Zayd directly in 33:37 — the only Companion named by name in a legal verse, specifically to ensure the ruling would be undeniable.
“So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you, in order that there not be upon believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need for them.” (33:37)
Her Character
Zaynab’s defining quality was generosity. A’isha is narrated to have said: “The one among us who would follow the Prophet most quickly was Zaynab, because of her generosity.” She worked leather with her own hands and gave the proceeds to the poor. Umar once sent her her portion from the public treasury; she immediately distributed it to the needy before keeping a single coin.
She died in 641 CE, the first of the Prophet’s wives to die after him.
See also: Sahaba, Seerah Zayd Ibn Harith, Ahl Al Bayt, Al Ahzab, Quran Sciences, Tafsir Overview