A recent article published by The Daily Wire presents a critical examination of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, arguing that certain actions attributed to him in early Islamic sources continue to serve as a moral template for millions of Muslims worldwide. The piece, titled “Five Of The Worst Things Muhammad Did,” draws on historical and religious texts to highlight practices it says are linked to contemporary issues such as child marriage, religious persecution, and terrorism.
The article begins by noting that seven of the top ten countries with the highest rates of child marriage are Muslim-majority, and eight of the top ten countries where Christians face the most severe persecution are also Muslim-majority. It also points to ongoing Islamist terrorism as evidence of a pattern that warrants scrutiny. The author suggests that to understand these trends, one must examine the Sunnah—the practices and sayings of Muhammad—which Muslims regard as the ideal model for life.
Marriage to Aisha
The first item discussed is Muhammad’s marriage to Aisha, who was six years old at the time of the marriage contract and nine when the marriage was consummated, according to Islamic sources. The article recounts a hadith in which Aisha describes being handed over to Muhammad at the age of nine. It notes that such practices continue in some parts of the world today, citing the prevalence of child marriage in Muslim-majority countries.
The Killing of Dogs
Another episode involves Muhammad’s order to kill dogs in Medina after the angel Gabriel failed to appear one night. According to a hadith, Muhammad discovered that a puppy had been under his bed, making the room ritually unclean. After the puppy was removed, Gabriel appeared the next night and told him that angels do not enter a house with a dog. Muhammad then ordered the killing of dogs in and around Medina. The article links this historical account to more recent events, such as a 2022 offer by the Palestinian mayor of Hebron to pay residents for killing dogs, and a 2024 Turkish law that critics call a “Dog Massacre” law.
Safiyya bint Huyayy
The third example is the case of Safiyya bint Huyayy, a Jewish woman whose father and husband were killed during the Muslim conquest of Khaybar in 629. After the battle, Muhammad took her as a captive and later married her. The article states that she was forced to sleep with him shortly after her first husband’s death, while she was still grieving.
Marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh
The fourth item concerns Muhammad’s marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh, the wife of his adopted son Zayd ibn Harithah. According to the article, Muhammad saw Zaynab uncovered and expressed admiration for her beauty, which led Zayd to divorce her. Muhammad then married her after, he claimed, Allah instructed him to do so. This marriage led to a change in Islamic law regarding adoption, as the Quran distinguishes between adopted and biological sons, allowing marriage to the former wife of an adopted son.
The Banu Qurayza Massacre
The final example is the punishment of the Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe in Medina that had allegedly violated a treaty with Muhammad. After a 25-day siege, the tribe surrendered, and Muhammad approved the execution of all adult men, while women and children were taken as captives. The article cites Ibn Ishaq’s biography, which puts the number killed between 600 and 900. It connects this event to modern atrocities, such as the ISIS massacre at Camp Speicher in 2014 and the Taliban’s killing of civilians in Mazar-e-Sharif in 1998.
The Daily Wire piece concludes by suggesting that these historical accounts provide a troubling model that continues to inspire violence and oppression. It argues that ignoring these connections hinders efforts to address the underlying ideology.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/five-of-the-worst-things-muhammad-did