When the Holy Prophet (sas) made the claim of prophethood, Hazrat Zainab (ra) immediately accepted Islam. At that time her husband was on a business trip awayfrom Makkah. During his travel Hazrat Abul-‘Asra heard reports about the claim of the Holy Prophet (sas). This news was confirmed upon his return to Makkah when Hazrat Zainab (ra) told him that she had accepted Islam.
Hazrat Abul-‘Asra was bewildered by this information and asked, “O Zainab, did you not even think about what would happen if I did not accept the claim of the Holy Prophet (sas)?”
Hazrat Zainab (ra) replied, “How can I reject my father who is Sadiq (Truthful) and Amin (Trustworthy)? I swear by God, he is telling the truth. My mother and sisters, Hazrat ‘Alira son of Abu Talib, Abu Bakrra, Hazrat ‘Uthman (ra) bin ‘Affan from your tribe, and your cousin Hazrat Zubair (ra) bin Al-‘Awwam have all accepted Islam. I do not think that you will reject my father’s claim of prophethood.”
Hazrat Abul-‘Asra said, “I have no doubt about your father nor do I reject him. Indeed, nothing is more important to me than to be with you in your religion, but I am afraid that my people will accuse me of abandoning the religion of my ancestors for my wife’s sake.” Therefore he did not accept Islam.1 However, he was an honourable and affectionate person. The Holy Prophet (sas) often expressed appreciation for the excellent relationship between him and Hazrat Zainab (ra).
1 Azwaj-e-Mutahharat wa Sahabiyat Encyclopedia, Dr. Dhul-Fiqar Kazim, pp. 245-246, Published by Baitul-‘Ulum, Lahore