Muslim polygamy, specifically polygyny (one man, multiple wives), is permitted in Islam under strict conditions, primarily from Quran 4:3, allowing up to four wives if a man can treat them with absolute justice and provide for them. While legal in some Muslim-majority countries, its practice varies widely, and it's often rare, with some men in Western countries practicing it through religious-only ceremonies.
Quranic basis & conditions
- Quran 4:3: Permits marrying two, three, or four wives, but strongly emphasizes justice and fairness; if justice is feared impossible, then only one wife should be married.
- Justice is Key: The core condition is the ability to treat all wives equitably in terms of financial support, housing, and time, which is a very high bar.
- Historical Context: Often seen as a solution to care for widows and orphans, particularly after battles like Uhud.
- Not Mandatory: Polygamy is allowed but not mandatory.
- Challenges: Jealousy is a natural part of human emotion for wives, but controlling it is seen as virtuous.
- Modern Practice: Common in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, less so in many Middle Eastern/North African countries, and practiced discreetly in the West (e.g., U.S., UK) through religious ceremonies, often outside civil law.
Common reasons cited (beyond historical context)
- To have more children (seen as a blessing).
- To provide a legitimate outlet for a man's needs when a wife is menstruating or postpartum.
In essence, Islamic polygamy is a regulated allowance, not a blanket permission, focusing heavily on the man's responsibility and ability to maintain complete fairness among multiple spouses, with a strong emphasis on justice and the welfare of women and children.
Prophet Muhammad was married to a total of 11 women throughout his life, and they are honored with the title "Mothers of the Believers" (Umm al-Muminin). All but one of his marriages were contracted after the Hijra (migration to Medina) in 622 CE.
Wives of Prophet Muhammad
1. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: She was the Prophet's first wife, a wealthy businesswoman who proposed to him. They were married for 25 years, and she was his only wife until her death. All his children, except one son, were with her.
2. Sawdah bint Zam'ah: A widow whose husband died after they both migrated to Abyssinia. The Prophet married her to protect her and provide a home for her and her children.
3. Aishah bint Abi Bakr: The daughter of his closest companion, Abu Bakr. She was the only virgin he married (6 years old, consummated at 9 years old), and she became a vital source of Islamic knowledge, narrating over 2,000 hadiths.
4. Hafsah bint Umar: The daughter of Umar ibn al-Khattab, another close companion. She was a widow whose husband was martyred at the Battle of Badr. She was known for her piety and was the custodian of the first complete manuscript of the Quran.
5. Zaynab bint Khuzaymah: Nicknamed "Umm al-Masakeen" (Mother of the Poor) due to her great charity. She was a widow who died only a few months after marrying the Prophet.
6. Umm Salamah (Hind bint Abi Umayyah): A widow with several young children whom the Prophet married to provide for and protect her family. She was known for her intelligence and contributed to the shaping of the Sunnah.
7. Zaynab bint Jahsh: She was the Prophet's paternal cousin and previously married to his adopted son, Zayd ibn Harithah. Their marriage, by divine instruction, served to abolish the pre-Islamic custom that an adopted son was considered the same as a biological son.
8. Juwayriyah bint al-Harith: She became a Muslim after being taken prisoner in battle. The Prophet freed her and married her, which led to her entire tribe being freed by the companions out of respect for the Prophet's new in-laws.
9. Umm Habibah (Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan): The daughter of Abu Sufyan, a leader of the opposing Meccan forces at the time. She became a Muslim and migrated to Abyssinia with her first husband, who then converted to Christianity and died there. The Prophet married her to protect her faith and family ties.
10. Safiyyah bint Huyayy: She was from a Jewish tribe and was taken captive during the battle of Khaybar. The Prophet set her free and married her, with her manumission as her dowry.
11. Maymunah bint al-Harith: The last woman the Prophet married. This marriage helped establish kinship ties with the Banu Makhzum tribe.
Statuses of two other women, Rayhanah bint Zayd and Maria al-Qibtiyya (a consort who bore him a son, Ibrahim), are sometimes disputed as being wives or concubines.
The Prophet Muhammad died leaving nine wives as widows. They were called the "Mothers of the Believers" and were forbidden to marry other men after his death.
"SAW" (or S.A.W.) is an Islamic honorific meaning "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam" (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him/her), used after the Prophet Muhammad's name to show reverence, while "SAWS" (Peace be upon him/them) is also used for other prophets. When people mention "SAW's wives," they refer to the honored spouses of the Prophet Muhammad, often called the "Mothers of the Believers," like Khadijah, Aisha, Sawdah, etc., who are remembered for their faith and support.
The Prophet Mohammad had 11 wives and capped polygamy for all the Muslim dudes after him at 4 wives max!
Mohammad on breaking oath and having sex with a slave. https://youtube.com/shorts/9h4R9agl7gc?si=K9Fq_sD1lrqwOXf_
No comments:
Post a Comment