Ages of Muhammads Wives at Marriage: Difference between revisions

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This article [[Refutations|refutes]] the widely held belief that all of Prophet [[Muhammad]]'s  wives, except for [[Aisha]], were elderly women.
This article [[Refutations|refutes]] the widely held belief that all of Prophet [[Muhammad]]'s  wives, except for [[Aisha]], were elderly women.
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[File:polygamy.jpg|right|thumb||300px]]


Muslim apologists claim that Prophet [[Muhammad's Wives|Muhammad’s wives]] were elderly and that he did not [[Marriage|marry]] them for physical attraction.
Muslim apologists claim that Prophet [[Muhammad's Wives|Muhammad’s wives]] were elderly and that he did not [[Marriage|marry]] them for physical attraction.
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The first problem is that Hakim claimed his own age to be 120.<ref>{{Muslim|10|3662}}; {{Tabari|39|p. 106}}.</ref> This is intrinsically questionable. To bolster his story, Hakim claimed to remember the episode when Abdulmuttalib ibn Hashim vowed to sacrifice his son Abdullah to the god Hubal but was able to ransom him for 100 camels. He says this was about five years before Muhammad was born.<ref>{{Tabari|39|pp. 41, 106}}.</ref> But Hakim’s ability to spill out details that were already common knowledge does not prove he was an eyewitness to the event: he might well have heard the story from his parents.
The first problem is that Hakim claimed his own age to be 120.<ref>{{Muslim|10|3662}}; {{Tabari|39|p. 106}}.</ref> This is intrinsically questionable. To bolster his story, Hakim claimed to remember the episode when Abdulmuttalib ibn Hashim vowed to sacrifice his son Abdullah to the god Hubal but was able to ransom him for 100 camels. He says this was about five years before Muhammad was born.<ref>{{Tabari|39|pp. 41, 106}}.</ref> But Hakim’s ability to spill out details that were already common knowledge does not prove he was an eyewitness to the event: he might well have heard the story from his parents.
[[File:ArabElders.jpg|left|thumb|Elderly Arabs talking in the market.|300px]]


