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Convenient Revelations: Difference between revisions
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This article discusses [[Allah|Allah's]] [[revelations]] to [[Muhammad]] and their more-than-convenient timing. | This article discusses [[Allah|Allah's]] [[revelations]] to Prophet [[Muhammad]] and their more-than-convenient timing. | ||
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Muhammad seemed to have quite a penchant for receiving revelations from Allah just-in-time to absolve him of misconduct. It seems quite astounding that an eternally existing heavenly scripture would contain revelation that applies only to one individual who lived in | Muhammad seemed to have quite a penchant for receiving revelations from Allah just-in-time to absolve him of misconduct. It seems quite astounding that an eternally existing heavenly scripture would contain revelation that applies only to one individual who lived in 7<sup>th</sup> century Arabia. Nevertheless, this is exactly what we find. | ||
The following are but a few examples of the prophet of Allah being rescued rather conveniently from one predicament or another by divine revelation. | The following are but a few examples of the prophet of Allah being rescued rather conveniently from one predicament or another by divine revelation. | ||
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===Multiple Wives=== | ===Multiple Wives=== | ||
Allah revealed to Muhammad that Muslim men are permitted to marry up to four women. | Allah revealed to Muhammad that Muslim men are permitted to [[Marriage|marry]] up to four women. | ||
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|3}}|"And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan-girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess."}} | {{Quote|{{Quran|4|3}}|"And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan-girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess."}} | ||
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In the same verse noted above {{Quran|4|3}} is an injunction to treat all wives equally... " but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one...". | In the same verse noted above {{Quran|4|3}} is an injunction to treat all wives equally... " but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one...". | ||
Muhammad initially gave each of his multiple wives equal attention and time with him, visiting a different wife each night. As time progressed however, he developed favorite wives who garnered more attention and affection than others. This created a great deal of tension among the ladies, and jealousy and rage ensued. But fear not; Muhammad received another revelation absolving him from the earlier admonition to treat all wives as equals and deal with them justly, and allowed him to select his favorite wives according to his desire alone: | Muhammad initially gave each of his [[Muhammad's Wives|multiple wives]] equal attention and time with him, visiting a different wife each night. As time progressed however, he developed favorite wives who garnered more attention and affection than others. This created a great deal of tension among the ladies, and jealousy and rage ensued. But fear not; Muhammad received another revelation absolving him from the earlier admonition to treat all wives as equals and deal with them justly, and allowed him to select his favorite wives according to his desire alone: | ||
{{Quote|{{Quran|33|51}}|"'''You (O Muhammad) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive whom you will.''' And whomsoever you desire of those whom you have set aside (her turn temporarily), it is no sin on you (to receive her again), that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieved, and may all be pleased with what you give them. God knows what is in your hearts. And God is Ever All-Knowing, Most Forbearing."}} | {{Quote|{{Quran|33|51}}|"'''You (O Muhammad) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive whom you will.''' And whomsoever you desire of those whom you have set aside (her turn temporarily), it is no sin on you (to receive her again), that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieved, and may all be pleased with what you give them. God knows what is in your hearts. And God is Ever All-Knowing, Most Forbearing."}} | ||
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===Marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh=== | ===Marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh=== | ||
[[Qur | [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammads Wives and Concubines#Zainab_bint_Jash|Zaynab]] was initially married to Zaid ibn Haritha, Muhammad's adopted son. One day Muhammad paid a visit to Zaid's house to consult with him about a matter, but he was not home. Not expecting Muhammad to be at the door, Zaynab answered the door instead, dressed in a revealing garment, and Muhammad immediately developed a carnal desire for her. When Zaid learned of the prophet's infatuation, he divorced Zaynab so Muhammad could marry her. This turned into quite a scandal among the Arabs, who equated Muhammad's actions with incest, since he married his daughter-in-law. Soon thereafter, Muhammad received another convenient revelation: | ||
