“Among the worst type of people in the sight of Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) on the Day of Judgment is a man who enjoys his wife’s intimate company, and she enjoys his intimate company, then one of them goes and discloses the secret of the other.” (Saheeh Muslim, 10/8.)
Talking about that which is private between a husband and wife is one of the most abhorrent ways of disclosing secrets. No one does such a thing but the worst type of people. There are some secrets the disclosure of which is not as bad as disclosing this secret, but in any case, telling secrets at all is disliked and unacceptable. Keeping secrets in itself is a worthy and virtuous deed, whilst disclosing them is a serious error and shortcoming.
The disclosure of a secret that the Prophet had entrusted to Hafsah, who told it to ‘Aa’ishah, led to the plotting and intrigue in his household that caused him to keep away from his wives for a whole month because he was so upset with them. The story of the Prophet’s keeping way from his wives is narrated by al-Al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others. Concerning this, the following verse was revealed, “When the Prophet disclosed a matter of confidence to one of his consorts, and she then divulged it [to another], and Allah made it known to him, he confirmed part thereof and repudiated a part. Then when he told her thereof, she said, ‘Who told you this?’ He said, ‘He told me Who knows and is well-acquainted [with all things].” (Qur’aan [[66]:3) The two women concerned are then confronted with their error, and called to repent, so that they might draw closer to Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) after having distanced themselves by their deed, otherwise Allah would be his (the Prophet’s) Protector, and Jibreel and the righteous believers would also support him, “If you two turn in repentance to Him, your hearts are indeed so inclined; but if you back up each other against him, truly Allah is his Protector, and Gabriel, and [every] righteous one among those who believe – and furthermore, the angels – will back [him] up.” (Qur’aan [66]:4)
Then they are issued with a stern warning and the terrifying prospect that if they persist in their error, they may lose the honor of being the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “It may be, if he divorced you [all], that Allah will give him in exchange Consorts better than you – who submit [their wills], who believe, who are devout, who turn to Allah in repentance, who worship [in humility], who travel [for Faith] and fast – previously married or virgins.” (Qur’aan [66]:5)
This incident presents a valuable lesson to the Muslim woman on the importance of keeping her husband’s secret, and the effect this confidentiality has on the stability of the individual and the home. One of the greatest blessings that Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) has bestowed on the Muslims in particular, and on mankind in general, is that he has made the public and private life of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) like an open book, in which can be read the teachings of this ‘Aqeedah and its practical application in real life. Nothing is secret or hidden; matters and events that people usually keep secret are discussed openly in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, even unavoidable human weaknesses. All of these issues are presented in order to teach people right from wrong.
The Sahaabah, may Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) be pleased with them, understood that the Prophet’s life was entirely devoted to Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa), aswell as His message. That is why they did not keep secret or conceal any aspect of his life. The stories that have been narrated about his life, his household and his wives represent a practical application of the words he preached, and for this reason, the Sahaabah (may Allah reward them with all good) transmitted the most precise details of his life, and did not fail to record any aspect of his daily life, whether it was major or minor. This is part of the way in which Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) caused the life of his Prophet to be preserved and recorded, including details of the precise way in which Islamic teachings were applied in his life. This is in addition to the Qur’aanic references to the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) life, which form a record that will remain until heaven and earth pass away.