Hakim’s remarks about Khadijah’s age might have served a similar function of supporting his personal boasts rather than relaying accurate history. If he had long ago mentioned that Khadijah was two years older than himself, he might have needed to stick to his story about her relative age and readjust her chronological age in order to keep it consistent with his claims about his own age. There is something suspicious about his remark here.
Hakim’s remarks about Khadijah’s age might have served a similar function of supporting his personal boasts rather than relaying accurate history. If he had long ago mentioned that Khadijah was two years older than himself, he might have needed to stick to his story about her relative age and readjust her chronological age in order to keep it consistent with his claims about his own age. There is something suspicious about his remark here.
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Muhammad’s detractors in Mecca asked him why he did not perform any miracles.<ref>{{Quran|2|118}}. {{Quran|2|145}}. {{Quran|6|37}}. {{Quran|6|109}}. {{Quran|10|20}}. {{Quran|13|7}}. {{Quran|17|59}}. Guillaume/Ishaq 133ff. {{Bukhari|9|92|379}}.</ref> He had to fall back on, “The Qur’an is my miracle,”<ref>{{Quran|24|1}}. {{Quran-range|98|1|4}}.</ref> but it is clear that he was not happy about this response. He subsequently claimed to have [[Moon Split Miracle|split the moon]] and to have [[The Holy Qur'an: Al-Isra (The Night Journey)|travelled to Jerusalem and back in one night]]. Later tales, omitted from the earliest histories, claimed that he had multiplied food like Jesus,<ref>[http://www.soebratie.nl/religie/hadith/IbnSad.html#Book 42.35/ Ibn Saad, ''Tabaqat'' 1:42:35-36]; Matthew 14:13-21.</ref> transfigured wood into iron, reminiscent of Elisha’s retrieval of the borrowed axe-head,<ref>[http://www.soebratie.nl/religie/hadith/IbnSad.html#Book 42.38/ Ibn Saad, ''Tabaqat'' 1:42:38]; II Kings 6:5-7.</ref> or cursed his enemy’s camel to sink in the sand.<ref>[http://www.soebratie.nl/religie/hadith/IbnSad.html#Book 42.40/ Ibn Saad, ''Tabaqat'' 1:42:40].</ref> Yet in the hostile atmosphere of Mecca, where a miracle was desperately desired to reinforce Muhammad’s credibility, he never pointed to his wife’s extraordinary fecundity. He never called it a blessing similar to Sarah’s gestation of Isaac<ref>Genesis 17:15-21, 21:1-7.</ref> or Elizabeth’s of John the Baptist.<ref>Luke 1:5-25, 57-80.</ref> In fact nobody expressed even mild surprise that a woman of Khadijah’s age had produced so many children.
Muhammad’s detractors in Mecca asked him why he did not perform any miracles.<ref>{{Quran|2|118}}. {{Quran|2|145}}. {{Quran|6|37}}. {{Quran|6|109}}. {{Quran|10|20}}. {{Quran|13|7}}. {{Quran|17|59}}. Guillaume/Ishaq 133ff. {{Bukhari|9|92|379}}.</ref> He had to fall back on, “The Qur’an is my miracle,”<ref>{{Quran|24|1}}. {{Quran-range|98|1|4}}.</ref> but it is clear that he was not happy about this response. He subsequently claimed to have [[Moon Split Miracle|split the moon]] and to have [[The Holy Qur'an: Al-Isra (The Night Journey)|travelled to Jerusalem and back in one night]]. Later tales, omitted from the earliest histories, claimed that he had multiplied food like Jesus,<ref>[http://www.soebratie.nl/religie/hadith/IbnSad.html#Book 42.35/ Ibn Saad, ''Tabaqat'' 1:42:35-36]; Matthew 14:13-21.</ref> transfigured wood into iron, reminiscent of Elisha’s retrieval of the borrowed axe-head,<ref>[http://www.soebratie.nl/religie/hadith/IbnSad.html#Book 42.38/ Ibn Saad, ''Tabaqat'' 1:42:38]; II Kings 6:5-7.</ref> or cursed his enemy’s camel to sink in the sand.<ref>[http://www.soebratie.nl/religie/hadith/IbnSad.html#Book 42.40/ Ibn Saad, ''Tabaqat'' 1:42:40].</ref> Yet in the hostile atmosphere of Mecca, where a miracle was desperately desired to reinforce Muhammad’s credibility, he never pointed to his wife’s extraordinary fecundity. He never called it a blessing similar to Sarah’s gestation of Isaac<ref>Genesis 17:15-21, 21:1-7.</ref> or Elizabeth’s of John the Baptist.<ref>Luke 1:5-25, 57-80.</ref> In fact nobody expressed even mild surprise that a woman of Khadijah’s age had produced so many children.
[[File:Khadija.jpg|right|thumb|Khadijah’s “medal” in ''Promptuarii iconum insigniorum'' (1553). Lyon: Rouillé.|200px]]
Perhaps that was because Khadijah’s fertility was a commonplace for a woman of her age. Perhaps she was still in her thirties when she bore Muhammad’s children. Perhaps, when Fatima was weaned in 607,<ref>{{Tabari|39|166}}; see {{Quran|2|233}} and Guillaume/Ishaq 71 for two years as the customary duration of nursing.</ref> Khadijah was still a few months short of forty – and that was why her childbearing ceased.
Perhaps that was because Khadijah’s fertility was a commonplace for a woman of her age. Perhaps she was still in her thirties when she bore Muhammad’s children. Perhaps, when Fatima was weaned in 607,<ref>{{Tabari|39|166}}; see {{Quran|2|233}} and Guillaume/Ishaq 71 for two years as the customary duration of nursing.</ref> Khadijah was still a few months short of forty – and that was why her childbearing ceased.
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{{Quote|Bewley/Saad 8:40.|Sawdah bint Zamaa '''became old''' and the Messenger of Allah did not have much to do with her. … She became afraid that he would divorce her and she would lose her place with him. So she said, “Messenger of Allah, my day which falls for me is for Aisha and you are in the lawful in it.”}}
{{Quote|Bewley/Saad 8:40.|Sawdah bint Zamaa '''became old''' and the Messenger of Allah did not have much to do with her. … She became afraid that he would divorce her and she would lose her place with him. So she said, “Messenger of Allah, my day which falls for me is for Aisha and you are in the lawful in it.”}}
[[File:Kahla3.jpg|left|thumb|An “elderly” lady (''kahla'') from Afghanistan.|200px]]


