The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 242
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 242 Marriage for a prophet, a law-bearing prophet at that, is especially necessary, not only that he may set a model of superior domestic relations before his community, but also that his wives may facilitate the teaching of religious injunctions. The skill, by which a woman can perform the demonstration and education of affairs relevant to women, cannot be done by a man in the same way. As a matter of fact, if there is no hindrance, a prophet should, as far as possible, marry more than once, so that the task of preaching and educating can be further facilitated. Therefore, we see that a majority of the earlier prophets (on whom be peace), practised polygamy. A majority of the prophets of the Banī Isrā’īl were those who had more than one wife. 1 It is strange that Christians accuse the Holy Prophet sa and Muslims on account of this issue, but they do not stop to cast a glance at their own holy men, who they believe to be the intimate and chosen messengers of God. Similarly, the prophets of other nations also practised polygamy. 2 Therefore, it is the custom of prophets (on whom be peace) to marry, and if possible, more than once. For this reason, after the demise of Ḥaḍrat Khadījah ra , considering his office of prophethood, the prompt thought of a second marriage was a natural instinct for the Holy Prophet sa. However, in such circumstances, the selection of a wife is not an easy undertaking for a prophet, for many things must be observed, and many perspectives considered. Therefore, the Holy Prophet sa prayed to Allāh the Exalted, that He may be a guide and leader in this matter. Thus, Allāh the Exalted accepted the prayer of the Holy Prophet sa , and informed him of His selection through a dream. Hence, it is mentioned in Ḥadīth that during these days, the Holy Prophet sa saw a dream in which Gabriel as came before him, presented him with a green silk handkerchief, and said, “This is your wife, in this world and in the hereafter. ” When the Holy Prophet sa looked at this handkerchief, upon it was the picture of ‘ Ā’ishah ra bint Abū Bakr ra. 3 Shortly thereafter, Khaulah bint Ḥakīm ra , the wife of ‘ Uthmān bin Maẓ‘ūn ra presented herself before the Holy Prophet sa and said, “O Messenger of Allāh, why do you not marry?” “Whom shall I marry?” responded the Holy Prophet sa. She responded, “If you wish there is an unmarried girl and a widow as well. ” The Holy Prophet sa inquired, “Who?” Khaulah ra responded, “The unmarried 1 For example, study the lives of Abraham as , Isaac as , Jacob as , Moses as , David as and Solomon as ( Author) 2 For example, study the lives of Krishna as , Rāmchandar Jī as , etc. (Author) 3 * Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābu Manāqibil-Anṣar, Bābu Tazwījin-Nabiyyi sa ‘Ā’ishata. . . . . . , Ḥadīth No. 3895 * Usdul-Ghābah, Volume 6, p. 193, Dhikru ‘Ā’ishata binti Abī Bakriṣ-Ṣiddīq ra , Dārul-Fikr, Beirut (2003)