Abdur Rahman bin Sulayman narrates from his paternal aunt, Sakina bint Hantala: Imam Muhammad al-Baqir sought permission to enter my house, at a time when the waiting period (‘iddah) after my husband’s death had not yet passed. He said:“You are aware of my relationship with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), my relationship with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), and my status among the Arabs (I wish to marry you).”I said:“O Abu Ja‘far, may Allah forgive you, people benefit from your knowledge, and you are proposing marriage to me during my ‘iddah?”So Imam Muhammad al-Baqir said:“I have informed you of my relationship with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). When the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to Umm Salamah (to propose marriage to her), she was observing her ‘iddah after the death of Sayyiduna Abu Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘O Umm Salamah! You know that I am the Messenger of Allah and His chosen one, and you are aware of my status among my people.’ The words of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) marriage proposal were these (and I have used the same words).”