The honey incident and the Prophet's oath
1–5
As narrated from Aisha in Bukhari, the Prophet used to drink honey at the home of Zaynab bint Jahsh and stay there a while. Aisha and Hafsa agreed between themselves that whichever of them he visited would say, “Have you eaten maghafir? I smell maghafir on you.” The Prophet, who disliked any unpleasant odor being found on him, swore, “I drank honey at Zaynab's; I will never drink it again.” Thereupon the verses were revealed: “O Prophet, why do you forbid what Allah has made lawful to you, seeking the pleasure of your wives?” Some reports state that the opening of the sura concerned Mariya, but the honey report in Bukhari is preferred.
Buhârî 4912, 5267; Müslim 1474
Revelation context of the surah
Surah-wide
Surah at-Tahrim is Medinan. According to reports in Bukhari and Muslim, its opening verses were revealed when the Prophet, to please some of his wives, forbade himself something lawful (in the predominant report, honey), and when a confidence he had entrusted to one of his wives was disclosed. The surah declares that oaths may be released through expiation, contains admonition and guidance addressed to the Prophet's household, and closes with examples of believing and disbelieving women.
Buhârî ve Müslim rivayetleri; Vâhidî, Esbâbü'n-Nüzûl