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Is what is stated in the book "Mawahib al-Jalil" regarding the permissibility for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to ask the Companions to divorce their wives so that he may marry them an inappropriate statement, and does this apply to the rest of the Messengers, and is objecting to this matter considered a sin?

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What was recited in "Mawahib Al-Jaleel" concerning the obligation to divorce a woman desired by the Prophet, peace be upon him, is the saying of some scholars, like the Malikis. However, the special characteristics of the Prophet, peace be upon him, are only established by proof, and mere possibility is not sufficient. As long as there is no proof, it is merely an ijtihad (independent reasoning).

This matter never occurred with the Prophet, peace be upon him. He never desired the wife of any of his companions, nor did he ask anyone to divorce his wife. On the contrary, when he was informed that Zayd would divorce Zaynab, he told Zayd: "Keep your wife and fear Allah." The Prophet's marriage to Zaynab after her divorce was by divine command, with the aim of abolishing adoption, as stated in the verse: "So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any difficulty concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they have no longer any need for them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished."

Allah, the Exalted, is the All-Knowing, All-Wise Legislator. He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. He singled out His Prophet with special characteristics, and a Muslim submits to what Allah has legislated. Beware of objecting to the law of Allah.

In conclusion: The Prophet, peace be upon him, never asked anyone to divorce his wife so that he could marry her. The statement that this is one of his special characteristics has not been proven by any evidence from the Qur'an or Sunnah. Those who made this claim did so within the framework of "hypothetical fiqh," which many scholars disliked engaging in.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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