The episode demonstrates the gracious conduct of the Prophet’s wives—may Allah be pleased with them all—and how they preferred what he loved over their own preferences. Once they realised his wish to remain in ʿĀʾishah’s house, they voluntarily surrendered their right so that he could be nursed there.

It also highlights the special merit of ʿĀʾishah—may Allah be pleased with her. Had she not excelled in companionship, gentle service, and noble character, he would not have desired to stay specifically with her.
• In the two Ṣaḥīḥs Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The superiority of ʿĀʾishah over all other women is like the superiority of tharid (bread soaked in broth) over all other foods.”
• Likewise, both Ṣaḥīḥs relate from ʿĀʾishah that the Prophet ﷺ once said to her, “O ʿĀʾishah, this is Gabriel conveying greetings to you.” She replied, “And upon him be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.”

A person is allowed to hint at his wish to someone from whom he hopes that wish will be fulfilled. Such indirect speech from the Prophet ﷺ is not deemed unbecoming, for his wives were well aware of his manner.

It is preferable for a person to choose the better course even when it is not obligatory. Apportioning nights among his wives was not required of the Prophet ﷺ, yet he still observed it—even in the hardship of his final illness.

Scholars have differed over whether that apportionment was obligatory for him. The stronger opinion is that it was not, based on the verse: “You may defer whomever you will of them and draw to yourself whomever you will; and there is no blame upon you if you seek any of those you had set aside” (Al-Aḥzāb 33:51). Nevertheless, despite this divine concession, the Prophet ﷺ continued to treat them with perfect justice in the division that Allah enabled him to maintain. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.