Chapter: The meaning of the cancelling of the engagement.

"When Hafsa became a widow," `Umar said, "I met Abu Bakr and said to him, 'If you wish I will marry Hafsa bint `Umar to you.' I waited for a few days then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked for her hand. Later Abu Bakr met me and said, 'Nothing stopped me from returning to you concerning your offer except that I knew that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had mentioned (his wish to marry) her, and I could never let out the secret of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). If he had left her, I would have accepted her.' "