The Prophet's Marriage to Hafsah bint Umar

After Hafsah bint Umar was widowed when her husband Khunays ibn Hudhafah died from wounds sustained at Badr, Umar sought a husband for her. He offered her in marriage to Uthman ibn Affan, who politely declined, and then to Abu Bakr, who remained silent. Umar was hurt by the rejections and complained to the Prophet, who said: 'Hafsah will marry one better than Uthman, and Uthman will marry one better than Hafsah.' The Prophet then married Hafsah himself, and Uthman married the Prophet's daughter Umm Kulthum. Abu Bakr later explained to Umar that he had remained silent because the Prophet had mentioned his intention to marry Hafsah, and Abu Bakr did not wish to reveal the Prophet's secret. Hafsah was known for her learning, devotion to fasting and prayer, and her literacy. After the Prophet's death, the master copy of the Quran compiled under Abu Bakr was entrusted to her care.