Introduction
Introduction
All praise belongs to Allah, the Almighty. Peace and Salutations be upon the Seal of the Prophets, upon his progeny, Companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Reckoning.
The Ahlul Bayt (Family of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) have been granted a lofty rank and elevated status in the eyes of the Ahlus Sunnah wa l-Jama’ah in accordance with what Allah has decreed of loving them and honouring them. This is in keeping with the bequest of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, when he said, “I remind you (to be kind) to the members of my family.” In light of this, we dissociate ourselves from those who exaggerate with regards to only specific members of the Ahlul Bayt (ignoring the rest) and also from the Nawasib, who cause harm to them and harbour malice for the pure members of the Ahlul Bayt.
The Muslims in general, and in specific the Ahlus Sunnah, love the pure members of the Ahlul Bayt and consider it strictly forbidden to disparage, belittle, or harm them in any way, whether this be directed to the progeny of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam or his blessed wives.
We (Mabarrat al Al wa l Ashab) is pleased to present to you this discourse, from amongst its foremost publications, which will enrich the literary works already prepared on the legacy of the Pure Ahlul Bayt and noble Companions, instil love for them in the hearts of the Believers, and clarify a few of the misconceptions which may be lurking in the minds of some Muslims.
In as much as these pages highlight the distinguished status and virtue of the blessed wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam being the Ummahat al Mu’minin (Mothers of the Believers) as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an and Blessed Sunnah, it also makes mention of those verses and ahadith commending them and honouring them as part of the Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; thus awarding them a unique virtue.
The status of the Ummahat al Mu’minin
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
النَّبِيُّ أَوْلٰى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَ اَزْوَاجُهُ اُمَّهَاتُهُمْ
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers.[Surah al Ahzab: 6]
In essence the mothers of a believer are the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is his father[This parentage is allegorical on account of the hadith of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “I am to you (the believers) like a father.” Reported by Abu Dawood, Kitab al Taharah, Bab Karahiyat Istiqbal al Qiblah ‘inda Qada’ al Hajah, Hadith: 8.]. The Muhajirin and the Ansar are his brothers and those implied in the Qur’anic supplication:
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِيْنَ سَبَقُوْنَا بِالْإِيْمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِيْ قُلُوْبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِيْنَ آمَنُوْا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِيْمٌ
Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.[Surah al Hashr: 10]
This is the Household of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Anyone who disparages even one of the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam will be said to be void of iman because if he were a believer in the true sense of the word then he would never have disparaged the Mothers of the Believers; a son does not speak ill of his mother.
This motherhood is the same as biological motherhood as far as the rights of respect and honour are concerned, and also as a means of being proud of one’s ancestry. Can anyone boast of having a nobler mother than those whom the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam chose to be his spouses? In fact, they were selected by Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala Himself, as Allah says:
لَّا يَحِلُّ لَكَ النِّسَاءُ مِن بَعْدُ وَلَا أَنْ تَبَدَّلَ بِهِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِيْنُكَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رَّقِيْبًا
Not lawful to you, [O Muhammad], are [any additional] women after [this], nor [is it] for you to exchange them for [other] wives, even if their beauty were to please you, except what your right hand possesses. And ever is Allah , over all things, an Observer.[Surah al Ahzab: 52]
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala stated regarding Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh radiya Llahu ‘anha:
فَلَمَّا قَضٰى زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَاكَهَا لِكَيْ لَا يَكُوْنَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ حَرَجٌ فِيْ أَزْوَاجِ أَدْعِيَائِهِمْ إِذَا قَضَوْا مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا وَكَانَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ مَفْعُوْلًا
So when Zaid had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.[Surah al Ahzab: 37]
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala said regarding there superiority over the women of the world:
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ
O wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, you are not like anyone among women, if you fear Allah.[Surah al Ahzab: 32]
Such is their distinctiveness that Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has forbade any of the believers from ever marrying them just as it is prohibited for a son to marry his biological mother. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُؤْذُوْا رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَن تَنكِحُوْا أَزْوَاجَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ أَبَدًا إِنَّ ذٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيمًا
And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.[Surah al Ahzab: 53]
The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is harmed by any word or action that would hurt his wives, to such an extent that Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala even instructed the believers to only address them from behind a veil. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوْهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوْهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوْبِكُمْ وَقُلُوْبِهِنَّ وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَنْ تُؤْذُوْا رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ
And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah.[Surah al Ahzab: 53]
When this is the level of honour that has been accorded to the Ummahat al Mu’minin, what can be said about those who disparage them, curse them, and attribute to them that which does not befit their noble status? Shortly after the above mentioned verses, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّ ذٰلِكَ أَدْنٰى أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِيْمًا
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.[Surah al Ahzab: 59]
Then Allah issues a stern warning:
لَّئِن لَّمْ يَنتَهِ الْمُنَافِقُوْنَ وَالَّذِيْنَ فِيْ قُلُوْبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَالْمُرْجِفُوْنَ فِيْ الْمَدِيْنَةِ لَنُغْرِيَنَّكَ بِهِمْ ثُمَّ لَا يُجَاوِرُوْنَكَ فِيْهَا إِلَّا قَلِيْلًا
If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease and those who spread rumours in al Madinah do not cease, We will surely incite you against them; then they will not remain your neighbours therein except for a little.[Surah al Ahzab: 60]
Referring to the rumours these hypocrites were spreading concerning the marriage of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. She was previously the wife of his adopted son, Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhu, whose mention was made in the verses cited previously. This verse indicates that criticism of the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is amongst the traits of the hypocrites, and the Believers have been sternly warned from imitating them.
