The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 265
VI - Rukhsatānah of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra and an Exposition of Her Age at the Time, the Issue of Polygamy and Two Fabricated Incidents 265 Meaning, “O our Lord! Grant us a portion of the good things of this world, as well as the blessings of the world to come. ” 1 The only thing which is implied in the above-mentioned Ḥadīth is that a person should not consider the acquisition of worldly comforts as being the actual purpose of his life. Furthermore, it also proves that the Holy Prophet sa had absolutely no personal interest in the comforts of this world, and as far as the comforts of the world were concerned, the life of the Holy Prophet sa was merely like that of a traveller. In this note relevant to polygamy, it would also not be out of place to mention that Islām is not alone in permitting the practice of polygamy. As a matter of fact, a majority of the world religions have permitted the practice of polygamy. For example, the Mosaic law grants this permission, 2 and many prophets from the Banū Isrā’īl practically acted upon this. 3 In the Hindu religion, polygamy has been permitted 4 and many holy men from among the Hindus had more than one wife. For example, Krishan Jī practiced polygamy. 5 Even to this day, Hindu kings and princes practice polygamy. Similarly, no statement of the Messiah of Nazareth has been related either, which speaks against the practice of polygamy, and since this practice was permitted by the Mosaic law, and practically as well, polygamy was prevalent during the time of the Messiah of Nazareth, it shall be inferred from his silence that he considered it lawful. Therefore, Islām has not introduced a novel practice. Albeit, what Islām did do was set limitations and attached such conditions to the practice that a beneficial and blessed system for the exceptional circumstances of individuals and nations was established. At the conclusion of this note, it is also necessary to mention that although opponents have levelled very grave allegations upon the marriages of the Holy Prophet sa and every individual has understood the issue of polygamy practiced by the Holy Prophet sa according to his own disposition and thoughts, 1 Al-Baqarah (2:202) 2 * Deuteronomy (21:15) * Kings I (11:3) 3 For example, refer to the lives of Ḥaḍrat Abraham, Ḥaḍrat Jacob, Ḥaḍrat David, Ḥaḍrat Solomon, and others (may peace be upon them) 4 Manusmriti Adhya’ai (9:121, 148, 181), Gīlānī Electric Press, Lahore 5 Shri Krishan, By Lālah Lājpat Rā’ai