Polygamy

Polygamy means marrying more than one woman. A Muslim man has the right to marry up to 4 women at a time. However, he must treat all his wives equally. Treating all his wives equally, applies to material things only such as food and drink, clothing, housing and spending the night. That is, he must stay one night by each one. He does not have the right to spend two nights by one and only one night by the other. Each one must have the same number of nights. Similarly, he must give each one the same standard of living in regards to everything. 

As for the sentimental aspect and love, no one can claim to have control over it. That is why the Shari’ah does not impose equality in this regard because it is impossible. However, a man has the ability not to show that he loves one wife more than the other. So, he must make this amount of effort. Despite this, no matter how much effort one will make to maintain equality, every wife will feel that her co-wife is getting more than her. So, that is why from time to time, there will be problems which will be very strenuous. Therefore, a person must know his ability before marrying more than one woman.

Polygamy is something that is present in almost everyone. It is true that there are many who claim not to desire that. However, if they get the opportunity, they would do it. It is a desire and wish that remain inactive inside everyone. It is like an appetite that is not being manifested. It depends on the menu that is placed in front of one. If he gets a good dish, see whether he does not partake of it.

Similarly, many women can qualify it as a vice. But just see, if a prince or an actor proposes to her, will she not accept to marry him without considering what ....th she will be.

After all, marriage is not slavery. If a woman does not want to be a second wife of someone who already has his first wife, no one can force her to marry. A marriage is a contract that requires the consent of both man and woman in order to be finalised. Instead of telling the men not to marry a second or a third, it is better to prevent the women from becoming the second or the third wife of a person. However, woman has no interest to refrain from this when she sees that it is better to have a good person on her back than to live alone thereby becoming a prey for all kinds of profiteers. Or she may prefer to be the second wife of a person who will treat her well instead of marrying a bachelor who will ruin her whole life. She prefers staying with a person legally with honour and respect than to let the profiteers enjoy and play with her life without taking any responsibility.

[English version of "La polygamie" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.1]