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has clarified in this surah that He will not accept any justification for slandering the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The one who does so abandons the Qur’an and Sunnah and instead follows the path of the whimsical and foolish, who they take as their masters and dignitaries. If he does not repent and dies in this condition:
يَوْمَ تُقَلَّبُ وُجُوْهُهُمْ فِي النَّارِ يَقُوْلُوْنَ يَا لَيْتَنَا أَطَعْنَا اللَّهَ وَأَطَعْنَا الرَّسُوْلَا وَقَالُوْا رَبَّنَا إِنَّا أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَاءَنَا فَأَضَلُّوْنَا السَّبِيْلَا
The Day their faces will be turned about in the Fire, they will say, “How we wish we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.” And they will say, “Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our masters and our dignitaries, and they led us astray from the [right] way.”[Surah al Ahzab: 66, 67]
Is attributing to them that which does not befit their noble status a meritorious deed? Or is it one of the most heinous crimes? Just imagine for moment—while you curse Aisha and Hafsah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma—that you are standing in front of the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and he is looking at you and listening to your words… how does it feel now? Imagine what the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would be thinking of you?
The Wives of the Prophet are the Most Superior of all Women
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ O wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, you are not like anyone among women, if you fear Allah.[Surah al Ahzab: 32]
In other words there are undeniably no women in this world superior to the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam on condition that they fear Allah. Thus, if it is established that they feared Allah then it would establish their superiority over all women throughout time, without exception. This is not something unfathomable when one considers that they are after all the wives of that Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam who is the most superior of all the Prophets and Messengers—in fact the best of all creation—and they were preferred by Allah and the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam over all other women in this world.
As for them fearing Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and possessing the quality of Taqwa, this too is proven from the Noble Book of Allah. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ إِن كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِيْنَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيْلًا وَإِنْ كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ وَالدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَاتِ مِنكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيْمًا
O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter—then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.”[Surah al Ahzab: 28, 29]
They chose Allah and His Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and abandoned the life of this world and its adornments. There is no other reason for them choosing Allah and His Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam—which meant patiently enduring the hardship and difficulty which accompanied the office of Nubuwwah—except firmness of faith and their fear of Allah. Since their decision to remain with the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was motivated by Taqwa they were honoured by Allah:
لَّا يَحِلُّ لَكَ النِّسَاءُ مِنْ بَعْدُ وَلَا أَنْ تَبَدَّلَ بِهِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ
Not lawful to you, [O Muhammad], are [any additional] women after [this], nor [is it] for you to exchange them for [other] wives, even if their beauty were to please you.[Surah al Ahzab: 52]
They were honoured in two ways in this verse:
The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was prohibited from taking another wife after them.
The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was prohibited from divorcing any one of them, in order to marry another.
The reason for this was so that they would be his wives for eternity; not only in this world but in the hereafter as well. This is also the reason why the Believers were prohibited from marrying them after his demise:
وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَنْ تُؤْذُوْا رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَنْ تَنْكِحُوْا أَزْوَاجَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ أَبَدًا ۚ إِنَّ ذٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيْمًا
And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.[Surah al Ahzab: 53]
And they were awarded the position of mothers to every believer:
النَّبِيُّ أَوْلٰى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَ اَزْوَاجُهُ اُمَّهَاتُهُمْ
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers.[Surah al Ahzab: 6]
Every person should ponder deeply over these points and recognise the noble status awarded to the Ummahat al Mu’minin.
