The words used in the hadith to encourage marriage with a virgin girl cannot be those of the Prophet ﷺ. It is narrated from Sayyidatuna Aisha that she said: I asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Tell me, if you camp in a valley where there is a tree on which camels have grazed, and another tree from which you will feed your camel, which tree will you choose?" He replied, "The tree from which no camel has been fed." Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was indicating that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not marry any virgin girl other than her.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5077)
First Point:
There is nothing objectionable in this hadith; rather, it expresses a truth in excellent words that no sensible person can reject.
Second Point:
This speech describes the honor and greatness of the Holy Prophet because this important matter has been expressed in an extremely excellent, eloquent, and comprehensive manner, making the significance of the issue clear while keeping the words and examples refined. This is why Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, used this hadith as evidence for the permissibility of similes, metaphors, and the like.
The fact that Sayyida Aisha understood this simile and metaphor and pointed towards this issue also demonstrates her eloquence and intelligence, as Hafiz Ibn Hajar also explained her eloquence and understanding in the light of this hadith.
In summary, any objection raised by a critic against this narration only reveals their own misunderstanding or ill intent. The style used in the hadith is praiseworthy and commendable, not objectionable!!
Third point:
It has been clarified in the previous points that this style and manner is not morally objectionable. As for the special encouragement regarding virgins, the status and importance of marrying a virgin woman or a bachelor man is recognized in all religions, civilizations, and laws of the world.
Fourth Point:
The religion of Islam is a religion of guidance, and this is its distinguishing feature. Therefore, it is very necessary to adopt such a style for guidance through which both the status and importance of the issue, as well as understanding, are possible. This is why such a style is also present in the Holy Quran, but it cannot be considered objectionable. In the Holy Quran it is stated that
نِسَاؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَكُمْ فَأْتُوا حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّى شِئْتُمْ
Reference: (Al-Baqarah: 223)
At one place it is:
فَلَمَّا تَغَشَّاهَا حَمَلَتْ حَمْلًا خَفِيفًا فَمَرَّتْ بِهِ
Reference: (Al-A'raf: 109)
Therefore, the style present in the Ahadith cannot be viewed with suspicion.
