Different rules for Prophets are part of Shariah
Question
If the Prophets were bound by the rules of Shariah just like everyone else, then what can be said about exceptions for the Prophet ﷺ such as his marriage to more than four wives?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
Exceptions for Prophets and indeed for any categories of people, for example the ill and women in menses, are all part of the rules of Shariah. Allah Almighty, through His wisdom, decides rules for different categories of people within a nation and also different rules for different nations. Therefore, the marriage of the Prophet ﷺ to more than four wives was in accordance to the rules of Shariah.
It is worth noting that along with some exceptions or flexibilities, there were also some restrictions on the Prophet ﷺ and in some cases his family. For example, Zakat cannot be given to the Prophet ﷺ or his family. Likewise, it later became prohibited upon the Prophet ﷺ to replace his wives. All of these rules are part of the Shariah.
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
15 Rabīʿ al-Thānī 1442 / 1 December 2020
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir