While marriage is a social responsibility of every individual, in a civilized culture, it is also an important factor in the formation of a coherent society. It has been a customary act ever since the start of human life on this earth when the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was sent down from the heavens. Marriage is a legal contract between a man and a woman, which forms the base of a family. Every religion promotes the lawful engagement between a male and a female by way of entering into a marriage. It has also been a part of the customs and traditions of every civilization since ancient times.
Before the advent of Islam, in the era of ignorance, there were hardly any rules and regulations about marriages in Arabian culture. The worst part of those marriages was that women were treated like objects instead of human beings. Every individual was free to get as many women as he could in his marriage. Similarly, he was free to divorce any of his wives as and when he would like.
Islam introduced a comprehensive set of rules and regulations for entering into a marriage while giving a prestigious status to women. The marriages of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ were the practical implementation and formulation of these laws.
Historical Background – Marriages of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ
Although multiple marriages were a routine practice and norm of Arab society, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ did not follow it. His first marriage was with Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. Despite being a normal practice of multiple marriages, the Prophet did not get a second marriage during the lifetime of Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. It was a period of around 25 years that he did not marry any other woman. This reflects the best example of living with a single marriage.
The first marriage of the Prophet was a source of moral support in the difficult times of his life. When he was given the status of Prophethood, it was his wife, Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا, who extended all the moral support to him. She played a key role in spreading the message of Islam during the early stages of his Prophethood. At the time of their marriage, the age of the Prophet was 25 years, whereas his wife was 40 years old. Despite the disparity in their ages, they lived a happy, loving, and cooperative life for around 25 years until the sad death of Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا in 619 CE, a couple of years before his migration to Medina. Thereafter, the Prophet married 10 more women, mostly after the migration to Medina.
Impact of the Marriages of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ
The Prophet married 11 women, including Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. But it was only after the death of Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ married for the second time. All the subsequent marriages of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ had a purpose and valid reason. Mainly, these marriages were aimed at following purposes:
- Most of the marriages were aimed at providing protection to divorced or widowed women while maintaining their dignity in society.
- These marriages were purposely done so that the believers may follow his sunnah and give a respectful status to the widowed, divorced, and aged women.
- It was also an example for the believers to patronize the orphaned children.
- Some of the Prophet’s marriages aimed to build a strong, friendly bond with different influential tribes, which would help gain support for spreading the message of Islam.
- One particular marriage was done for the practical implementation of a very important Islamic law about the status of adopted children.
- Another marriage of the Prophet was done for the emancipation of a female slave.
So, the multiple marriages of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ were not without a purpose, and in most cases, the desired results were successfully achieved.
Prohibition of Further Marriages of the Prophet
The practice and norms of multiple marriages in Arabian society were later restricted in Islamic teachings. The number of wives was restricted to four for the Muslims, as narrated in the 3rd verse of Surah Nisa:
Translation – If you fear you cannot be equitable to orphan girls (in your charge, or misuse their persons), then marry women who are lawful for you, two, three, or four; but if you fear you cannot treat so many with equity, marry only one, or a maid or captive. This is better than being iniquitous.
It was an important phase in the history of Islam. Anyone having more than four wives at the time of entering into Islam would have to keep only four wives and leave (divorce) the others. Many such examples are available in the traditions, such as Ghaylan ibn Salmah al Thaqafi, who had 10 wives and had to divorce 6 out of them while accepting Islam.
However, this rule was not applicable to the Prophet due to certain valid reasons. Since each of the marriages of the Prophet was done with a specific purpose, any divorce would have caused serious problems among the tribes. After the above-referred revelation, the Prophet was prohibited from marrying any woman other than the nine he had at that stage. The 52nd verse of Surah Al Ahzab narrates it as under:
Translation – No other women are lawful for you after this except those you have married, nor to change your present wives for other women even though their beauty should appeal to you. God is watchful of everything.
Hence, after the revelation of these verses, the Prophet neither divorced any of his existing wives nor married any other women and left nine widows at the time of his death.
Status of the Wives of the Prophet
The status of the wives/widows of the Prophet was determined in the Quran. They were given the status of “Ummul Momineen,” the “Mothers of the Believers,” as narrated in the first part of the 6th verse of Surah Al Ahzab:
Translation (relevant part) – The Prophet is closer to the faithful than they are themselves, and his wives are their mothers.
The last part of the 53rd verse of Surah Al Ahzab further narrates the status of the widows of the Prophet, restricting the Muslims from marrying his widows after him.
Translation (Relevant part) – It does not behoove you to annoy the Prophet of God or to ever marry his wives after him. This would indeed be serious in the sight of God.
