“Prophet Muhammad and Women” is a fascinating documentary that shines a light on the complex and often misunderstood relationships between the Prophet and the women in his life. In a time when the role of women in Islamic society is often misconstrued or outright denied, this film provides a much-needed exploration of the Prophet’s attitudes towards gender relations.
Through the lens of historical and theological experts, the documentary traces the arc of Muhammad’s life from his early years in Mecca to his later years in Medina. The focus is largely on Muhammad’s two great loves, Khadija and Aisha, and how his relationships with these two women helped shape his views on women’s rights.
Khadija, a successful merchant who was fifteen years Muhammad’s senior, defied many societal norms of the time when she proposed marriage to him. She taught Muhammad how to pray and is historically known as the first Muslim, although fundamentalists often ignore this fact due to her gender. Upon Khadija’s death at the age of 65, Muhammad moved to Medina and began practicing polygamy, which was common at the time. As his harem grew, he remained most passionate about the first of his new wives, Aisha.
The documentary explores how Muhammad’s relationship with his wives, but especially with Aisha, furthered his belief in just and fair treatment towards women and ultimately led him back to a belief in monogamy. Contrary to the conservative image most Muslims carry, the film shows that female pleasure was emphasized in the prophet’s writings. He wrote that the only difference between man and animal is man’s ability to give women pleasure. According to the film’s interpretation of Muhammad, refusing bodily pleasure was seen as the same as refusing God.
The scholars interviewed here inform viewers of the many ways in which Muhammad fought for women, but also note that he was met with significant push-back from some members of society. This resistance continues in certain sects of contemporary Islam.
Overall, “Prophet Muhammad and Women” is a powerful testament to the complex relationships that existed between Muhammad and the women in his life. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the true nature of gender relations in Islam.
