liyana,

We had a small dinner party. A topic that was still seething even after our guests went home was that sensational issue of polygamy.

As usual you were trying to champion the cause for women in general. You and our guests were pointing out of how unfair and irrelevant the practice has become. You had to blow your steam over this issue but you were at least fair to base your arguments on the local statistics.

You were fuming to why I did not share your convictions.

You made me clarified my points before I could even come near you as you were undressing getting ready for bed.

I told you, the polygamy was never an issue. It has been around for thousands of years. Solomon had 99 wives. The Kings and Emperors all had more in the pages of history.

I told you, Islam was the only religion 1400 years ago that insisted on marrying only one if they know what was best for them. And introduce a limit for polygamy. 

I told you, that everyone made a big fuss about Prophet and his polygamy practice. Nobody seemed to highlight the point that he did not marry women out of love and lust. It was out of responsibility to his fallen comrades’ family.

You were still listening. Your mind was ready to pounce.

I wanted to finish this issue quickly.

I said The Prophet was in a monogamous marriage to Khadija for 20 years or more. Till her death. He was still sad every time he thought of her, to a point that his new wives were jealous. And asked him of Khadija.

To which he humbly replied, ‘I was given the provision of her love.’

I caught your eyes. Something in you had softened.

I touched your hands. Letting my fingers intertwined with yours.

We are all humans, I said.

Capable of deeper emotions. Compassion.

‘I wish I could say the same too, when you’re no longer around,’ I whispered.

Little did I know that the moment came too soon.

chairil