{{Quote|{{Quran|33|37}}|And (remember) when you said to him (Zaid bin Hârithah; the freed-slave of the Prophet ) on whom God has bestowed Grace (by guiding him to Islâm) and you (O Muhammad too) have done favour (by manumitting him) "Keep your wife to yourself, and fear God." But you did hide in yourself (i.e. what God has already made known to you that He will give her to you in marriage) that which God will make manifest, you did fear the people (i.e., Muhammad married the divorced wife of his manumitted slave) whereas God had a better right that you should fear Him. '''So when Zaid had accomplished his desire from her (i.e. divorced her), We gave her to you in marriage, so that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the believers in respect of (the marriage of) the wives of their adopted sons''' when the latter have no desire to keep them (i.e. they have divorced them). And God's Command must be fulfilled.}} | {{Quote|{{Quran|33|37}}|And (remember) when you said to him (Zaid bin Hârithah; the freed-slave of the Prophet ) on whom God has bestowed Grace (by guiding him to Islâm) and you (O Muhammad too) have done favour (by manumitting him) "Keep your wife to yourself, and fear God." But you did hide in yourself (i.e. what God has already made known to you that He will give her to you in marriage) that which God will make manifest, you did fear the people (i.e., Muhammad married the divorced wife of his manumitted slave) whereas God had a better right that you should fear Him. '''So when Zaid had accomplished his desire from her (i.e. divorced her), We gave her to you in marriage, so that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the believers in respect of (the marriage of) the wives of their adopted sons''' when the latter have no desire to keep them (i.e. they have divorced them). And God's Command must be fulfilled.}} | ||
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===Muhammad and Mary the Copt=== | ===Muhammad and Mary the Copt=== | ||
As stated above, Muhammad used to take turns among his wives, visiting a different one each night. One night during the time allotted for [[Qur | As stated above, Muhammad used to take turns among his wives, visiting a different one each night. One night during the time allotted for [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammads Wives and Concubines#Hafsa|Hafsa]], she had to take care of an urgent need with another family member and so was not at home. Muhammad instead had intimate relations with [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammads Wives and Concubines#Mariya|Mary]], a Coptic slave that had been given to him. Muhammad was not married to Mary the Copt. | ||
When Hafsah found this out and questioned him, he promised (on oath) not to touch Mary again if she would keep this a secret, and promised that Umar and Abu Bakr should be his successors. Hafsah, however, did not keep quiet and told Aysha about this event. As a result Muhammad had no dealings with any of his wives for a full month, living with Mary alone. <ref>Gerhard Nehls & Walter Eric - [http://answering-islam.org/Nehls/tt1/tt2.html The Challenge of Islam/ Chapter II] - English Press Limited Nairobi, New Revised Edition 1996, ISBN 9966 895 16 7</ref> Aisha and Hafsa conspired with the rest of the prophet's wives against Muhammad and isolated him from physical relations. | When Hafsah found this out and questioned him, he promised (on oath) not to touch Mary again if she would keep this a secret, and promised that Umar and Abu Bakr should be his successors. Hafsah, however, did not keep quiet and told Aysha about this event. As a result Muhammad had no dealings with any of his wives for a full month, living with Mary alone.<ref>Gerhard Nehls & Walter Eric - [http://answering-islam.org/Nehls/tt1/tt2.html The Challenge of Islam/ Chapter II] - English Press Limited Nairobi, New Revised Edition 1996, ISBN 9966 895 16 7</ref> Aisha and Hafsa conspired with the rest of the prophet's wives against Muhammad and isolated him from physical relations. | ||
To justify his actions with Mary, Muhammad then conveniently received a revelation: | To justify his actions with Mary, Muhammad then conveniently received a revelation: | ||
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{{Quote|{{Quran|66|1}}|'''"O Prophet! Why do you ban (for yourself) that which God has made lawful to you.."'''}} | {{Quote|{{Quran|66|1}}|'''"O Prophet! Why do you ban (for yourself) that which God has made lawful to you.."'''}} | ||
And to add insult to injury, Allah then chastised Aisha and Hafsa for condemning Muhammad for having sex with Mary the slave girl: | And to add insult to injury, Allah then chastised Aisha and Hafsa for condemning Muhammad for having sex with Mary the [[Slavery|slave]] girl: | ||
{{Quote|{{Quran|66|3-5}}|And (remember) when the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wives (Hafsah), so when she told it (to another i.e. 'Aishah), and God made it known to him, he informed part thereof and left a part. Then when he told her (Hafsah) thereof, she said: "Who told you this?" He said: "The All-Knower, the All-Aware (God) has told me". If you two (wives of the Prophet , namely 'Aishah and Hafsah) turn in repentance to God, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet likes), but if you help one another against him (Muhammad), then verily, God is his Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.), and Jibrael (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers, and furthermore, the angels are his helpers. It may be if he divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you, Muslims (who submit to God), believers, obedient to God, turning to God in repentance, worshipping God sincerely, fasting or emigrants (for God's sake), previously married and virgins."}} | {{Quote|{{Quran|66|3-5}}|And (remember) when the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wives (Hafsah), so when she told it (to another i.e. 'Aishah), and God made it known to him, he informed part thereof and left a part. Then when he told her (Hafsah) thereof, she said: "Who told you this?" He said: "The All-Knower, the All-Aware (God) has told me". If you two (wives of the Prophet , namely 'Aishah and Hafsah) turn in repentance to God, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet likes), but if you help one another against him (Muhammad), then verily, God is his Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.), and Jibrael (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers, and furthermore, the angels are his helpers. It may be if he divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you, Muslims (who submit to God), believers, obedient to God, turning to God in repentance, worshipping God sincerely, fasting or emigrants (for God's sake), previously married and virgins."}} | ||