The texts do not say that Sawdah “was old” but that she “''became'' old”, i.e. that she was only at the beginning of the “old age” period of her life. In the modern world, this would suggest that she was 65 or 70, which may explain why modern historians have assumed she was very elderly. But this is clearly impossible in the light of the fact that she lived another fifty years.
The texts do not say that Sawdah “was old” but that she “''became'' old”, i.e. that she was only at the beginning of the “old age” period of her life. In the modern world, this would suggest that she was 65 or 70, which may explain why modern historians have assumed she was very elderly. But this is clearly impossible in the light of the fact that she lived another fifty years.


In the culture of the medieval Arabs, when a woman’s value to society depended on her capacity to bear children, a woman only had three life-stages: childhood (before she could bear children), adulthood (childbearing age) and old age (when she was past childbearing). So an “old” woman was simply one who was too old to have children – possibly a healthy, active, sharp-minded woman as young as 40. It is practically certain that the sentence “Sawdah became old” really only means “Sawdah reached menopause.”<ref>Personal communication with native speakers of Arabic.</ref>
In the culture of the medieval Arabs, when a woman’s value to society depended on her capacity to bear children, a woman only had three life-stages: childhood (before she could bear children), adulthood (childbearing age) and old age (when she was past childbearing). So an “old” woman was simply one who was too old to have children – possibly a healthy, active, sharp-minded woman as young as 40. It is practically certain that the sentence “Sawdah became old” really only means “Sawdah reached menopause.”<ref>Personal communication with native speakers of Arabic. See also [[:File:Kahla3.jpg|this]] image of an “elderly” lady (''kahla'') from Afghanistan.</ref>


When did Sawdah reach menopause? Obviously it was after Muhammad had consummated his marriage to Aisha in 623. So we already know that Sawdah was pre-menopausal in 620. But in fact it was even later than this, for the near-divorce episode is referred to in {{Quran|4|128}}. Ibn Kathir frankly admits:
When did Sawdah reach menopause? Obviously it was after Muhammad had consummated his marriage to Aisha in 623. So we already know that Sawdah was pre-menopausal in 620. But in fact it was even later than this, for the near-divorce episode is referred to in {{Quran|4|128}}. Ibn Kathir frankly admits:
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{{Quote|{{Tabari|39|p. 171}}.|The Prophet married Aisha in Shawwal in the tenth year after the prophethood [13 May - 10 June 620], three years before the ''Hijra''. He consummated the marriage in Shawwal, eight months after the ''Hijra'' [11 May - 9 April 623]. On the day he consummated the marriage with her, '''she was nine years old.'''}}
{{Quote|{{Tabari|39|p. 171}}.|The Prophet married Aisha in Shawwal in the tenth year after the prophethood [13 May - 10 June 620], three years before the ''Hijra''. He consummated the marriage in Shawwal, eight months after the ''Hijra'' [11 May - 9 April 623]. On the day he consummated the marriage with her, '''she was nine years old.'''}}


