Indian Muslims: Who Are They c8.s3.1

c8.s3.1

The most efficacious generator of the quick growth of Muslim population was their practice of polygamy. Marriage is enjoined on every Muslim. It is related in the Traditions that Muhammad said: When the servant of God marries, he perfects half his religion Consequently in Islam, even the ascetic orders are rather married than single.⁴¹ In Islam there is provision for temporary marriages (Mutas), multi-marriages, divorce, remarriage of widows, concubinage - in short there is freedom from all inhibitions and reservations in matters of matrimony. The insistence is on everybody marrying. Naturally celibacy is frowned upon. One of Muhammads companions wanted to live in celibacy Muhammad forbade him to do so.⁴² According to a tradition derived from Ibn Abbas and quoted by Ibn Sad, popularly known as Katib al-Waqidi, the prophets biographer, Muhammad said: In my *ummah*, he is the best who has the largest number of wives.⁴³