Equal Behavior with Multiple Wives
The Quran also defined the right way of treating multiple wives with equality, as narrated in verses 128 and 129 of Surah An-Nisa:
Translation
- If a woman fears aversion from her husband or ill-treatment, there is no harm if they make a peaceful settlement, and peace is an excellent thing. But men keep self-interest uppermost. Yet if you do good and fear God, God is cognisant of all that you do.
- Howsoever you may try you will never be able to treat your wives equally. But do not incline (to one) exclusively and leave (the other) suspended (as it were). Yet if you do the right thing and are just, God is verily forgiving and kind.
The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ practically exhibited these ethics, with all of his wives, setting an example for the believers on how to deal with their wives.
Transmission of Hadiths by the Wives of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ
Another significant impact of the marriages of the Prophet is the transmission of his Sunnah and Hadiths by his wives. They were the immediate witness of the acts and dealings of the Prophet; hence were able to transmit it to the believers by way of narrating Hadiths. It is estimated that around 3000 Hadiths are narrated by different wives of the Prophet. The maximum number of Hadiths, around 2210 were narrated by Hazrat Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. Likewise, 378 Hadiths were narrated by Umme Salamah, another wife of the Prophet. The Hadiths narrated by the rest of the Prophet’s wives range between 11 to 65.
Marriages of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ
The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ had multiple marriages, which are detailed below:
Marriage to Khadija bint Khuwaylid رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
Khadija bint Khuwaylid رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا was a renowned merchant of Mecca. Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, during his early life, used to travel along with his uncle Abu Talib for trading. Khadija Bin Khuwaylid رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا engaged him to take her goods for trading on her behalf. At that stage, her age was around 40, whereas Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was a young man of 25 years age. He accepted her request for trading on her behalf.
The outcome of this trading trip was beyond the expectations of Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. She earned a handsome profit due to the trading skills of Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Impressed by his personality, trading skills and above all, his honesty, Khadija رَضِيَ رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا proposed him for marriage, which was accepted by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. This was the first marriage of the Prophet. Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا turned out to be a wise, cooperating, loving, and caring wife. She gave birth to six children: two sons and four daughters. Both sons, Qasim and Abdullah, died in the very early stages of their lives. The names of their four daughters are Zainab, Ruqayya, Umm Kulsum, and Fatima.
Apart from their own children, Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا bought and freed a slave, namely, Zayd Ibn Harithah, who later on, was adopted as a son by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
During their most successful married life, Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا continued to provide moral support to the Prophet, especially at the crucial stage, when he received the first divine revelation. This was a very sensitive time for the Prophet. At this important time, Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا helped him a lot. She encouraged him to accept the reality that he was chosen as a Prophet and Messenger of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. She was also the first to accept the message and enter into Islam.
She played a key role in the early days of preaching of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Over the years, the Message of Islam kept on spreading among the Meccans. As the message of Islam was spreading, the leaders of the Quraysh tribe saw it as a threat to their centuries-old authority. They started to oppose the Prophet and punish the newly converted Muslims, especially the poorer segment. At this stage, Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا extended her assistance to the Prophet and the oppressed new Muslims to come out of this difficult time.
The highlight of this successful marriage partnership is that, contrary to the prevailing norms, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ did not marry any other woman during the lifetime of Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. This successful marriage lasted for 25 years and ended with the demise of Hazrat Khadija in the year 620. This year is commonly referred to as the “year of sorrow” (Aam ul Huzn), as the Prophet not only lost his beloved wife but his most supportive uncle, Abu Talib, also passed away in the same year. The Prophet ultimately migrated to Medina in 622 CE.
Marriage to Sawda bint Zam’ah رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
Sawda bint Zam’ah accepted Islam and was subject to torture by the Quraysh. She was married to one of his cousins, As Sakran Ibn Amr, and had 5 children. They left Mecca during the second migration and settled in Abyssinia. Her husband expired during their stay in Abyssinia, and she had to return back to Mecca. But the father and brother of Sawda were non-believers. Both of them were known for their enmity with Islam and the Prophet. So, it was a grave concern for Sawda, as she would have to face the harsh treatment at the hands of her father and brother.
Meanwhile, Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, the beloved wife of the Prophet, had expired. It was suggested to him by some of his companions, especially Khawlah bint Hakim, that the Prophet should marry Sawda. In view of the sufferings of Sawda and the potential threat from her father and brother, the Prophet agreed to the suggestion and married Sawda to protect her. Sawada was 30 years old at that stage. It was second marriage of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. This marriage took place just before his migration to Medina.