Copious documentation on hundreds of Muhammad’s companions shows that most Arabs knew their age to the nearest year. Why should Aisha, with her extraordinary memory,<ref>For a modern assessment of Aisha’s contribution to the ''hadith'' literature, see Siddiqi, M. Z. (2006). ''Hadith Literature: its origin, development, special features and criticism'', pp. 33-34. Kuala Lumpar: Islamic Book Trust.</ref> her penchant for details and her talent for arithmetic,<ref>Bewley/Saad 8:47.</ref> have been any exception? To suggest that, contrary to her clear statement, she miscalculated or fabricated her own age is utterly insulting. The information about her death only confirms her consistency.
Copious documentation on hundreds of Muhammad’s companions shows that most Arabs knew their age to the nearest year. Why should Aisha, with her extraordinary memory,<ref>For a modern assessment of Aisha’s contribution to the ''hadith'' literature, see Siddiqi, M. Z. (2006). ''Hadith Literature: its origin, development, special features and criticism'', pp. 33-34. Kuala Lumpar: Islamic Book Trust.</ref> her penchant for details and her talent for arithmetic,<ref>Bewley/Saad 8:47.</ref> have been any exception? To suggest that, contrary to her clear statement, she miscalculated or fabricated her own age is not logical. The information about her death only confirms her consistency.


{{Quote|{{Tabari|39|p. 173}}.|Aisha died on Tuesday night, the 17 Ramadan 58 AH [16 July 678], and she was buried the same night after the night prayer. She was then 66 years old.}}
{{Quote|{{Tabari|39|p. 173}}.|Aisha died on Tuesday night, the 17 Ramadan 58 AH [16 July 678], and she was buried the same night after the night prayer. She was then 66 years old.}}
[[File:Jariya.jpg|right|thumb|An Arab ''jariya'' wearing a veil.|200px]]


The year 66 years before 58 AH  was once again nine years before the ''Hijra'', making Aisha nine years old at her consummation in 1 AH. While it may well be true that most Arabs only knew their age to the year and not to the day, there is some evidence that Aisha’s family had noted at least the month in which she was born.
The year 66 years before 58 AH  was once again nine years before the ''Hijra'', making Aisha nine years old at her consummation in 1 AH. While it may well be true that most Arabs only knew their age to the year and not to the day, there is some evidence that Aisha’s family had noted at least the month in which she was born.
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===Zaynab bint Khuzayma's Age===
===Zaynab bint Khuzayma's Age===
[[File:ArabDinner.png|left|thumb|Almsgiving and hospitality have been a feature of most cultures throughout human history, with the pre-Islamic Arabs being no exception.|300px]]


Zaynab’s life is not well documented, which has led to guessing about her age.
Zaynab’s life is not well documented, which has led to guessing about her age.
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{{Quote|Guillaume/Ishaq 490.|[The apostle] attacked the Mustaliq branch of the Khuza’a tribe … He went out and met them at a watering-place of theirs called al-Muraysi …}}
{{Quote|Guillaume/Ishaq 490.|[The apostle] attacked the Mustaliq branch of the Khuza’a tribe … He went out and met them at a watering-place of theirs called al-Muraysi …}}
[[File:Slavemarket.png|right|thumb|''The Slave Market'' by Swiss artist Otto Pilny (1866-1936). Muhammad’s willingness to capture, buy and sell girls like Juwayriyah set the example for the Islamic slave-trade for centuries to come.|300px]]


