Openai/695ab3f6-74ac-8012-bdb7-3297d6bfb2cf

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User: Did the prophet allow keeping concubines?

Did the prophet allow keeping concubines?

Assistant: In Islamic understanding, the question usually refers to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

In Islamic understanding, the question usually refers to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The short, accurate answer is:

Yes, concubinage existed in early Islamic society, but it was regulated, not encouraged—and it is not permitted today.

Here is the full context 👇

1. Historical background (important)

Concubinage already existed worldwide (Arabia, Rome, Persia, etc.) long before Islam. Islam did not introduce it. Instead, it restricted and humanised an existing institution in a society where slavery was universal.

2. What Islam allowed at that time

The Qur’an allowed sexual relations only with:

• A lawful wife, or
• A female slave lawfully owned through war (not kidnapping or trade)

This is mentioned in:

• Qur’an 4:3
• Qur’an 23:5–6
• Qur’an 70:29–30

Such women were called “those whom your right hands possess”.

3. Strict rules (often ignored in discussions)

Islam placed strong limitations:

• ❌ No forcing or abuse
• ❌ No prostitution (Qur’an 24:33)
• ✅ She had full human dignity
• ✅ If she bore a child, she could not be sold and became free upon the owner’s death
• ✅ Marriage to her was encouraged
• ✅ Freeing slaves was highly rewarded and repeatedly encouraged

The Prophet ﷺ himself said:

“Whoever slaps his slave or beats him, the expiation is to free him.”

(Sahih Muslim)

4. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ specifically

• He freed and married some women who had been captives (e.g., Safiyyah bint Huyayy, Juwayriya bint al-Harith)
• He never promoted concubinage as a lifestyle
• His life consistently moved toward abolition, not expansion

5. Is concubinage allowed today in Islam?

Absolutely NOT.

Why?

• Islam ties concubinage to legal slavery
• Slavery no longer exists legally anywhere in the world
• Modern Muslim scholars agree: 👉 Concubinage is invalid and forbidden today

Any claim otherwise is a serious distortion of Islam.

6. Summary

• ✔ Existed historically
• ✔ Regulated, not promoted
• ✔ Tied strictly to slavery
• ❌ Not applicable today
• ❌ Any modern practice is haram

If you want, I can also explain:

• How Islam aimed at gradual abolition
• Comparison with Biblical concubinage
• Common misconceptions used by critics

Just tell me.