Why were the wives of the Prophet forbidden to marry?

- As it is stated in verse 53 of the chapter of al-Ahzab, why were the wives of our Prophet (pbuh) forbidden to marry?

Dear Brother / Sister,

The Chapter of al-Ahzab, verse, 53:

"O ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses,- until leave is given you,- for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behavior) annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah’s Messenger, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah’s sight an enormity."

«... It is never halal for you to hurt the Messenger of Allah and marry his wives after him. It is a major sin in the sight of Allah for you to do such a thing.»

Just as our Prophet (pbuh) is the closest friend of all believers so too are his wives the mothers of all believers. Each of them is an exemplary woman educated and brought up in the school of the Prophet. Every aspect of their lives can shed light on other women. Therefore, it was strictly forbidden for a believer to marry the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) after his death, and it was considered one of the major sins.

Those who hide something in their hearts about the issue are also warned and they are asked to think more decently and be more respectful.

(bk. Celal Yıldırım, İlmin Işığında Asrın Kur’an Tefsiri, Anadolu Yayınları: 9/4887.)

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