Islam_in_Focus_text

ages at all. Most o( his marriages were contracted in a period
of about five years. vvhen he was passing the most difficult
and trying stage in his mission. It was at that tiine that Mus-
lims were engaged in decisive battles and entangled in an
endless circle of trouble from within as well as from with-
out. It was at that time that the Islamic legislation was in the
making, and the foundations of an Islamic society were be-
ing laid down. The faet that Muhammad was the most domi-
nant figure in these events and the center around which they
revolved, and that most of his marriages took place diiring
this particular period is an extremely interesting phenome-
non. It invites the serious attention of historians, sociologi-
sts. legislators, psychologists, etc. It cannot be interpreted
simply in terms of physical attractions and lustful passions.
1 i fe . During
8. Muhammad lived a most simple, austere, and modest
the day he was the busiest man of his era as he
was Head of State, Chief of Justice, Commander-in-Chief,
Instructor, etc, all at once, At night he was the most devoted
man. He used to stay one to two-thirds of every night vigi-
lant in Prayers and meditation (Qur'an, 73:20). His furniture
consisted of mats, jugs, blankets and such simple things, al-
though he was the king and sovereign of Arabia. His life was
so severe and austere that his wives once pressed him for
worldly comforts bu t they never had any (cf. Qur'an, 33:28).
Obviously, that was not the life of a lustful and passionate
man.
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