The Wisdom behind the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam having Multiple Wives
The life of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam provides the perfect pattern for the believers as stated in the Glorious Qur’an:
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِيْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern. [Surah al Ahzab: 21.]
Moreover, his Sunnah is one of the significant sources of the Shari’ah.
The presence of individuals inside the pure home of Nubuwwah who will transmit his Sunnah was essential. This is one of the wisdoms behind the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam having multiple wives so that they may transmit the domestic, marital rulings, and etiquette as well as laws exclusive to the believing women of their era radiya Llahu ‘anhunna and after their era till the Day of Qiyamah.
Moreover, the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam nurturing and refining them made them ideal to be excellent examples for the believing women of every era. And this is exactly what was obtained, and to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala belongs all praise and grace. They became the perfect models for every believing female. This is another wisdom behind him having many wives. Have a look at one of them, Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha; one of the distinguished transmitters of hadith from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Furthermore, since Islam was in its early stages, there was a definite need to strengthen ties with the various Arab tribes and families, to pave the way for the Islamic Call. For instance, his marriage to Sayyidah Juwayriyah radiya Llahu ‘anha led to the Islam of the entire Banu al Mustaliq tribe—may Allah be pleased with them.
Another reason was to strengthen his connection with his esteemed Companions radiya Llahu ‘anhum and confer upon them dignity and reputation. He married the daughters of Sayyidina Abu Bakr and Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma, viz. Sayyidah Aisha and Sayyidah Hafsah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma respectively. Likewise, he honoured Sayyidina ‘Uthman and Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhuma by marrying his daughters to them—may Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala be pleased with them all.
His marriage to some of them was the reason behind establishing a Shar’i law. For example, his marriage to Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh radiya Llahu ‘anha was to reject the man-made laws of adoption.
For others, there was a specific need and social obligation. Sayyidah Saudah bint Zam’ah radiya Llahu ‘anha was bereaved of her husband; the husband of Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha was martyred and left behind orphans; and the husband of Sayyidah Umm Habibah radiya Llahu ‘anha renounced Islam in Abyssinia and she was left single in a strange land. His marriage to them was a means of consolation and comfort.
Had these marriages been for the gratification of lust, as claimed by the orientalists and their followers, his wives would all have been virgins or young in age. Yet, there is only one virgin among them, Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha, while the rest are either divorced or widowed with children. This is in absolute polarity with lust and passion.
General Virtues Ummahat al Mu’minin
Purification of the Ahlul Bayt from impurity: shirk, shaitan, immoral actions, and wicked character. The Mothers of the believers are from the Ahlul Bayt. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala declares:
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِيْ فِيْ قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا وَقَرْنَ فِيْ بُيُوْتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولىٰ وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتِيْنَ الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ إِنَّمَا يُرِيْدُ اللهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيْرًا وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلىٰ فِيْ بُيُوْتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ اللهَ كَانَ لَطِيْفًا خَبِيْرًا
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men] lest he in whose heart is disease should covet but speak with appropriate speech. And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification. And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things]. [Surah al Ahzab: 32 – 34.]
The context of the verses makes it absolutely clear that the Verse of Purification encompasses the Prophet’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wives.
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala elevated them to the pedestal of Mothers of the believers, making them mothers in esteem, veneration, and reverence:
النَّبِيُّ أَوْلىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجُهُ أُمَّهَاتُهُمْ
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. [Surah al Ahzab: 6.]
Their selection of Allah, His Messenger, and the Abode of the Hereafter over the worldly life and its adornments. Their recompense is a great reward prepared by Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala for them.
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ إِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِيْنَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيْلًا وَإِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ وَالدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَاتِ مِنْكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيْمًا
O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter, then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward. [Surah al Ahzab: 28 – 29.]
It is an established fact that they chose Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and His Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, owing to which the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not separate from them.
Multiplied rewards for them for their obedience and virtuous deeds:
وَمَنْ يَقْنُتْ مِنْكُنَّ لِلهِ وَرَسُوْلِهِ وَتَعْمَلْ صَالِحًا نُّؤْتِهَا أَجْرَهَا مَرَّتَيْنِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهَا رِزْقًا كَرِيْمًا
And whoever of you devotedly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness – We will give her her reward twice; and We have prepared for her a noble provision. [Surah al Ahzab: 31.] The Mothers of the believers are unlike ordinary women in esteem, virtue, and noble rank:
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِيْ فِيْ قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men] lest he in whose heart is disease should covet but speak with appropriate speech. [Surah al Ahzab: 32.] Allah favoured them with the distinction of the Qur’an and wisdom being recited in their homes which indicates their lofty rank and position: وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلىٰ فِيْ بُيُوْتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ اللهَ كَانَ لَطِيْفًا خَبِيْرًا
And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things]. [Surah al Ahzab: 34.]
