The Wisdom Behind the Prophet’s ﷺ Plural Marriages

Question

What is the reason that the Blessed Prophet ﷺ permitted for his own noble person nine or seven pure wives, while for the general umma he imposed a restriction of not more than four at a time? Let it be clear that by this there is (Allah forbid) no criticism or diminishment whatsoever of the rank and blessed person of the Blessed Prophet ﷺ — this may only be an objection raised by some unbeliever; an explanation is sought in order to satisfy it.

Answer

The matter of plural marriage is not a matter of the domination and satisfaction of carnal urges — as anyone of sound disposition can grasp for himself, without need of explanation, by reflecting on the following.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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