36/3. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3951 — People Chose Aishah’s Day
When A Man Loves One Of His Wives More Than Another
Why People Brought Gifts on Aishah’s Day
Sunan an-Nasai : 3951
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3951
أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَبْدَةُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ كَانَ النَّاسُ يَتَحَرَّوْنَ بِهَدَايَاهُمْ يَوْمَ عَائِشَةَ يَبْتَغُونَ بِذَلِكَ مَرْضَاةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم .
A'isha Narrated from:
The people used to try to bring their gifts (to the Prophet) on 'Aishah's day, hoping thereby to earn the pleasure of the Messenger of Allah.
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3951In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 13English translation : Vol. 4, Book 36, Hadith 3403
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3951
This short hadith about gifts on Aishah’s day gives the reason people chose that time. Aishah said that they tried to bring their gifts on her day because they hoped to earn the pleasure of the Messenger of Allah. The wording describes the intention of the gift-givers and the timing they selected. It does not say that Aishah ordered them to do this, nor does it state that the Prophet told them to bring gifts only on her day. The action belonged to the people, who believed that this timing would please him. For readers studying the Prophet’s household, the hadith helps explain the concern found in nearby reports about gifts and fairness. On its own, however, it remains a concise statement: people watched for Aishah’s turn, brought their gifts then, and hoped for the Prophet’s pleasure.
What we learn from this hadith
- People intentionally timed their gifts for Aishah’s day.
- Their stated aim was to gain the pleasure of the Messenger of Allah.
- The report does not say Aishah instructed them to choose her day.
- A short narration can explain the motive behind a repeated social practice.
