they are born. And undoubtedly, they utter evil and blatant lie; and Allah is indeed definitely pardoning, and most forgiving.^[1]

Other verses were also revealed in relation to this event. To summarise, by virtue of Khawlah bint Thaʿlabah’s prayer, the previous ruling of ẓihār was abrogated and a new one was revealed. Now, until the Day of Judgement, ẓihār does not amount to divorce, but it is still something very much disliked and considered a lie. Avoiding this is a must. If somebody deliberately or accidently does ẓihār, by saying his wife is like his mother to him, for example, he cannot go near his wife now. He must expiate and make up for this by freeing a slave. If he cannot do this, he must fast consecutively for two months. If he cannot do this, he must feed 60 poor people (masākīn) twice to their fill.^[2]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers, let us focus on this amazing incident which contains a lesson. Think about how much worry and pain Khawlah bint Thaʿlabah رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهَا was in at that time. Her parents had passed away. She herself had aged. Her children were very young. In such circumstances the issue of separating from her husband arose. Think of the sadness and worry in her heart.

It was in this state that she raised her hands and prayed to Allah Almighty. Due to her wholehearted request and sincere plea, Allah Almighty brought ease upon all Muslims until the Day of Judgement in the form of ẓihār no longer amounting to divorce. This shows us that a sincere plea can lead to accomplishing that which cannot be achieved any other way.