Quote from: Paradise Aspirer on June 01, 2015, 06:31:45 AM
Well written article Harris. Very thought provoking. But I wonder if its a sin even if prophet was not celibate. The proofs that you gave are not really sufficient to prove that prophet was really celibate. He married many women and we cannot claim something we really are unaware! Does this really matter?
Salaam,
Does this really matter? For the believer who is convinced about his path, nothing else really matters. But then, when living in a modern world where majority of the people are convinced that Islam is a stone-age religion initiated by barbarians, where Muslims are constantly subjected to ignorant, confusing messages from within the community itself (Ayesha being 8 years old during marriage), it is helpful to know about the history behind the religion and the man who received visions from the Creator of the Universe.
The Prophet "married" many women, but not having children with even one of the later wives is indeed a question mark. Was he practicing birth-control (against the message of the Quran)? Was he impotent? (then how about his daughter with Khadija?)
Regarding we being unaware about the truth, well, one can argue that even the source of the Quran or the virgin birth of Christ cannot be proved. By objectively researching whatever clues we do have available, we can reach conclusions that make sense. If Prophet was indeed chosen by God, then his primary concern in life would only be a duty to God. His life would be very simple, with minimal needs.
- Adam was paired only with one woman during Creation.
- Abraham married many since God promised that his seeds were to initiate the community of believers on Earth.
- Jesus married none, because his life was dedicated to his message alone.
Similar is the case of all messengers. Muhammad never lived like a king. He would not be marrying almost a dozen women (without having any children) only for satisfying his sexual needs, if he were following this long line of holy messengers. He especially could not be having physical relations with so many women while advising his followers to only marry up to 4 women with strict conditions. That kind of message would be hypocrisy. Of course most Muslims don't have an issue with this double-stance coz they've been accepting it as truth their whole lives.
Thus to be a Muslim who holds his Prophet in high regard, one needs to accept the proof that is available and reach valid conclusions.
Peace.
