Reference for the hadith regarding the malaaikah not coming close to a woman whose hair is not covered

Q: In one of your fatwa you mentioned a hadith... It is reported in the Ahaadith that a woman whose hair is not covered, the malaaikah do not come close to her.

I want a reference for this hadith. I can't find one.

A: On one occasion, Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, “If possible, then you should inform me when the angel comes to you again.” Hence, when Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) again arrived, then as promised, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed her of his arrival.

Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to come close to her. As Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came close to her, she removed her scarf, exposing the hair of her head. She then asked, “Are you still able to see Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) now?” When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied in the negative, she remarked, “Glad tidings unto you! By Allah Ta‘ala, really this is an angel that is coming to you. This is not Shaitaan (as angels do not remain in the place where a woman’s hair is exposed).” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #13935, Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah 3/16)

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)