{{Quote|Bewley/Saad 8:81|I asked Aisha about the marriage of the Messenger of Allah to Zaynab bint Jahsh. She said, “On our return from the expedition of al-Muraysi or shortly after it.” }}
{{Quote|Bewley/Saad 8:81|I asked Aisha about the marriage of the Messenger of Allah to Zaynab bint Jahsh. She said, “On our return from the expedition of al-Muraysi or shortly after it.” }}
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It is said, citing ''Sunan Nasa’i'' vol. 1 book 1 #60 p. 127, that Ramlah (Umm Habiba) was 23 years younger than Muhammad.<ref>[http://www.muslimhope.com/WhyDidMohammedGetSoManyWives.htm/ “Why Did Mohammed Get So Many Wives?”] See also [http://www.prophetmuhammadforall.org/webfiles/downloads/wives/HUmmeHabiba.pdf/ “Hadrat Umm-e-Habiba (r.a)”] in ''Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Guidance for Soul Satisfaction''.</ref> Since he was born in 53 BH, this would place her birth in 30 BH. If this citation is correct, it is in broad agreement with the other sources.
It is said, citing ''Sunan Nasa’i'' vol. 1 book 1 #60 p. 127, that Ramlah (Umm Habiba) was 23 years younger than Muhammad.<ref>[http://www.muslimhope.com/WhyDidMohammedGetSoManyWives.htm/ “Why Did Mohammed Get So Many Wives?”] See also [http://www.prophetmuhammadforall.org/webfiles/downloads/wives/HUmmeHabiba.pdf/ “Hadrat Umm-e-Habiba (r.a)”] in ''Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Guidance for Soul Satisfaction''.</ref> Since he was born in 53 BH, this would place her birth in 30 BH. If this citation is correct, it is in broad agreement with the other sources.
[[File:Saffron.jpg|left|thumb|Saffron has been used as a perfume from ancient times. According to {{Tabari|39|p. 179}}, Ramlah arrived in Medina loaded with saffron, civet-musk, ambergris and aloe perfumes.|300px]]


{{Quote|{{Tabari|39|p. 180}}.|[Ramlah’s marriage] occurred in the year 7 AH. '''She was thirty-odd years old''' when she was brought to Medina.}}
{{Quote|{{Tabari|39|p. 180}}.|[Ramlah’s marriage] occurred in the year 7 AH. '''She was thirty-odd years old''' when she was brought to Medina.}}
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Since the mean age of menarche was 12½ years,<ref>[http://www.mum.org/menarage.htm/ Finley, H. (2003). “Average age at menarche in various cultures.”]</ref> this indicates that Mulaykah was about 13, plus or minus a couple of years. As for the date of the wedding:
Since the mean age of menarche was 12½ years,<ref>[http://www.mum.org/menarage.htm/ Finley, H. (2003). “Average age at menarche in various cultures.”]</ref> this indicates that Mulaykah was about 13, plus or minus a couple of years. As for the date of the wedding:
[[File:Bedouin1904.jpg|right|thumb|A Bedouin bride and groom, c. 1904. The bride must be much younger than the groom as she has very obviously not yet reached her full height.|200px]]


{{Quote|{{Tabari|8|p. 187}}.|In this year [8 AH] the Messenger of God married Mulaykah ... He had killed her father the day of the conquest of Mecca [14 January 630].}}
{{Quote|{{Tabari|8|p. 187}}.|In this year [8 AH] the Messenger of God married Mulaykah ... He had killed her father the day of the conquest of Mecca [14 January 630].}}
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Again, this is a guess, but it is an estimate based on real data about Amrah’s life. We can make no such guesses about the remaining women in Muhammad’s life.
Again, this is a guess, but it is an estimate based on real data about Amrah’s life. We can make no such guesses about the remaining women in Muhammad’s life.
[[File:Rayhana.png|left|thumb|Rayhanah’s first husband was beheaded in the Qurayza massacre of 627.|300px]]


==Wives Whose Ages Are Not Known==
==Wives Whose Ages Are Not Known==
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:::Total Years = 751 years and 4 months.
:::Total Years = 751 years and 4 months.
:::Mean Age of Muhammad as Bridegroom = '''53.66 years'''
:::Mean Age of Muhammad as Bridegroom = '''53.66 years'''
[[File:strife.jpg|right|thumb|Polygamy.|300px]]


Muhammad’s mean age at marriage was '''53 years and 8 months'''. The mean age difference between Muhammad and all his wives was over '''29 years'''.
Muhammad’s mean age at marriage was '''53 years and 8 months'''. The mean age difference between Muhammad and all his wives was over '''29 years'''.
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