Lawful for Muhammad but Forbidden for Others
In Islamic tradition, Allah bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) unique privileges that were lawful for Muhammad but forbidden for others. These special permissions, totaling sixteen primary items, underscore his exalted status as the final messenger. Derived from the Quran and authentic Hadith, they highlight divine wisdom in honoring the Prophet while establishing clear boundaries for the Muslim ummah. Far from arbitrary, these exemptions served specific purposes, such as facilitating his mission, leadership, and spiritual elevation. Understanding them deepens appreciation for the Prophet’s unparalleled role and dispels misconceptions. This article explores these distinctions, drawing from classical sources like Tafsir al-Qurtubi on Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 50.
The Sixteen Things Lawful for Muhammad but Forbidden for Others
Scholars like Imam al-Nawawi and Ibn al-Arabi have meticulously cataloged these permissions. Let’s examine them one by one, with context to reveal their significance.
1. The Choice Portion (Safiyy) of War Spoils
The Prophet (peace be upon him) had the exclusive right to select the finest share (safiyy) from war spoils before distribution. This was a divine honor, ensuring his sustenance and reward for his leadership in battles that secured Islam’s spread.
2. Exclusive Right to One-Fifth (or Full) of the Khums
From the one-fifth share (khums) allocated to the Prophet from spoils and certain gains, he could claim either the full one-fifth or an exclusive portion. This provision supported his household and da’wah efforts, distinct from the general rules for others.
3. Continuous Fasting (Wisal) Without Breaking at Night
Unlike ordinary Muslims, who must break their fast at night during voluntary wisal fasting to preserve health, the Prophet could fast continuously for days. He demonstrated superhuman endurance, as approved by Allah, exemplified in Hadith where he fasted for extended periods.
4. Marrying More Than Four Women
The Quran limits men to four wives (Surah An-Nisa 4:3), but Allah permitted the Prophet up to eleven wives at once. This was lawful for Muhammad but forbidden for others, accommodating alliances, widows’ care, and his prophetic responsibilities.
5. Marriage Declared by the Word ‘Gift’ (Without Formal Dowry)
The Prophet could solemnize marriages simply by declaring a woman a gift, bypassing traditional dowry negotiations. This streamlined unions vital for tribal harmony.
6. Marriage Without a Guardian’s Consent
Typically, a woman’s guardian (wali) is required, but the Prophet could marry without one, reflecting absolute trust in his judgment.
7. Marriage Without Any Dowry
Exempt from providing mahr (dowry), his marriages emphasized spiritual bonds over material exchange, a privilege unique to him.
8. Marriage While in Ihram (Pilgrimage State)
Entering ihram prohibits marriage for pilgrims, yet the Prophet could wed during this sacred state, as in the case of Maymunah bint al-Harith.
9. Exemption from Equal Division of Time Among Wives
He wasn’t bound by the rule of equal nightly turns among co-wives, allowing flexibility for revelation, travel, and leadership duties.
10. Gaze Upon a Woman Obligating Her Husband’s Divorce
If his gaze fell favorably on a married woman, her husband was obliged to divorce her, making her available for the Prophet. This relates to the story of Zayd ibn Harithah and Zaynab bint Jahsh (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:37), as discussed by Imam al-Haramayn and Ibn al-Arabi.
11. Freeing Safiyyah with Her Freedom as Dowry
He emancipated Safiyyah bint Huyayy, a Jewish captive, and took her freedom as her mahr, symbolizing mercy and elevation.
12. Entering Mecca Without Ihram
While debated for others, the Prophet entered Mecca without ihram during conquest, showcasing his authority over the sacred city.
13. Fighting in Mecca
Combat is forbidden in the Haram, but he was permitted defensive fighting there, as during the Conquest of Mecca.
14. No Inheritance from Him
The Prophet (peace be upon him) left no inheritance; his property became charity (sadaqah). This aligns with Surah Al-Ahzab 33:6, ensuring his wealth served the ummah perpetually, unlike the one-third limit for others in deathbed wills.
15. Perpetual Marriage Bond with Wives After Death
His wives, termed Mothers of the Believers, remained exclusively bound to him post-death, forbidden from remarrying—a lifelong honor.
16. Divorced Women Remaining Forbidden Forever
Women he divorced stayed prohibited from remarrying others, preserving his household’s sanctity.
Additional Honors Exclusive to the Prophet
Beyond the sixteen, other privileges were lawful for Muhammad but forbidden for others. He could consume food and drink from others, even if it risked their lives, per Surah Al-Ahzab 33:6: The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves. Every Muslim must protect him with their life. He reserved pastures (himar) for his needs, a rarity in egalitarian Islam. Spoils were legalized through him, the earth became a universal mosque and purification place for his ummah—unlike prior prophets confined to temples. Victory came via terror instilled in enemies a month’s journey away (Surah Al-Anfal 8:12). Sent to all creation, not specific tribes, his prophethood is universal.
Why These Permissions Matter Today
These distinctions affirm the Prophet’s inimitable status, tailored by divine decree. As Tafsir al-Qurtubi elucidates on Surah Al-Ahzab 33:50, they weren’t indulgences but tools for his mission. Muslims revere them as proofs of his perfection, fostering deeper love and obedience. What was lawful for Muhammad but forbidden for others reminds us: emulate his Sunnah within our limits, honor his uniqueness, and protect his legacy. In an age of skepticism, grasping these truths strengthens faith, uniting the ummah in devotion to the best of creation (peace be upon him).
