Umaima Asma al-Jawniyya/Jauniyya was a widow (also described as imra'a meaning an adult woman). Her father had offered her hand to the Prophet, prior to her arrival in Medina, declaring that she was inclined towards him. The dower was agreed upon with the prophet according to ibn Saad. The short marriage ended in divorce following her refusal to approach the prophet intimately, due to her prejudice that
“Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?”
This woman from the aristocracy in addition was constantly accompanied by her dayah/mid-wife who was now her hadinah/governess. The prophet was no king although he could have opted for a lavish lifestyle without it diminishing an iota of his truthfulness as an envoy from God. But he chose otherwise and this reflected in the simple lifestyle within his household even at a time when the community had conquered the rich agricultural lands of Khaybar.
Being the daughter of the tribal chief, she was not prepared to forego her material benefits in exchange of a life of spirituality and austerity. The noble prophet did not stigmatize her for her choice, neither did he coerce her into intimacy despite having formalized the union. He gently let her go to her family, courteously gifting her with 2 clothes
33:28-9"say to your wives: If you desire this world´s life and its adornment, then come, I will give you a provision and allow you to depart a goodly departing".
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