The Prophet's ﷺ Authority

Translation of Quranic Verse:

"You (O Prophet) may defer (the turn of) any of them that you please, and you may receive any you please. There is no blame on you if you invite one whose (turn) you had set aside. That is more suitable, that they may be comforted and not grieve, and may all be well pleased with what you give them. Allah knows what is in your hearts. And Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing. It is not lawful for you (to marry more) 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 Allah is Ever a Watcher over all things."

[33- Al-Ahzab: 51]

Fiqh (Jurisprudence) of the Quran:


Sayyidah Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported that she felt very jealous of the women who offered themselves to the Prophet (ﷺ) and would say, "Does a woman offer herself?" When Allah revealed this verse:

"You may defer (the turn of) any of them that you please, and you may receive any you please…"

she said, "I see that your Lord hastens to fulfill your desires."

[Sahih Bukhari: 4788]

◈ In the aforementioned verse, the Prophet (ﷺ) was given the authority to allocate the turn of his wives as he wished. However, authentic Ahadith show that despite being given this choice, the Prophet (ﷺ) maintained equality in turns and provisions among his wives.

Sayyidah Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrated that even after the revelation of the verse "You may defer (the turn of) any of them that you please…", the Prophet (ﷺ) would seek permission from the wife whose turn it was if he wanted to visit another wife. (Narrator Ma’azah said) I asked her (Aisha رضي الله عنها), "What did you say in such a situation?" She replied, "I said, O Allah's Messenger! If it were up to me, I would not prefer anyone over you due to my love for you."

[Sahih Bukhari: 4789]

◈ Sayyidah Aisha (رضي الله عنها) also narrated that when the Prophet (ﷺ) became seriously ill, he sought permission from his wives to be nursed in her house, and they allowed him.

[Sahih Bukhari: 2588]

◈ The divine concession granted to the Prophet (ﷺ) was aimed at alleviating the competitive feelings among his wives and fostering contentment with whatever the Prophet (ﷺ) decided for them. They were to recognize that these decisions were not personal preferences of the Prophet (ﷺ) but divine allowances granted to him.

"And Allah knows what is in your hearts" means Allah is aware of the Prophet’s inclination towards some of his wives. Since the heart is beyond one’s control, Allah does not hold anyone accountable for it. Sayyidah Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to distribute everything equally among his wives and would say,

"O Allah, this is my division concerning what I possess. Do not blame me for what You possess and I do not (i.e., the heart)."

[Sunan Abu Dawood: 2134, and its chain is authentic]


Interpretations of​

◈ There are two interpretations of the verse

"Laa yahillu laka an-nisaa’u":

  1. It is not lawful for the Prophet (ﷺ) to marry women other than those detailed in verse 50.
  2. It is not lawful for the Prophet (ﷺ) to marry any women other than those who were his wives at the time of the revelation of this verse.
Some traditions support the first interpretation, for instance, see

[Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2316, 2315].

Some commentators have written that when the Prophet's (ﷺ) wives chose the Hereafter over worldly comforts, Allah appreciated their sacrifice and commanded the Prophet (ﷺ) not to marry any other women after this. Therefore, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not marry any free woman afterward, but he was still permitted to have slave women.

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir 200/5]

Attention:


Imam Ibn Jarir (رحمه الله) mentioned that there is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding the interpretation of

"Laa yahillu laka an-nisaa’u".

[Tafsir Tabari 21/22]

The reality is that there are many varying opinions on this matter, and based on the narratives and reports, the first interpretation seems more accurate. And Allah knows best.

Hafiz Ibn Kathir (رحمه الله) explained that "And you are not to change them for other wives even though their beauty may please you" means that the Prophet (ﷺ) was prohibited from marrying additional women or divorcing any of his current wives to marry others.

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir 202/5]
 
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