Treat women well.

Allegation: Islam allowed the Prophet (PBUH) to have so many wives, so Islam favors women-loving men and views women as commodities.

Many atheists or Islam-haters, citing the multiple marriages of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), accuse Islam of allowing women to be lustful, encouraging polygamy, and viewing women as commodities for men. They say, “Why did the Prophet have so many wives?”, “Did he marry so many wives for the pleasure of women?”, or “Isn’t it lust if so many marriages are permitted?”. But the truth is, this accusation proves that they are completely ignorant of Islam, prophethood, historical context, and the provisions of the Quran.

I will analyze this discussion mainly on three levels: one, the real reason for the marriage of the Prophet (PBUH); two, the provisions of polygamy in Islam and its limits; and three, the Quranic view of honoring women rather than treating them as commodities.

First, let us look at the real and historical context of the marriages of the beloved Prophet ﷺ. The first 25 years of the Prophet ﷺ’s life were spent in complete chastity, purity and holy character. At the age of 25, he married a 40-year-old widow, Khadija (RA). Khadija (RA) did not marry any other woman during his lifetime. He spent almost 25 years of his married life with Khadija alone.

Now the question is, if the Prophet (ﷺ) was a womanizer, then why did he marry an old widow and spend his time with her exclusively during the most exciting period of his youth? Why did he stay with one woman until the age of 50?

Most of the subsequent marriages in his life were very necessary from a political, social and humanitarian point of view. For example:

Sawda (RA) – an old woman who became a widow. She became destitute from society due to her conversion to Islam. He married her on the basis of sympathy.

Aisha (RA) – Daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), this marriage was a strategic decision to build family ties with the closest companion in the early days of Islam.

Hafsa (RA) – Daughter of Hazrat Umar (RA). When her husband was martyred in battle, the Prophet married her to secure her future.

Zaynab bint Jahsh (RA) – She was married by Allah’s command, to establish the rule that an adopted son’s wife should never be considered one’s own wife in society.

Juwayriya, Safiya, Umm Habiba (RA) – These marriages were done to protect and honor war-torn or captive women and to bring peace to the society by establishing ties with enemy tribes.

None of these were beautiful young women for whom there was any question of lust. Rather, most of them were widows, elderly or distressed women. The Prophet gave them a dignified life, which is an example of his prophethood.

Now let us come to the ruling on polygamy in Islam. The Quran allows polygamy in limited circumstances:

“...And if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with the orphans, then marry of your choice two, three or four. But if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly, then only one.”

(Surah An-Nisa, 4:3)

This verse proves that polygamy is permissible—but it depends on the conditions of justice and fairness. Since it is very difficult to treat all wives equally, the next verse of the Quran warns again—

“You will never be able to do justice between women…”

(Surah An-Nisa, 4:129)

Therefore, polygamy is not encouraged by Islam, but rather is an option in certain situations, such as: the security of women after war, guardianship of orphans, or to maintain the balance of society.

Now if the question arises—“Then why was the Prophet’s multiple marriages more than the general rules of the Sharia?”—then the answer is given in the Quran itself:

“O Prophet! We have made your wives lawful for you... but they are not lawful for the believers.”

(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:50)

That is, the exceptional number of marriages of the Prophet ﷺ was only due to the responsibility of his prophethood and the historical context. He was the leader of the prophethood, he had to be a role model for people from all levels of society. He was a statesman, judge, and messenger of peace between enemies and friends. Therefore, his marriages were not only for marital relations, but also for political, religious, and social purposes.

Finally, those who say that “Islam has made women a commodity”—they should know that Islam was the first to provide protection for the honor and rights of women. The Quran repeatedly says:

“Be kind to women.”

(Surah An-Nisa)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best among you is he who is best to his wife.”

(Tirmidhi)

He would help his wives with household chores, laugh with them, and be their companion in sorrow. Such examples are rare even in today’s developed world.

Therefore, polygamy in Islam, the multiple marriages of the Prophet ﷺ, or the position of women—these cannot be proven to be misogynistic by misinterpreting these issues. Rather, a deeper analysis makes it clear that Islam sees women not only as bodies, but as spiritual, human and social beings; it has given them rights, respect and a dignified life. Islam has not humiliated women, but has established their true respect in the eyes of all humanity.