There are some traditions where it is narrated that the Prophet wanted to divorce Sawda at some stage, but these are not considered authentic. Some other traditions report that the Prophet did not want to divorce her; rather, Sawda was afraid that it might happen. So, she requested the Prophet not to leave her, as she wanted to resurrect as his wife on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet agreed, and she remained his wife till his last breath.
Marriage to Aisha bint Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
The third marriage of the Prophet was with Aisha bint Abu Bakr. Some traditions narrate that this happened before his marriage with Sawda. However, the consensus of the majority of the Islamic commentators is that it was his third marriage, the second being that with Sawda.
Abu Bakar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ was the closest companion of the Prophet and an influential merchant of Mecca. He was also the first among the adults to accept Islam. His daughter Aisha was married to the Prophet at the age of 18 years, whereas some traditions narrate that her age then was 6 or 9 years. She was the only virgin woman, having married the Prophet. She was one of the most beloved wives of the Prophet. She was assigned a small room alongside the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid-e-Nabvi). All the wives of the Prophet were given a separate room near this mosque.
Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا was the surviving wife of the Prophet, who lived for almost 44 years after the death of the Prophet. So, she was the narrator of the highest number of Hadiths (2210) of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا is generally considered an authority on the personal and married life of the Prophet. Accordingly, many Hadiths on this subject matter are narrated by her. Additionally, she is also known for her knowledgeable contribution towards subjects like Hajj, marriages, inheritance, and Islamic eschatology. Overall, she is considered a wise and knowledgeable woman.
She was also involved in a controversial war with the fourth Rashidun Caliph, Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, commonly known as the “Battle of Camel,” in the year 656 CE (36 AH). The coalition forces led by her were defeated by the army of the Caliph, but she was safely and respectfully sent to Medina by the Calipha, Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ.
Marriage to Hafsa bint Umar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
The fourth marriage of the Prophet was with Hafsa, who was the daughter of Hazratr Umar Ibn Al Khattab رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, another close companion of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Hafsa was initially married to Khunais Ibn Hudaifa. He was martyred in the battle of Badr, leaving Hafsa a widowed woman. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ married her in 625 CE (3 AH).
According to some traditions, at some stage, rumors arose that the Prophet had separated himself from his wife Hafsa. Her father, Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, approached the Prophet and enquired about this rumor, which the Prophet rejected. Overall, it was another successful marriage of the Prophet.
Hafsa رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا also played a key role in the formal compilation of the Quran in book form. She was the custodian of the original version of the Quran, which she shared with the third Caliph Hazrat Uthman رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. It is also believed that she had memorized the entire Quran, which also helped in the formal compilation of the Quran.
Marriage to Zaynab bint Khuzayma رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
Zaynab was the daughter of Khuzayma and widow of Ubaydah ibn al-Harith, another martyr of the battle of Badr. She belonged to the Al-Muttalib tribe. The Prophet married her to safeguard her widowed life in the 4 AH.
She was a wise and compassionate lady known for her sympathetic dealings with the poor. She was known as the “mother of the Poor” (Ummul Masakeen). Unfortunately, she did not survive long. Just three months after her marriage, she got ill and expired. After Hazrat Khadija رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا, she was the second wife of the Prophet, who expired during his lifetime.
Marriage to Hind bint Abi Umayya (Umm Salama) رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
The sixth marriage of the Prophet was with Hind bint Abi Umayya. She is more commonly known as Umme Salama. She was the widow of Abu Salama, who was martyred in the battle of Uhud. Abu Salama was a cousin and foster brother of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. After the death of her husband, Umm Salama was left alone with her young children.
On the suggestion of some of his close companions, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ decided to marry her. Initially, she was reluctant to accept this offer due to specific reasons such as jealousy, old age, and young children. The Prophet, however, replied that he would pray to remove jealousy. Secondly, he told her that he, too, is old, and thirdly, he would treat her children just like his own. Eventually, she agreed, and the marriage occurred in late 4 AH.
Marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
Zaynab bint Jahsh was the seventh wife of the Prophet. She was the daughter of one of the paternal aunts of the Prophet and sister of Abdullah Ibn Jahsh. She was a widow. Her marriage to the Prophet is a significant event in the history of Islam, as it was associated with the implementation of very sensitive Islamic laws.
Zayd Ibn Haritha was the adopted son of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. He was a slave and was bought and set free by the first wife of the Prophet, who adopted him as his son. The Prophet married him to Zaynab Inb Jahsh. It was a practical example of marrying a woman of the upper class with a lower-class man, which was a new phenomenon at that stage. It set an Islamic law that all humans are equal, irrespective of their caste and creed. Unfortunately, this marriage could not last longer, and Zayd Ibn Haritha eventually divorced her.