They are the wives of the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the world and the Hereafter.
In as much as these pages highlight the distinguished status and virtue of the blessed wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam being the Ummahat al Mu’minin (Mothers of the Believers) as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an and Blessed Sunnah, it also makes mention of those verses and ahadith commending them and honouring them as part of the Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; thus awarding them a unique virtue.
The status of the Ummahat al Mu’minin
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
النَّبِيُّ أَوْلٰى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَ اَزْوَاجُهُ اُمَّهَاتُهُمْ
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers.[Surah al Ahzab: 6]
In essence the mothers of a believer are the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is his father[This parentage is allegorical on account of the hadith of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “I am to you (the believers) like a father.” Reported by Abu Dawood, Kitab al Taharah, Bab Karahiyat Istiqbal al Qiblah ‘inda Qada’ al Hajah, Hadith: 8.]. The Muhajirin and the Ansar are his brothers and those implied in the Qur’anic supplication:
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِيْنَ سَبَقُوْنَا بِالْإِيْمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِيْ قُلُوْبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِيْنَ آمَنُوْا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِيْمٌ
Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.[Surah al Hashr: 10]
This is the Household of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Anyone who disparages even one of the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam will be said to be void of iman because if he were a believer in the true sense of the word then he would never have disparaged the Mothers of the Believers; a son does not speak ill of his mother.
This motherhood is the same as biological motherhood as far as the rights of respect and honour are concerned, and also as a means of being proud of one’s ancestry. Can anyone boast of having a nobler mother than those whom the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam chose to be his spouses? In fact, they were selected by Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala Himself, as Allah says:
لَّا يَحِلُّ لَكَ النِّسَاءُ مِن بَعْدُ وَلَا أَنْ تَبَدَّلَ بِهِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِيْنُكَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رَّقِيْبًا
Not lawful to you, [O Muhammad], are [any additional] women after [this], nor [is it] for you to exchange them for [other] wives, even if their beauty were to please you, except what your right hand possesses. And ever is Allah , over all things, an Observer.[Surah al Ahzab: 52]
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala stated regarding Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh radiya Llahu ‘anha:
فَلَمَّا قَضٰى زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَاكَهَا لِكَيْ لَا يَكُوْنَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ حَرَجٌ فِيْ أَزْوَاجِ أَدْعِيَائِهِمْ إِذَا قَضَوْا مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا وَكَانَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ مَفْعُوْلًا
So when Zaid had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.[Surah al Ahzab: 37]
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala said regarding there superiority over the women of the world:
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ
O wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, you are not like anyone among women, if you fear Allah.[Surah al Ahzab: 32]
Such is their distinctiveness that Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has forbade any of the believers from ever marrying them just as it is prohibited for a son to marry his biological mother. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُؤْذُوْا رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَن تَنكِحُوْا أَزْوَاجَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ أَبَدًا إِنَّ ذٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيمًا
And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.[Surah al Ahzab: 53]
The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is harmed by any word or action that would hurt his wives, to such an extent that Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala even instructed the believers to only address them from behind a veil. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوْهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوْهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوْبِكُمْ وَقُلُوْبِهِنَّ وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَنْ تُؤْذُوْا رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ
And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah.[Surah al Ahzab: 53]
When this is the level of honour that has been accorded to the Ummahat al Mu’minin, what can be said about those who disparage them, curse them, and attribute to them that which does not befit their noble status? Shortly after the above mentioned verses, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيْبِهِنَّ ذٰلِكَ أَدْنٰى أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِيْمًا
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.[Surah al Ahzab: 59]
Then Allah issues a stern warning:
لَّئِن لَّمْ يَنتَهِ الْمُنَافِقُوْنَ وَالَّذِيْنَ فِيْ قُلُوْبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَالْمُرْجِفُوْنَ فِيْ الْمَدِيْنَةِ لَنُغْرِيَنَّكَ بِهِمْ ثُمَّ لَا يُجَاوِرُوْنَكَ فِيْهَا إِلَّا قَلِيْلًا
If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease and those who spread rumours in al Madinah do not cease, We will surely incite you against them; then they will not remain your neighbours therein except for a little.[Surah al Ahzab: 60]
Referring to the rumours these hypocrites were spreading concerning the marriage of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to Sayyidah Zainab radiya Llahu ‘anha. She was previously the wife of his adopted son, Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhu, whose mention was made in the verses cited previously. This verse indicates that criticism of the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is amongst the traits of the hypocrites, and the Believers have been sternly warned from imitating them.
