The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) had intercourse with Lady Mariyah al-Qibtiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) in the house of Lady Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) in her absence. When Lady Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) returned and expressed her displeasure, he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I have made her unlawful for myself, and do not tell anyone about this." Lady Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) informed Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), so Allah the Exalted revealed the verse: «يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ لِمَ تُحَرِّمُ مَا أَحَلَّ اللَّهُ لَكَ» . He (peace and blessings be upon him) was commanded to offer expiation and to return to his bondwoman.