Muhammad
محمد
The founder of Islam - examining his life, actions, and character according to Islamic sources themselves.
4 times
Mentioned in Quran
Less than many other prophets
11-13
Wives
Despite 4-wife limit for others
~86
Military Campaigns
Expeditions led or ordered
62
Age at Death
632 CE in Medina
The "Perfect Example"
What Muslims are called to emulate
The Quran commands Muslims to follow Muhammad as the perfect example (uswa hasana):
"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day." — Quran 33:21
This is why examining Muhammad's life is essential. If he is the model for all humanity, his actions deserve scrutiny according to the sources Muslims consider most authentic.
Muhammad's Marriages
While the Quran limits Muslim men to four wives (4:3), Muhammad had special permission for unlimited wives (33:50). His marriages included:
| Wife | Age/Details | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Khadijah | 40 (he was 25) | First wife, wealthy widow |
| Sawda | Unknown | Widow |
| Aisha | 6 at marriage, 9 at consummation | Daughter of Abu Bakr |
| Hafsa | 18 | Daughter of Umar |
| Zaynab bint Khuzayma | Unknown | Widow |
| Umm Salama | 29 | Widow |
| Zaynab bint Jahsh | 35 | Divorced wife of his adopted son |
| Juwayriyya | 20 | Captive from Banu Mustaliq raid |
| Safiyya | 17 | Jewish captive, husband killed by Muhammad |
| Umm Habiba | Unknown | Widow |
| Maymuna | 26 | Last wife |
| Maria al-Qibtiyya | Unknown | Coptic slave/concubine, mother of Ibrahim |
Notable: Aisha's marriage at 6 and consummation at 9 is documented in multiple sahih hadiths (Bukhari 5:58:234, Muslim 8:3310). Zaynab bint Jahsh was the wife of Muhammad's adopted son Zayd, whom Allah commanded to divorce her so Muhammad could marry her (Quran 33:37).
Military Campaigns
Muhammad personally led or ordered approximately 86 military expeditions during his 10 years in Medina. Here are some notable ones:
Raid on Nakhla
First bloodshed, during sacred month
Battle of Badr
Major victory, caravan raid
Battle of Uhud
Defeat, Muhammad wounded
Siege of Banu Qaynuqa
Jewish tribe expelled
Siege of Banu Nadir
Jewish tribe expelled, property confiscated
Battle of the Trench
Defensive victory
Siege of Banu Qurayza
600-900 Jewish men beheaded
Conquest of Khaybar
Jewish oasis conquered
Conquest of Mecca
Triumphant return
Battle of Hunayn
Victory against Bedouin tribes
Banu Qurayza: After the Battle of the Trench, Muhammad ordered the execution of 600-900 Jewish men and the enslavement of women and children. The men were beheaded in batches, with Muhammad personally observing. (Sahih Bukhari 5:59:369, Ibn Ishaq's Sirat)
Other Documented Actions
Ordered Assassinations
Muhammad ordered the killing of poets and critics who mocked him, including Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf, Abu 'Afak (reportedly 100+ years old), and Asma bint Marwan (a nursing mother).
Source: Ibn Ishaq's Sirat
Torture for Information
After the Khaybar conquest, Muhammad had Kinana ibn al-Rabi tortured with fire to reveal where treasure was hidden, then had him beheaded and married his widow Safiyya the same day.
Source: Ibn Ishaq's Sirat
Slave Ownership
Muhammad owned slaves and gave slaves as gifts. He received Maria al-Qibtiyya as a slave from the Egyptian ruler.
Source: Multiple hadith sources
Caravan Raids
Muhammad's community in Medina sustained itself partly through raiding Meccan caravans and dividing the spoils.
Source: Quran 8:41, hadith collections
Comparison: Muhammad vs. Jesus
Muhammad
- • Multiple wives, including a child bride
- • Led military conquests
- • Ordered assassinations of critics
- • Owned slaves
- • Uncertain of his own salvation
- • Died and remains dead
Jesus
- • Never married, devoted to ministry
- • Taught to love enemies
- • Forgave those who crucified him
- • Elevated the status of women
- • Promised eternal life to believers
- • Rose from the dead
Questions to Consider
- 1.Is a man who married a 6-year-old and consummated when she was 9 the perfect moral example for all time?
- 2.Why would Allah give Muhammad exemptions from rules that apply to all other Muslims?
- 3.How can Islam be called a religion of peace when its founder led 86 military campaigns?
- 4.If these accounts are false, why are they in Islam's most trusted sources? If true, how is this example to be followed today?