The Sublime Modesty of the Prophet
📖Sahih Muslim 2320
Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ was more modest than the virgin behind the curtain (or in the apartment). And when he disliked anything, we recognized that from his face.
Explanation:
This hadith highlights the extreme modesty of the Prophet ﷺ. His shyness and humility were so profound that they could be compared to a virgin behind the curtain — someone who remains untouched, reserved, and very private. The Prophet ﷺ’s modesty wasn’t just about his external actions, but deeply reflected in his inner character. If he disliked something, it would be apparent immediately, showing how sensitive and thoughtful he was about his surroundings. This was true humility in the truest sense.
Now, let’s address the common criticisms about the Prophet ﷺ. One of the most frequent attacks revolves around his marriage to 11 wives. Critics love to say, “Oh, the Prophet married 11 wives, that’s outrageous!” Hold on a second. Yes, the Prophet ﷺ married multiple wives, but it’s crucial to understand why. His marriages weren’t driven by lust or personal pleasure – they were a divine command and served a higher purpose. These marriages were to help widows, orphans, and women in need, and to protect them in a society where they had very few rights. Let’s put that into perspective: the Prophet ﷺ’s marriages were a social responsibility – not an indulgence.
Why Did the Prophet ﷺ Marry 11 Wives?
The Prophet ﷺ married 11 wives, but they weren’t all at the same time. He had specific reasons for each marriage, and none of them were about personal desire. He married to help the vulnerable, and he was commanded by Allah to do so. The purpose was to create a compassionate, supportive community, and to give these women a voice and a role in society.
- Widows and Orphans: Many of his wives were widows or women who had been affected by the turmoil of war. For example, Umm Salama, one of the Prophet’s wives, was a widow whose husband had died in battle, and she had children. She needed the protection and support that the Prophet ﷺ’s marriage provided.
- Social Alliances: Some of his marriages were strategic to strengthen the Muslim community and establish alliances with different tribes. This was vital during the early years of Islam, when the Muslim community was fragile.
- Role Models for Women: Each wife played a key role in educating the Muslim women of that time and became a role model for them. One of the most famous examples is Aisha (RA), who became a scholar and an educator for generations to come.
The Prophet ﷺ’s Marriage to Aisha (RA):
Now, let’s address the Aisha (RA) marriage criticism – a classic example of cherry-picking facts. Critics will say, “Oh, the Prophet ﷺ married Aisha when she was young!” They fail to mention the context and purpose of that marriage. The Prophet ﷺ married Aisha (RA) to make her one of the most influential women in Islamic history. She became an example of piety, wisdom, and leadership, and her contributions to Islam are vast.
- The Prophet ﷺ’s marriage to Aisha (RA) was not about personal pleasure. It was about creating a leader for the Muslim women of the future.
- Aisha (RA) did not have children with the Prophet ﷺ, but that wasn’t the focus. Her primary role was to be a scholar, teacher, and role model for women. The contributions she made to Islamic jurisprudence and hadith narration are unmatched.
So, before anyone starts talking about Aisha (RA) and the age of the marriage, let’s recognize the bigger picture: the Prophet ﷺ’s actions were always guided by divine wisdom, and he married Aisha (RA) to ensure that she would grow into the most knowledgeable and respected scholar in the Muslim community.
Why the Prophet ﷺ Married Multiple Wives – Divine Command:
📖Quran 33:50
O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives whom you have given their due compensation, and those whom your right hand possesses from among the captives of war whom Allah has given you, and the daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and aunts who migrated with you, and a believing woman who gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet desires to marry her—this is only for you, excluding the believing women.
→ This verse makes it clear that the Prophet ﷺ’s marriages were a special privilege given to him by Allah for the purpose of fulfilling his duties as the Messenger of Allah.
📖Quran 33:52
It is not lawful for you (O Muhammad) to marry any other women after this, nor to change them for other wives, even though their beauty may please you, except those whom your right hand possesses. And ever is Allah, over all things, Observer.
→ This verse restricted the Prophet’s ﷺ marriages after a certain point. Allah permitted multiple marriages initially, but as time passed, He restricted them for the Prophet ﷺ, showing that his marriages were never about personal lust, but were for the fulfillment of Allah’s command and societal needs. After this, no new marriages were allowed, solidifying the purpose behind his previous ones.
The Prophet ﷺ Married to Help Women and Protect the Vulnerable:
📖Quran 33:28
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.”
This verse reflects the motive behind the marriages. The Prophet ﷺ’s marriages were not driven by personal benefit. They were for the sake of justice, protection, and fulfilling a divine command.
The Bigger Picture:
Let’s make this simple: the Prophet ﷺ’s marriages were about duty and compassion. He was a leader who cared for his people and followed Allah’s guidance in everything. He married to help those in need, to educate future generations, and to establish strong alliances for the Muslim community, The critics who point out his multiple marriages need to understand the purpose behind them. These marriages were not about personal indulgence, but about fulfilling the role Allah had commanded him to play in guiding the Muslim Ummah.
Quranic Context on Modesty and Obedience:
📖Quran 33:21
Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.
The Prophet ﷺ is the perfect role model for us to follow, and his actions in marriage, modesty, and leadership provide the best example for humanity.
📖Quran 24:30
Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
Modesty in Islam is not just about women. It is a mutual responsibility for men and women, and it is about respect and obedience to Allah’s commandments.