Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
2. The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
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neither friendly nor hostile towards the Aws and Khazraj. But now
that the Aws and Khazraj had accepted Islam, it was necessary to
make a new treaty to determine each other’s rights and duties in
the new scenario, with the Prophet as their leader.
This pact dictated by the Prophet granted full religious freedom
to the Jews. The Muslims and the Jews had to live in peace and
amity together as brothers, helping one another in times of need.
After the conclusion of this treaty, Islam found a safe home in
Yathrib.
THE PROPHET’S FAMILY
The Prophet had a large family. He married twelve other wives
after the death of Khadijah. Most of them were widows, two of his
wives were Jewish, one was a Christian.
In those days, polygamy was prevalent. Islam restricted the
number of wives to four. In those days, when men were often killed
in battle the women who were left behind had to be looked after.
So taking several wives was like taking helpless refugees into one’s
home. They were treated kindly and generously. Muslim men were
encouraged to look after the widows of friends who had died in
battle, give them separate homes, and treat them equally in every
respect.
The Prophet’s wives shared his pious way of life. They made
great personal sacrifices, bearing patiently with all kinds of hardship
