Although the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had married 12, he did not beat his wives. He condemned the beaters, wanted to fear Allah about women, not to be mistreated, and wanted them to be treated well, regarding this context; He said, “The best of you are those who are the best to their women/wives.” [1]
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never used beating as a method in the problems he had with his wives, and he did not recommend it. Beating is not an option for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the form of managing the problems he has with his wives.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once tells a secret to Hafsa. However, Hafsa shares this secret with the other wives of Muhammad, and this situation is reported to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through revelation. [2]
At the time of this event, although Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) treated all His wives fairly; they were jealous of each other, which is reflected in Him. Because of these problems, Muhammad (PBUH) swore to stay away from his wives for a month. He stayed alone in the pavilion called Mesrebe. [3]
The case of Ifq can be given as an example of the problems that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had with his wives. The word `Ifq` means to slander, lie. Here is how the incident happened: The Muslim army stayed to rest after the Battle of Mustaliq. During the stay, Aisha goes away from the army to meet her needs, and at the same time, she drops her necklace. It takes a long time to look for the necklace. When she reaches the place where the army is encamped, she sees the army moving and believes that they will go out to search when they realize her absence and begins to wait there; meanwhile, she falls asleep.
One of the rearguards of the army (left behind to follow to secure a retreating troop), Ṣafwān ibn al-Muʿaṭṭal al-Sulamī, was checking the campsite as he assigns for, he found Aisha, then put her on his camel and reached her to the army; but he could only get to the convoy when they took a break, as he is on foot, although he walks fast. The delay in question is interpreted as immoral by malicious people. Aisha, ill for a month after returning from the expedition, did not hear this gossip. Hearing this slander, prophet Muhammad also consults with the people around him to arrive at a decision. The people he consulted were those who knew Aisha. These people stated that Aisha’s morals are good, but she could act imprudently because she is young.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) went to his wife Aisha told her, “If you are innocent, Allah will clear you; if you have sinned, repent and ask for forgiveness; Allah forgives the repentant.” Aisha stated that prophet Muhammad believed in gossip, so whatever she said would be viewed with suspicion, and now she had no choice but to seek help from Allah.[4]
Subsequently, Allah stated through revelation that the allegation against Aisha was slander, and He cleared Aisha:
“Indeed, those who came with slander are a group among you. Do not think it is bad for you; rather, it is good for you. To every person among them (will come the punishment) of the sin that he earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a penalty grievous. Why did not the believers- men and women- when ye heard of the affair – put the best construction on it in their own minds and say, “This (charge) is an obvious slander”? Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such men, in the sight of Allah, (stand forth) themselves as liars! Had it not been for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you in this world and the Hereafter, you would have certainly been touched with a tremendous punishment for what you plunged into- When you passed it from tongue to tongue, and said with your mouths what you did not know; taking it lightly while it is “extremely” serious in the sight of Allah. And why, when you heard it, did you not say, “It is not for us to speak of this. Exalted are You, [O Allah]; this is a great slander!” [5]
As can be understood from the events mentioned above, prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not solve his problems with his wives by beating them. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was the first to meticulously obey the order “Treat the women fairly” in the Qur’an.[6]
The cover photo is taken from the movie “Muhammad: The Messenger of God” directed by Majid Majidi.