The question relating to polygamous marriages allowed by Islam has long been the subject for orientalists and Western writers. They have openly criticized Islam and the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Their problem springs from their desire to judge the matrimonial laws of Islam and the practice of the Arabs within their own Western concepts and ideologies. They are quick to transpose their own narrow standards into a system growing out of the innate disposition and circumstances of Arabian society that carries not only social and moral benefits but also rests on the law of Allah. They fail to see that their system and social setup has hopelessly failed the test of time.

In their warped thinking they present Western concepts of morality as the standard of human behaviour and then ruthlessly proceed to criticise everything that goes contrary to it. This is due to their arrogance and unjust admiration of everything originating in the West.

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and his wives never led a life of ease and luxury, as is usually the case with polygamous marriages. His was a life of exemplary self-denial, simplicity and chastity. Allah had tested each of his wives to determine their level of faith :

"0 Prophet! Say to your wives : If you desire the worldly life and its adornment, come ! I will content you and will release you with a fair release. But if you desire Allah and His messenger and the abode of the Hereafter, then Allah has prepared for the good among you an immense reward."

Their immaculate and upright disposition guided all of them to give but one answer to this question posed by Allah. None of them had the least hesitation in making her choice in favour of Allah and His Messenger and the ultimate salvation. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam recited the above verses before Aisha and said, "Do not make haste in giving your reply and consult with your parents." She replied, "What is there to consult my parents? I want Allah and His Prophet and the abode of the Hereafter." All the wives of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam gave a similar reply."

The Prophet's polygamous bonds of matrimony never caused him to neglect, even for the shortest period of time, the great responsibility of his mission, the affairs of the Muslims or even his own spiritual pursuits. They rather helped him to devote himself to his mission with a renewed vigour and enthusiasm. His wives always lent him a helping hand in the dissemination of his message and in expounding the teachings of Islam to his followers. They accompanied him in his expeditions and nursed the sick and the wounded. In fact, about one third of the teachings of Islam in regard to social, marital and household responsibilities of the Muslims has come to be known through the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam's wives who enlightened and guided the Muslims about the family life and behaviour of their leader.