THE WEDDINGS OF THE PROPHET (SALLALLAAHU 'ALAIHI WASALLAM)

"The Nabi (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) has a greater relationship with the Mu'mineen than even their own selves, and his wives are their mothers…" (33:6)

In one of his Duas, Nabi Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) asked:

"O our Rabb, send to them a messenger from among them who will recite Your verses to them, teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Without doubt, You are the Mighty, the Wise!" (2:129)

And further, Allah Ta‘ala says:

"It is He Who sent among the unlettered nation (the Arabs) a Rasul (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) from themselves who recites His Aayaat to them, purifies them and teaches them the Book and wisdom. Without doubt, they were in deviation before this." (62:2)

Three important points are mentioned in the above verses: recitation, teaching, and purification. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) referred to is none other than the final Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam). Therefore, the purpose of his Risaalat (Prophethood) is:

1. Tilawat – Recitation of the Qur’an.
2. Ta‘lim – Teaching the Qur’an.
3. Tazkiyah – The purification and reformation of the human being.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) taught and propagated Islam through both his words and actions. He was a perfect guide, whose teachings and practices were deeply interrelated – unlike other heads of state or leaders who were content only to issue orders.

If a human being – created by Allah Ta‘ala Himself – seeks to live in accordance with human dignity and true Insaaniyat (humanness), then they must necessarily follow the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam). Our objective is to live our lives according to the Divine commandments and the practices of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam). As stated in the Qur’an:

"Say: 'If you love Allah then follow me (Hadhrat Muhammad [Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam]), Allah will then love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful'." (3:31)

Thus, it is incumbent upon us, after declaring “Laa ilaaha illallaahu, Muhammad-ur-Rasulullah,” to submit to the commands of Allah and the principles of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam). There is no aspect of life that is not covered by the teachings of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam), which are absolutely perfect and free from error. In short, the perfect code – from conception to birth, from childhood to the grave, from rising to setting – was given to humanity through Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam).

In addition, he taught us everything: from Salah, the way to raise children, to how one should have relations with one’s wives, and even how to relieve oneself. All these principles of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) – from his statements, actions, and even his approvals – have now been compiled in the books of Ahaadith and Seerah.

It should be noted that no man in history has been the subject of such detailed documentation as Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam), the Seal of the Prophets. This is why we can confidently say, without exaggeration or bias, that he is the only person to whom all of humanity must turn to seek guidance on how to conduct themselves, live in this world, and discover the truth in order to attain eternal salvation in the Hereafter.

Every aspect of his life has been meticulously recorded – his public life, his home life, and his interactions with his wives and children. It is primarily through his wives that we have come to know about his private life. For instance:

1. Hadhrat Aswad (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) relates: I asked Hadhrat ‘Aisha (Radiyallahu ‘anha) what the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) used to do at home. She replied:
   “He used to join his wives in housework. And when the time for prayer came, he would go and pray.” (Bukhari)
2. Hadhrat ‘Aisha (Radiyallahu ‘anha) reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) would mend his shoes, sew his clothes, and perform household chores just as any ordinary person would. He would also patch his clothes, milk goats, and engage in various other forms of work. (Tirmizi)

In fact, who could be more qualified to teach us about the private life of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) than his wives? The marriages of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) were not merely personal matters but rather served to benefit the Deen. The reasons for his multiple marriages are often misunderstood, as explained below.

Why Did the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) Have So Many Wives?

The detractors of Islam have frequently targeted this aspect of the Prophet’s (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) life – who was the best creature that Allah Al Khaliq (the Creator), sent to this earth -, even going so far as to make vile accusations against him – Nau‘zubillah. Such individuals fail to comprehend the true purpose and mission of the Ambiyaa-e-Kiraam (Alaihimus Salaam), which was to purify and rectify individual, social, and national life.