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===The Satanic Verses=== | ===The Satanic Verses=== | ||
Pre-Islamic Mecca was a hotbed of [[paganism]] and polytheism. It is said 360 idols surrounded the [[Ka'aba]] and were | Pre-Islamic Mecca was a hotbed of [[paganism]] and polytheism. It is said 360 idols surrounded the [[Kaaba|Ka'aba]] and were worshiped as gods. Thus, when Muhammad first began preaching monotheism and denouncing the other 359 gods, he was met with much resistance and hostility. | ||
In an attempt to appease the Meccans, buy some time and bring relief to his followers from hostility, Muhammad one night had a revelation found in | In an attempt to appease the Meccans, buy some time and bring relief to his followers from hostility, Muhammad one night had a revelation found in [[Surah]] 53:19-22 which originally read, "Have you thought of al-Lat and al-Uzza and Manat the third, the other; these are the exalted Gharaniq whose intercession is approved." <ref>ibn Ishaq, p. 165-166; see also History of al-Tabari , vol VI: Muhammad at Mecca, p. 108-109 </ref> Al-Lat, al-Uzza and Manat were three female deities, known as daughters of Allah. By this revelation Muhammad acknowledged these deities as worthy of worship and whose intercession in heaven was to be sought. Acknowledging these deities had the desired effect. Later, the angel [[Gabriel]] chastised Muhammad for uttering these verses and informed him that Satan, not Allah, had put these words in Muhammad's mouth. Thus, these verses are known as the [[Satanic Verses]]. | ||
Muhammad then conveniently received another just-in-time revelation to relieve him of any wrongdoing: | Muhammad then conveniently received another just-in-time revelation to relieve him of any wrongdoing: | ||
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===Battle of the Trench=== | ===Battle of the Trench=== | ||
When preparing for the Battle of the Trench, | When preparing for the Battle of the Trench, Muhammad ordered his followers to dig a large trench around the perimeter of Medina, to hold off the expected army of Meccans intent on killing Muhammad. Many of Muhammad's men put less than full effort into the task, and some even left without Muhammad's permission. At the same time, another Muslim needed temporary leave to attend to an urgent matter. He asked Muhammad's permission, was granted permission, and returned to trench digging as soon as he could. | ||
Muhammad became upset and angry at those who left the task without asking his permission. In an act of theologically sanctioned dictatorship, Muhammad received another revelation: | Muhammad became upset and angry at those who left the task without asking his permission. In an act of theologically sanctioned dictatorship, Muhammad received another revelation: | ||
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It seems that Allah either forgot to make an exception for blind and disabled men from participating in jihad, or else he just didn't understand they were incapable of jihad. Either way, Muhammad had to rescue Allah from an embarrassing situation. Nice gesture. | It seems that Allah either forgot to make an exception for blind and disabled men from participating in jihad, or else he just didn't understand they were incapable of jihad. Either way, Muhammad had to rescue Allah from an embarrassing situation. Nice gesture. | ||
==Another Just in time Revelation== | |||
At one time some big chiefs of Makkah were sitting in the assembly of Mohammad, and he was earnestly engaged in trying to persuade them to accept Islam. At that very point, a blind man, named Abd-Allah ibn Umm-Maktum, approached him to seek explanation of some point concerning Islam. Muhammad disliked his interruption and ignored him. Thereupon Allah sent down this Surah.. | |||
{{Quote|{{Quran|80|1-12}}| | |||
The Prophet frowned and turned away. Because there came to him the blind man, [interrupting]. But what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps he might be purified. Or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him? As for he who thinks himself without need, To him you give attention. And not upon you [is any blame] if he will not be purified. But as for he who came to you striving [for knowledge]. While he fears [ Allah ], From him you are distracted. No! Indeed, these verses are a reminder;}} | |||
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
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After examining these few examples, of which there are more, one must conclude that Muhammad's revelations were not divinely inspired or sent down at all by Allah but were used instead as a convenient way of exonerating himself from misdeeds, immoral actions, or other embarrassing moments. Muhammad alone was given special privileges accorded nobody else, and always in line with his expressed personal desires. | After examining these few examples, of which there are more, one must conclude that Muhammad's revelations were not divinely inspired or sent down at all by Allah but were used instead as a convenient way of exonerating himself from misdeeds, immoral actions, or other embarrassing moments. Muhammad alone was given special privileges accorded nobody else, and always in line with his expressed personal desires. | ||
==See | ==See Also== | ||
*[[Muhammad's Revelations]] ''- A hub page that leads to other articles related to Muhammad's Revelations'' | *[[Muhammad's Revelations]] ''- A hub page that leads to other articles related to Muhammad's Revelations'' | ||