Polygamy as Sentimental Da’wah in the Prophetic Model and Its Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

Polygamy in Islam is often understood as a legally permissible practice sanctioned by Sharia. However, such interpretations tend to be normative and literalistic, overlooking its deeper ethical and spiritual dimensions. This article seeks to reinterpret the polygamous practice of the Prophet Muhammad as a form of sentimental da’wah—a compassionate and strategic expression of religious outreach—rather than merely a domestic arrangement or a male privilege. Employing a qualitative-descriptive method, this study systematically examines classical and contemporary literature to explore the socio-historical, spiritual, and symbolic dimensions of prophetic polygamy. The analysis compares the Prophet’s practice with contemporary cases of polygamy in Indonesia, revealing significant contrasts. Drawing on the works of Wadud, Abou El Fadl, Talal Asad, Arkoun, and Fazlur Rahman, the study finds that the Prophet’s marriages were driven by a vision of social solidarity, protection of vulnerable women, and political reconciliation. In contrast, modern polygamous practices often reflect emotional rationalization and symbolic assertions of religious masculinity, diverging from the principles of substantive justice. The article argues that prophetic polygamy should be understood as a contextual expression of prophetic spirituality, not as a structural Sunnah to be imitated indiscriminately. Such a reinterpretation is crucial for promoting an Islamic marital ethic grounded in compassion, social responsibility, and community empowerment.