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has clarified in this surah that He will not accept any justification for slandering the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The one who does so abandons the Qur’an and Sunnah and instead follows the path of the whimsical and foolish, who they take as their masters and dignitaries. If he does not repent and dies in this condition:
يَوْمَ تُقَلَّبُ وُجُوْهُهُمْ فِي النَّارِ يَقُوْلُوْنَ يَا لَيْتَنَا أَطَعْنَا اللَّهَ وَأَطَعْنَا الرَّسُوْلَا وَقَالُوْا رَبَّنَا إِنَّا أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَاءَنَا فَأَضَلُّوْنَا السَّبِيْلَا
The Day their faces will be turned about in the Fire, they will say, “How we wish we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.” And they will say, “Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our masters and our dignitaries, and they led us astray from the [right] way.”[Surah al Ahzab: 66, 67]
Is attributing to them that which does not befit their noble status a meritorious deed? Or is it one of the most heinous crimes? Just imagine for moment—while you curse Aisha and Hafsah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma—that you are standing in front of the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and he is looking at you and listening to your words… how does it feel now? Imagine what the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would be thinking of you?
The Wives of the Prophet are the Most Superior of all Women
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ O wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, you are not like anyone among women, if you fear Allah.[Surah al Ahzab: 32]
In other words there are undeniably no women in this world superior to the wives of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam on condition that they fear Allah. Thus, if it is established that they feared Allah then it would establish their superiority over all women throughout time, without exception. This is not something unfathomable when one considers that they are after all the wives of that Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam who is the most superior of all the Prophets and Messengers—in fact the best of all creation—and they were preferred by Allah and the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam over all other women in this world.
As for them fearing Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and possessing the quality of Taqwa, this too is proven from the Noble Book of Allah. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ إِن كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِيْنَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيْلًا وَإِنْ كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ وَالدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَاتِ مِنكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيْمًا
O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter—then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.”[Surah al Ahzab: 28, 29]
They chose Allah and His Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and abandoned the life of this world and its adornments. There is no other reason for them choosing Allah and His Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam—which meant patiently enduring the hardship and difficulty which accompanied the office of Nubuwwah—except firmness of faith and their fear of Allah. Since their decision to remain with the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was motivated by Taqwa they were honoured by Allah:
لَّا يَحِلُّ لَكَ النِّسَاءُ مِنْ بَعْدُ وَلَا أَنْ تَبَدَّلَ بِهِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ
Not lawful to you, [O Muhammad], are [any additional] women after [this], nor [is it] for you to exchange them for [other] wives, even if their beauty were to please you.[Surah al Ahzab: 52]
They were honoured in two ways in this verse:
The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was prohibited from taking another wife after them.
The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was prohibited from divorcing any one of them, in order to marry another.
The reason for this was so that they would be his wives for eternity; not only in this world but in the hereafter as well. This is also the reason why the Believers were prohibited from marrying them after his demise:
وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَنْ تُؤْذُوْا رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَنْ تَنْكِحُوْا أَزْوَاجَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ أَبَدًا ۚ إِنَّ ذٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيْمًا
And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.[Surah al Ahzab: 53]
And they were awarded the position of mothers to every believer:
النَّبِيُّ أَوْلٰى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَ اَزْوَاجُهُ اُمَّهَاتُهُمْ
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers.[Surah al Ahzab: 6]
Every person should ponder deeply over these points and recognise the noble status awarded to the Ummahat al Mu’minin.
The Wisdom behind the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam having Multiple Wives
The life of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam provides the perfect pattern for the believers as stated in the Glorious Qur’an:
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِيْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern. [Surah al Ahzab: 21.]
Moreover, his Sunnah is one of the significant sources of the Shari’ah.
The presence of individuals inside the pure home of Nubuwwah who will transmit his Sunnah was essential. This is one of the wisdoms behind the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam having multiple wives so that they may transmit the domestic, marital rulings, and etiquette as well as laws exclusive to the believing women of their era radiya Llahu ‘anhunna and after their era till the Day of Qiyamah.
