The zihar case of Khawla bint Tha'laba
1–4
According to the reports, Khawla bint Tha'laba of the Ansar came to the Prophet when her husband Aws b. al-Samit pronounced zihar over her — the pre-Islamic formula “You are to me like my mother's back,” which counted as an irrevocable divorce — pleading her case and complaining to Allah. Aisha is reported to have said, “Praise be to Allah whose hearing encompasses all things; I could not catch some of Khawla's words though I was right beside her, yet Allah heard her complaint.” Thereupon the verses were revealed: “Allah has heard the words of she who disputes with you concerning her husband and complains to Allah”; zihar was declared not to be divorce, and an expiation was prescribed.
Ebû Dâvûd 2214; İbn Mâce 188; Vâhidî, Esbâbü'n-Nüzûl
Revelation context of the surah
Surah-wide
Surah al-Mujadila is Medinan, revealed after the Hijra, according to the prevailing view around years 5-6 AH. Its opening verses came down concerning Khawla bint Tha'laba, who pleaded with the Prophet after her husband Aws ibn al-Samit pronounced zihar against her, and they regulated the ruling on zihar. The rest of the surah addresses concerns of Medinan society such as secret conversations (najwa), the etiquette of gatherings, and relations with the hypocrites.
Vâhidî, Esbâbü'n-Nüzûl; Ebû Dâvûd ve İbn Mâce rivayetleri; klasik tefsir mukaddimeleri