Quran 33:6 – Rights Of Prophet (sws) On Believers Is More Than Self
1 ). The background can be inferred from verse 1 and from the whole theme of Surah as well, where the center topic is revolving around schemes of hypocrites against the Prophet (sws), his family and other Muslims in general. This is further clarified in Verse 36 where countering certain objections of hypocrites, Quran mentions that after Prophet (sws) decides something for any Muslim man or woman, then that decision is obligatory for all Muslims to follow. And yes, if any such decision of Prophet Muhammad (sws) has the same ‘ illat ‘ with any of our situations of today’s time, then that decision of Prophet Muhammad (sws) is obligatory on us to follow as well. ( Please refer to the following threads where this topic has been explored further : Discussion 83915 ) AND ( Discussion 77704 ) 2 ). What prophet (sws) did was that he established a bond of brotherhood between Ansar and Muhajiren since it was a time of crisis, so extraordinary measure was taken at that time. This does entail a share in wealth/inheritance for that muhajir being made brother of an ansari , however this does not entail share in wives. That act of Sahabi was an individual act and he went above and beyond the general directive of brotherhood and offered to divorce one of his wives in favour of his brother so that he can start his own family. It was a gesture of great sacrifice for Islam and not a gesture of hatred for one’s wife. This more appropriately falls in nusrat-e-deen domain of religion i.e. Supporting the Cause of Religion the way it is mentioned in Quran 61:10-14 and Quran 9:24 . Quran 33:6 made this clear that now normal relationship hierarchy will be followed where blood relatives have a higher right on Muslims than all other relationships excluding the the special right of Prophet Muhammad (sws) and his wives earlier . 3 ). From a principle stand-point on meaning of right of Prophet Muhammad (sws) higher than all other rights, please see response in point (1) . With the addition that this was an extraordinary situation which was rectified by Quran in this verse when the crisis situation was over to some extent and there was no need for this extraordinary measure anymore.