Moreover, the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam nurturing and refining them made them ideal to be excellent examples for the believing women of every era. And this is exactly what was obtained, and to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala belongs all praise and grace. They became the perfect models for every believing female. This is another wisdom behind him having many wives. Have a look at one of them, Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha; one of the distinguished transmitters of hadith from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Furthermore, since Islam was in its early stages, there was a definite need to strengthen ties with the various Arab tribes and families, to pave the way for the Islamic Call. For instance, his marriage to Sayyidah Juwayriyah radiya Llahu ‘anha led to the Islam of the entire Banu al Mustaliq tribe—may Allah be pleased with them.
Another reason was to strengthen his connection with his esteemed Companions radiya Llahu ‘anhum and confer upon them dignity and reputation. He married the daughters of Sayyidina Abu Bakr and Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma, viz. Sayyidah Aisha and Sayyidah Hafsah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma respectively. Likewise, he honoured Sayyidina ‘Uthman and Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhuma by marrying his daughters to them—may Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala be pleased with them all.
His marriage to some of them was the reason behind establishing a Shar’i law. For example, his marriage to Sayyidah Zainab bint Jahsh radiya Llahu ‘anha was to reject the man-made laws of adoption.
For others, there was a specific need and social obligation. Sayyidah Saudah bint Zam’ah radiya Llahu ‘anha was bereaved of her husband; the husband of Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha was martyred and left behind orphans; and the husband of Sayyidah Umm Habibah radiya Llahu ‘anha renounced Islam in Abyssinia and she was left single in a strange land. His marriage to them was a means of consolation and comfort.
Had these marriages been for the gratification of lust, as claimed by the orientalists and their followers, his wives would all have been virgins or young in age. Yet, there is only one virgin among them, Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha, while the rest are either divorced or widowed with children. This is in absolute polarity with lust and passion.
General Virtues Ummahat al Mu’minin
Purification of the Ahlul Bayt from impurity: shirk, shaitan, immoral actions, and wicked character. The Mothers of the believers are from the Ahlul Bayt. Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala declares:
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِيْ فِيْ قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا وَقَرْنَ فِيْ بُيُوْتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولىٰ وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتِيْنَ الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ إِنَّمَا يُرِيْدُ اللهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيْرًا وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلىٰ فِيْ بُيُوْتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ اللهَ كَانَ لَطِيْفًا خَبِيْرًا
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men] lest he in whose heart is disease should covet but speak with appropriate speech. And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification. And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things]. [Surah al Ahzab: 32 – 34.]
The context of the verses makes it absolutely clear that the Verse of Purification encompasses the Prophet’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wives.
Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala elevated them to the pedestal of Mothers of the believers, making them mothers in esteem, veneration, and reverence:
النَّبِيُّ أَوْلىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجُهُ أُمَّهَاتُهُمْ
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. [Surah al Ahzab: 6.]
Their selection of Allah, His Messenger, and the Abode of the Hereafter over the worldly life and its adornments. Their recompense is a great reward prepared by Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala for them.
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ إِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِيْنَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيْلًا وَإِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ وَالدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَاتِ مِنْكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيْمًا
O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter, then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward. [Surah al Ahzab: 28 – 29.]
It is an established fact that they chose Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and His Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, owing to which the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not separate from them.
Multiplied rewards for them for their obedience and virtuous deeds:
وَمَنْ يَقْنُتْ مِنْكُنَّ لِلهِ وَرَسُوْلِهِ وَتَعْمَلْ صَالِحًا نُّؤْتِهَا أَجْرَهَا مَرَّتَيْنِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهَا رِزْقًا كَرِيْمًا
And whoever of you devotedly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness – We will give her her reward twice; and We have prepared for her a noble provision. [Surah al Ahzab: 31.] The Mothers of the believers are unlike ordinary women in esteem, virtue, and noble rank:
يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ لَسْتُنَّ كَأَحَدٍ مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ إِنِ اتَّقَيْتُنَّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِيْ فِيْ قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوْفًا
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men] lest he in whose heart is disease should covet but speak with appropriate speech. [Surah al Ahzab: 32.] Allah favoured them with the distinction of the Qur’an and wisdom being recited in their homes which indicates their lofty rank and position: وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلىٰ فِيْ بُيُوْتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ اللهَ كَانَ لَطِيْفًا خَبِيْرًا
And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things]. [Surah al Ahzab: 34.]
They are the wives of the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the world and the Hereafter.