The reasons behind the Prophet’s (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) multiple marriages were primarily:

For the Propagation of the Teaching of Deen

The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) never attempted to hide anything about himself. All the details of his life and personality were reported. His wife, Hadhrat ‘Aisha Siddiqah (Radiyallahu ‘anha), who was his close companion for nine years, said:

“Never believe anyone who says that Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) has hidden one of the commandments of Allah, for He Himself bears witness–  "The Rasul (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) has only to convey. Allah knows what you make known and what you hide." (5:99)

Like every human being, the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) had a social and family life. Therefore, his behaviour and practice at home with his family are extremely important and deserve to be transmitted and propagated to the Ummah, since he is our guide and model of conduct. Who is better qualified to learn and propagate his teachings than his wives who lived with him? No one else would be equal for such a task.

Let us contemplate for a moment the “Islamic wonders” accomplished by our Mothers (Radiyallahu ‘anhunna) – the noble wives of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam):

Hadhrat ‘Aisha (Radiyallahu ‘anha), the third wife of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam), reported approximately 2,210 traditions (Ahaadith) concerning the character (Akhlaaq) of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) and matters of Islamic law.

Hadhrat Masruq (Rahimahullah) said:

“I have seen many eminent companions coming to Hadhrat ‘Aisha (Radiyallahu ‘anha) to study Islamic jurisprudence.”

Indeed, she had around 200 students. When the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) departed from this world, she was only 18 years old. From that time until her final breath, she continued to propagate and teach the Deen. She passed away at the age of 66, in the month of Ramadhaan. Her riwaayaat, deep understanding of the Deen, and her Fataawa remain indisputable. This is why Hadhrat Abu Musa (Rahimahullah) said:

“With the help of Hadhrat ‘Aisha (Radiyallahu ‘anha), we always found a solution to every problem that we sought to resolve in the field of jurisprudence.”

As for Hadhrat Umm Salmah (Radiyallahu ‘anha), she narrated 378 Ahaadith. Hadhrat Allaamah Ibn-ul-Qayyim (Rahimahullah) stated:

“If we were to compile the Fataawa given by Hadhrat Umm Salmah (Radiyallahu ‘anha) after the passing of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam), we would have a substantial booklet.”

For the strengthening of the bond

Marriage has always been an effective means of strengthening relations between two families, two clans, or two tribes.

Hadhrat ‘Aisha (Radiyallahu ‘anha) and Hadhrat Hafsah (Radiyallahu ‘anha) were the daughters of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hadhrat ‘Umar (Radiyallahu ‘anhu), respectively. Due to the close relationship that existed between them and him, the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) married their respective daughters, thereby reinforcing ties with them through kinship.

For the same reason, he gave his daughters Ruqayyah (Radiyallahu ‘anha)—and after her passing, Hadhrat Umm Kulthoom (Radiyallahu ‘anha)—in marriage to Hadhrat ‘Uthmaan (Radiyallahu ‘anhu), and Hadhrat Faatimah (Radiyallahu ‘anha) to Hadhrat ‘Ali (Radiyallahu ‘anhu).

The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) married Hadhrat Saudah (Radiyallahu ‘anha), the widow of Hadhrat Sakraan ibn ‘Amr ibn ‘Abd Shams, in order to demonstrate to the Mujaahideen that if they were martyred (Shaheed) in the path of Allah, their wives and children would not be neglected. On the contrary, the community would take care of them. This reflected the wisdom and foresight of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam).

Thus, the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) did not marry multiple women with the intention of fulfilling carnal passions or sexual desires, as falsely alleged by Western Orientalists. Far from it!

Let us closely examine certain aspects of the life of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam). A person of intelligence and impartiality can never accept the accusations made by the enemies of Islam.

The early life of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) was marked by complete innocence, spent in Makkah. His reputation for integrity and virtue was firmly established in the city. He was admired and spoken of with deep respect as a trustworthy individual, and was rightfully given the title Al-Ameen (the trustworthy). His character was free from vanity and ambition.

