Disambiguating the Verse 37 of Surah Al-Ahzab,‎Based on the Textual and Sanad Criticism of Hadiths

Among the verses that have long been discussed among commentators is the verse 37 of Surah al-Alahzab, which refers to the story of Zayd’s separation from Zaynab bint Jahsh and then the Prophet’s (PBUH) marriage to her. Inaccurate approaches of some commentators, influenced by the fake narratives, made the Prophet’s (PBUH) love for Zaynab the main cause of Zayd and Zaynab’s divorce. Such misconceptions provide the basis for the enemies of Islam to make a romance out of it, to contaminate the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with it, and to question the infidelity and purity of the prophets. This study, with an analytical and critical approach, examines the documentary content of the narratives and evaluates the views of Shi’a and Sunni commentators. Findings show that because of opposition to the verses, weakness of the narrative, anxiety in the narrative context, existence of Israeli narrations, opposition to infallibility, etc., the approach of some interpreters is wrong. On the other hand, the indications available in the verse, the cause of the verse, the historical debates, and the correct traditions make it clear that the Prophet’s (PBUH) marriage to Zaynab has been at the command of God and with the aim of breaking an ignorant tradition regarding the prohibition of marriage with son-in-law’s divorced wife. Therefore, the Qur’anic phrase “and hide in your soul what God has shown” means that the Prophet (PBUH) concealed the decree of marrying Zaynab, revealed to him through revelation