Explanation

This Hadīth shows one of the different forms of marriage that existed before Islam. Men would combine a big number of women in marriage without restriction. Ghaylān, a Companion, embraced Islam while he had ten wives, who also embraced Islam with him. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commanded him to choose four of them and part with the rest. In Islam, a man may have four wives, and there is a consensus among Muslims on that.