What is the correct interpretation of the number of the Prophet's wives who were given the choice between staying or departing in Surat Al-Ahzab? Were they nine, as Ibn Kathir mentioned, including Zaynab bint Jahsh, or four? And how can one reconcile the inclusion of Zaynab bint Jahsh among the nine who were given the choice with Allah's command to His Prophet to marry her in subsequent verses?

The reason the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, gave his wives a choice was their request for a greater allowance. The choice was given in accordance with Allah's words: (O Prophet, say to your wives, "If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter, then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.")

The majority of exegetes believe that his nine wives were given the choice, and they chose Allah, His Messenger, and the Home of the Hereafter. Thus, Allah gathered for them the good of this world and the happiness of the Hereafter.

This choice occurred in the ninth year of the Hijra, after the conquest of Mecca and Ibn Abbas's arrival in Medina and witnessing the story. This confirms that it happened later than the revelation concerning the hijab (definition), which was in the fourth or fifth year.