He married Hadhrat Khadeejah (Radiyallahu ‘anha)—who at the time was 40 years old and had been widowed twice—at the age of 25, during the prime of his youth, manhood, and refinement. He remained with Khadeejah (Radiyallahu ‘anha) for 25 years (15 before Prophethood and 10 after), until he reached the age of 50. This was in a society where polygamy was common among his contemporaries. Yet, during those 25 years, not once did the idea of marrying another woman cross his mind.

Throughout his marriage to Khadeejah (Radiyallahu 'anha), as well as before marriage, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was never known to be attracted to feminine beauty or charms—especially in an era when women did not observe veiling and were visible in public. It is therefore unreasonable to suggest that, after the age of fifty, he would suddenly undergo a transformation and become a man of passion and lust. How absurd!

Let us reflect: Why did the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) marry several women only after the age of fifty—when it is natural for a person’s desires to be strongest in youth? Can we imagine a person spending all of his youth in worship, and then becoming overwhelmed by passion in old age? Truly strange!

Let it be noted that among all the wives of the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), only Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallahu 'anha) was a young, unmarried woman. The majority were widows and over 30 years of age.

The Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu 'anhum), both men and women, loved the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) so deeply that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for his sake. Indeed, his comfort and well-being were dearer to them than their own lives. Now, had the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) desired young and attractive women, would not the Muhaajireen and Ansaar have fulfilled his wish? If such had been his objective, he could have had as many women as he desired. Moreover, he possessed the capability. Let us judge for ourselves.

Hadhrat Qataadah (Radiyallahu 'anhu) narrates from Hadhrat Anas ibn Maalik (Radiyallahu 'anhu) who said:

“The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would visit all his wives—who numbered eleven (nine wives and two slave women)—in a single night.”

I (Qataadah) asked Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu 'anhu):

“Did the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) have the strength for such an act?”

He replied:

“We used to say that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was given the strength of thirty men.” (Bukhari)

In another narration, it is reported that he had the strength of forty men.

In Al-Hilyah, it is mentioned that the strength of forty men is what is granted to men of Jannah. Therefore, the Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) was endowed with the strength and capability of 3,000 or 4,000 men of this world, since the strength of one man of Jannah equals that of 100 men of this world. In light of the Qur’an and Hadith, a man in this world may marry only four wives.

Thus, the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) had the strength to be with 12,000 or 16,000 women of this world. SubhaanAllah! Yet despite this, he only married around eleven women.

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) did not come to satisfy his nafs; rather, his message was:

“I have been sent to perfect noble character.”

Thus, as a Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) acted only in accordance with the will of Allah Ta'ala.

If we accuse him of nafsaaniyyat, then why did he publicly announce the verse:

"After this, women are not permitted for you. It is also not permissible for you to take another woman in marriage in exchange of any wives, even though her beauty may appeal to you, unless she be your slave. Allah is Watchful over everything." (33:52)

This verse limits his marriages and, at the same time, clearly teaches us that all of his previous marriages had occurred by the approval of the Supreme Lord, Allah Ta'ala. Who can say better!

*passed away during the lifetime of the prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam)

THE PROPHET LEFT THIS WORLD ON THE 12 RABI'UL AWWAL, 11 H

HADHRAT 'IMRAN BIN HUSSAIN (RADIYALLAHU ANHU‎) NARRATES:

One day, the Prophet of Allah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) asked my father:

“Husain! How many deities have you worshipped today?”

My father replied:

“Seven – six on the earth and one in the heavens.”

The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) then asked him:

“Which of them do you trust the most and whom do you fear the most?”

Hadhrat Husain (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) replied:

“The One who is in the heavens.”

Upon this, the Prophet of Allah (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) said:

“Husain, if you accept Islam, I will teach you two expressions that will benefit you.”

When Husain (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted Islam, he came to the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) and said:

“O Messenger of Allah! Teach me the two expressions you promised me!”

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

اَللّٰهُمَّ أَلْهِمْنِيْ رُشْدِيْ وَأَعِذْنِيْ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِيْ

"O Allah! inspire me with guidance and protect me from the evil of my soul.." (Tirmizi)

[English version of "Les mariages du prophète (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam)" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 8]