we leave is charity.” Al-Bukhārī recorded it through several transmitters, among them Abū Hurayra—may Allah be pleased with him—and Muslim narrated it from him and from others (1).

This is made clear by the fact that it is mentioned in the context of the words of Allah Most High:

“If you fear that you will not deal justly with orphan girls, then marry whichever women seem good to you—two, three, or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then marry only one, or those whom your right hands possess. That is more likely to keep you from committing injustice. Give women their bridal gifts graciously; but if they willingly remit any part of it to you, then take it with satisfaction and ease.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 3, 4]

Down to His words:

“Allah instructs you concerning your children: a male receives a share equal to that of two females.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 11]

It is well known that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was not addressed by this. He was not restricted to two, three, or four wives; rather, he was permitted to marry more than that. Nor was he required to give every woman her bridal gift, for he was permitted to marry a woman who offered herself to him without a bridal gift. As Allah Most High said (2):

“O Prophet, We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their bridal gifts, and those whom your right hand possesses from among those Allah has granted you as spoils.”

[Surah al-Ahzāb: 50]

Down to His words:

“And any believing woman who offers herself to the Prophet, if the Prophet wishes to marry her—this is exclusively for you, not for the believers. We know what We have prescribed for them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess, so that there may be no restriction upon you. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

[Surah al-Ahzāb: 50]

Since the context of the discourse is addressed only to the Muslim community, to his exclusion, he does not fall within the general import of this verse.