MUḤAMMAD, The Wives of - An In-depth Reference
Introduction
In Islamic tradition, the wives of Prophet Muḥammad hold a special and revered status. Known collectively as “al-azwāju ʾl-mut̤ahharāt” (الازواج المطهرات) which translates to “The pure wives,” these women were central figures in early Islamic history. According to various Islamic traditions, Prophet Muḥammad had eleven lawful wives and two concubines. This article provides a detailed overview of these women, discussing their backgrounds, marriages to the Prophet, and their influence on Islamic history.
Etymology
The Arabic term “al-azwāju ʾl-mut̤ahharāt” (الازواج المطهرات) directly translates to “The pure wives.” The root words are:
- Azwaj (أزواج): means “wives” or “spouses.”
- Mutahharat (مطهرات): means “pure” or “purified.”
Turkish Translation: Efendimiz’in Eşleri (Temiz Eşler)
Overview of the Wives
1. K͟hadījah (خديجة)
- Background: Daughter of K͟huwailid ibn Asad, a wealthy widow from Quraysh.
- Marriage: Married the Prophet when he was 25 and she was 40.
- Significance: She bore him six children, including Fāt̤imah, who survived Muḥammad. K͟hadījah remained Muḥammad’s only wife until her death.
- Death: Died in 619 CE at the age of 65.
2. Saudah (سودة)
- Background: Daughter of Zamaʿah, widow of As-Sakrān.
- Marriage: Married the Prophet shortly after K͟hadījah’s death.
3. ʿĀyishah (عائشة)
- Background: Daughter of Abū Bakr.
- Marriage: Betrothed at 7, married at 10, post-Hijrah to Madinah.
- Significance: Played a significant role as a source of Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence.
4. Juwairīyah (جويرية)
- Background: Daughter of al-Ḥāris̤ ibn Abī Ẓirār, widow from Banū Muṣt̤aliq.
- Marriage: Ransomed by the Prophet, later married him.
5. Ḥafṣah (حفصة)
- Background: Daughter of ʿUmar, widow of K͟hunais.
- Marriage: Became the Prophet’s wife after her husband’s death.
6. Zainab bint K͟huzaimah (زينب بنت خزيمة)
- Background: Widow of ʿUbaidah, known for her philanthropy.
- Marriage: Married the Prophet after the Battle of Badr.
- Death: Died before the Prophet’s passing.
7. Ummu Salimah (ام سلمة)
- Background: Widow of Abū Salimah.
- Marriage: Her earlier husband died of wounds from the Battle of Uḥud.
8. Zainab bint Jaḥsh (زينب بنت جحش)
- Background: Divorcee of Zaid (Prophet’s adopted son).
- Marriage: Their marriage was divinely sanctioned via Quranic revelation (Sūrah 33:36).
9. Ṣafīyah (صفية)
- Background: Daughter of Ḥayī ibn Ak͟ht̤ab, widow of Kinānah (K͟haibar chief).
- Marriage: Married post-Yathrib (Madinah) campaign.
10. Ummu Ḥabībah (ام حبيبة)
- Background: Daughter of Abū Sufyān, widow of ʿUbaidu ʾllāh.
- Marriage: An early Meccan convert, she migrated to Abyssinia.
11. Maimūnah (ميمونة)
- Background: A kinswoman of the Prophet, sister-in-law of al-ʿAbbās.
- Marriage: Married at the age of 51.
Concubines
1. Mary the Copt (مارية القبطية)
- Background: A Christian slave sent by the Roman Governor in Egypt.
- Significance: Mother of the Prophet’s son Ibrāhīm.
2. Rīḥānah (ريحانة)
- Background: A Jewish slave from Banū Quraiz̤ah.
- Significance: Remained a Jew initially but is said to have embraced Islam before her death.
Shīʿah Perspective
According to Shīʿah tradition, the Prophet had twenty-two wives in total, including some who did not consummate their marriages and others who were bondwomen.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Wives of the Prophet Muhammad” by Bint al-Shāṭiʾ
- “Muhammad: Man and Prophet” by Adil Salahi
- “Women and the Qur’an: An Overview” by Barbara Freyer Stowasser
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
Key Takeaways
- The wives of the Prophet played significant roles in the early Islamic community.
- Their lives offer insights into the socio-political and religious fabric of early Islam.
- Understanding these women enriches the comprehension of Islamic history and Prophet Muḥammad’s life.
Conclusion
The wives of Prophet Muḥammad, the “al-azwāju ʾl-mut̤ahharāt,” are indispensable to understanding the cultural, social, and religious life in early Islam. They not only offer personal insights into the Prophet’s life but also serve as significant contributors to Islamic jurisprudence and history.
