The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 248
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 248 themselves to sacrifice their passions for the acquisition of higher purposes. Islām is a practical religion and fulfills the lawful requirements of mankind. Furthermore, gratitude is due here that after centuries of stumbling, the Christian world is slowly but surely progressing towards Islāmic teachings. That day is not far when the entire world shall realize that the pure and complete teaching, which remained the target of allegations for centuries on account of religious prejudice and politics, is the only one which is capable of establishing the true foundation of peace by satisfying all of the lawful requirements of mankind. Alas! Opponents have falsely concluded, without consideration and contemplation, that the Islāmic issue of polygamy is (God-forbid) a pathway to pleasure and lust, opened by Islām for its followers. If the conditions with which Islām has permitted polygamy are closely analyzed, it becomes evidently apparent that for a true Muslim, a second marriage cannot be a means of pleasure and lust. Rather, in actuality, this is a sacrifice which must be made under special circumstances and requirements. If a Muslim breaks these conditions and marries more than once for the fulfillment of his pleasure and lust, this is his individual action, and cannot be considered Islāmic conduct. He commits a deed, just as the liberal people of other religions, who do not permit polygamy in any case, but incur dishonour upon themselves here and there through illicit intercourse, with their wife at home. In addition to this, it must not be forgotten that Islām has not commanded polygamy, in other words, it has not been declared obligatory that every Muslim must marry more than once. Instead, this is an exception, which has been made lawful in special circumstances. However, practically, a better part of the Muslims today suffice upon one marriage alone.