By that time, Zayd used to be called Zayd Ibn Muhammad, being his adopted son. At this stage, a crucial Islamic law was revealed through the Quranic verses. It was established that there is no concept of adoption in Islam. The adopted sons were prohibited from affiliating the name of the foster father; instead, they were asked to use the name of their actual father. Verses 4 and 5 of Surah Al Ahzab explain this issue as under:
Translation
- has not provided two hearts in the breast of a man, nor made your wives, whom you pronounce “mothers” (in order to divorce them), your real mothers, nor has He made your adopted sons your real sons. This is only what your lips pronounce. God says what is just, and shows the right way.
- They by the names of their fathers. This is the right course in the sight of God. If you do not know their fathers, they are then your brothers in religion and your friends. It will not be a sin if you make a mistake unless you do so intentionally, for God is forgiving and kind.
So, Zayd changed his name accordingly and was thereafter called Zayd Ibn Haritha. After the divorce of Zaynab Ibn Jahsh, the Prophet was commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to marry her. In doing so, another very sensitive law was established in the Islamic Jurisprudence. The 37th verse of Surah Al Ahzab narrates this event as under:”
Translation – When you said to him who had been favoured by God and was favoured by you: “Keep your wife to yourself and fear God,” you were hiding something God was about to bring to light, for you had a fear of men, though you should fear God more. And when Zaid was through with her, We gave her to you in marriage, so that it may not remain a sin for the faithful (to marry) the wives of their adopted sons when they are through with them. God’s command is to be fulfilled.
In this way, Zaynab Ibn Jahsh became the seventh wife of the Prophet.
Marriage to Juwayriyah bint Al Harith رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
Juwayriyah bint Al Harith was the daughter of the Chief of a Jewish tribe, Banu Mustaliq. Muslims had a battle with this tribe, during which the husband of Juwayriyah was killed, and the Muslim fighters enslaved some two hundred Jewish families. Juwayriyah was also among the captives. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ got her emancipated and then married her. It was the eighth marriage of the Prophet. This marriage took place in the 5 AH.
The immediate impact of this marriage was the release of all the 200 families of the Jewish tribe Banu Mustaliq. The Muslims realized that after the marriage of Juwayriyah with the Prophet, these families were now the close relatives of the Prophet, so they started releasing them. This resulted in a very positive reaction, and the entire tribe of Banu Mustaliq embraced Islam.
Marriage to Saffiya bint Huyayy Ibn Akhtab رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
The 9th marriage of the Prophet was with Saffiya bint Huyayy Ibn Akhtab. She belonged to the Jewish tribe Banu Nadir. Her father, Huyayy Ibn Akhtab was killed during the battle of Trench. Her first marriage with Sallam Ibn Mishkam ended in a divorce. She was then married to Kenana Ibn Al Rabi, who was killed in the battle of Khyber.
Saffiya was among the captives of the Battle of Khyber. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ married her. It was the year 7 AH. She was given the option to go back to her tribe or marry the Prophet after accepting Islam. She accepted Islam and married the Prophet.
Despite being of Jewish origin, she developed cordial ties with the house of the Prophet, especially with his daughter Fatima رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا and with other wives of the Prophet such as Aisha and Hafsa رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُنَّ.
Marriage to Ramla bint Abu Sufyan (Umme Habiba) رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
Ramla bint Abu Sufyan, more commonly known as Umme Habiba was the 10th wife of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. She was the daughter of a notable leader of the Quraysh, Abu Sufyan. Abu Sufyan had led the forces against the Prophet and was involved in several wars with him.
She and her husband, Ubaydullah Ibn Jahsh, accepted Islam and subsequently migrated to Abyssinia. During their stay in Abyssinia, her husband converted to Christianity. So, Saffiya separated herself from Ubaydullah. Knowing all these happenings, the Prophet proposed to marry her, which she accepted. Her father, Abu Sufyan Ibn Herb, was not in favor of this marriage. However, after about one year, he also accepted Islam. This marriage was done in the 7 AH.
Marriage to Maymuna bint Al-Harith رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا
The eleventh marriage of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was with Maymuna bint Al-Harith, more commonly known as Barra. This event occurred when the Prophet visited Mecca after the treaty of Hudaybiya. During that visit, Maymuna, the sister-in-law of Abbas, a close companion of the Prophet, proposed to marry the Prophet, which he accepted.
After a short Mecca stay, the Prophet returned to Medina with Maymuna.
Traditions
In addition to the above-mentioned 11 marriages, it is reported in various traditions that two other women, namely, Reyhana bint Zayd and Mariya bint Shamoon Al-Qibtia, were also married to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. However, most Islamic commentators agree on the above-mentioned 11 marriages of the Prophet صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
