Volume 8, Book 74, Number 257:
Narrated ‘Aisha:
(the wife of the Prophet) ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab used to say to Allah’s Apostle “Let your wives be
veiled” But he did not do so. The wives of the Prophet used to go out to answer the call of nature at
night only at Al-Manasi.’ Once Sauda, the daughter of Zam’a went out and she was a tall woman.
‘Umar bin Al-Khattab saw her while he was in a gathering, and said, “I have recognized you, O
Sauda!” He (‘Umar) said so as he was anxious for some Divine orders regarding the veil (the veiling
of women.) So Allah revealed the Verse of veiling. (Al-Hijab; a complete body cover excluding the
eyes). (See Hadith No. 148, Vol. 1)