The Love Triangle of Muhammad, Zaid ibn Muhammad, and Zainab: A Scandal of Prophetic Proportions

Muhammad, Zaid, and Zainab

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As an Iranian-American who has lived through the tumult of Islamic theology, politics, and personal spiritual transformation, I’ve spent years unraveling the complexities of Islamic doctrine. One of the most controversial and revealing stories from Muhammad’s life involves his adopted son, Zaid ibn Muhammad (later Zaid ibn Harithah), and Zainab bint Jahsh, Zaid’s wife. This story not only exposes the contradictions and moral failings of Muhammad but also demonstrates why Islam is fundamentally flawed as a divine religion.

The Background: Adoption and Tribal Customs

Zaid ibn Harithah was a slave who became Muhammad’s adopted son. Adoption was a respected practice in pre-Islamic Arabia, offering a sense of family and protection to orphans and slaves. Muhammad took Zaid in and even renamed him "Zaid ibn Muhammad," signifying his integration into Muhammad’s lineage—a progressive move, one might argue. However, this goodwill unraveled spectacularly when Zainab entered the picture.

Zainab bint Jahsh was not only Zaid’s wife but also Muhammad’s cousin. Accounts from Islamic traditions, particularly Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, recount that one day, Muhammad visited Zaid’s home and saw Zainab unveiled. Overcome by her beauty, Muhammad reportedly exclaimed, "Glory be to Allah who causes hearts to turn!" Zainab informed Zaid of this, and soon after, Zaid offered to divorce her, ostensibly because he realized Muhammad’s interest in her.

The Quranic Justification: A Convenient Revelation

What followed was an event that epitomizes the opportunistic nature of Muhammad’s prophethood. When Zaid divorced Zainab, Muhammad married her. This caused a scandal among his followers, as marrying one’s adopted son’s ex-wife was considered deeply taboo in Arab society. In response, Muhammad claimed to have received a revelation from Allah:

"So when Zaid had accomplished his desire from her, We married her to you, so that there should be no difficulty for the believers in respect of the wives of their adopted sons when they have accomplished their desire from them; and Allah's command shall be performed."
(Quran 33:37)

Additionally, Muhammad abolished the practice of adoption, declaring that adopted sons could no longer be considered equal to biological sons (Quran 33:4-5). This move conveniently erased the familial connection between him and Zaid, retroactively legitimizing Muhammad’s actions.

Moral and Theological Implications

This episode raises several troubling questions:

1. The Abuse of Prophetic Authority: Muhammad’s claim of divine revelation to justify his personal desires undermines the credibility of his supposed prophethood. How can a true prophet manipulate divine will for personal gain?

2. The Destruction of Adoption: By eliminating adoption, Muhammad deprived countless orphans and slaves of the chance to be integrated into families. This act of self-serving legislation had long-lasting consequences for Arab society and reflects poorly on Muhammad’s moral compass.

3. The Question of Zainab’s Agency: Islamic sources provide little insight into how Zainab felt about this arrangement. Was she coerced by societal pressure, or did she have genuine affection for Muhammad? Either way, her life was irrevocably altered by Muhammad’s desires, a pattern seen in his relationships with other women.

4. The Hypocrisy of Modesty Laws: Islam’s strict emphasis on modesty for women is at odds with Muhammad’s reaction to Zainab. How can a prophet who preaches restraint and modesty justify his behavior in this instance?

Reflections as a Christian Conservative

As a Christian, I now see this story as a glaring example of why Islam cannot be the truth. A prophet of God should embody moral perfection, selflessness, and adherence to divine principles. In contrast, Muhammad’s actions reflect self-interest, manipulation, and a disregard for societal norms when they clashed with his desires.

In Christianity, Jesus Christ’s life offers a stark contrast. His teachings on love, sacrifice, and humility stand as a testament to his divine nature. Unlike Muhammad, Jesus never used his position for personal gain or to exploit others.

For those still within Islam, I urge you to critically examine the life of Muhammad. Stories like this one are not aberrations; they are consistent with a pattern of behavior that reveals a deeply flawed man, not a prophet of God.

Conclusion

The love triangle of Muhammad, Zaid, and Zainab is more than a historical scandal; it is a theological and moral indictment of Islam itself. For those seeking the truth, I encourage you to turn to the gospel of Jesus Christ, where true morality and divine guidance can be found.

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Citations

1. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 93, Hadith 516.
2. Sahih Muslim, Book 8, Hadith 3330.
3. The Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab (33:4-5, 33:37).
4. Watt, W. Montgomery. Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman. Oxford University Press, 1961.
5. Spencer, Robert. The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion. Regnery Publishing, 2006.