04-24-2006, 01:08 PM
Bismillah
salam Curious,
The 4 wives part is correct, he had 9 and that was an exception only to him
Briefly, why? it was even made compulsory to him not to divorce any of them even if he wanted to, or replace her, or take more after Allah Established the maximum number.
This Ayah explains this situation:
"It is not lawful for you (to marry other) women after this, nor to change them for other wives even though their beauty attracts you, except those (captives or slaves) whom your right hand possesses. And Allah is Ever a Watcher over all things." (Quran 33:52)
Can u see, actually he was the only man not allowed to divorce a wife or take another. Because Allah Made it unlawful to marry his wives even after his death. So come to think about it, this family were subjected to execlusive restrictions which were not enforced on other Muslims.
Allah Say:"O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allah's Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allah that shall be an enormity." (Quran 33:53)
If u link the above mentioned two Ayahs u will see that they regulate manners with regard to dealing with the Messenger prayer and peace be upon him and his household.
The reason for revealing the 53 is that people used to go and shout calling him at any time, in one of his marriages, people kept sitting there eating and he was of course shy to tell them he needs privacy. The last part is someone once declared in public, in order to offend him, that he will marry so and so after his death. Allah by this Ayah made it unlawful. That is why they were called mothers of believers.
Thus, he cannt divorce them also according to the Ayah and for the same reasons.
The rest of the dowry part, Insh aAllah i will come back for it later. :)