Polygamy, or polygamy, is perhaps one of the most controversial and fascinating topics, not only in the Muslim world, but also far beyond its borders. However, it is known that it has been practiced since ancient times and was socially and culturally justified, ensuring the reproduction of offspring. Today, polygamy is not mandatory for Muslims, and in some cases it is completely prohibited. This is due to certain rules and laws established by the Quran. We learn what polygamy is in Islam today and whether there is an urgent need for it.
History of polygamy
The opinion that polygamy first appeared among Muslims is erroneous. The tradition of marrying several women has existed since ancient times and in different civilizations. She was justified by a decrease in the number of men due to their death in numerous wars. But if at first it was a necessity, then later in some societies abuses of this practice began.
Men married unlimited women. Thus, they infringed on their rights and sowed injustice, discrimination and a decline in morals.
Polygamy in Islam is completely different. This religion has established strict rules and restrictions on this issue. Basically, they relate to the number of wives (there should be no more than four), as well as the desirability or prohibition of polygamy for each individual man.
Justification of polygamy among Muslims
If you delve into the study of the issue of polygamy, you will find that it is not at all mandatory. This right is given to every man. And he can already decide whether to use it or not. But at the same time it is permissible and in some cases even desirable. So, let's see why polygamy is allowed in Islam.
Historically, polygamy is primarily practiced in those places where the male population is less than the female. This is necessary so that every woman can be protected and not remain an old maid. Thus, society is protected from vices and corruption. At the same time, the woman agrees to the role of the second or third wife only because she could not become the first.
Thus, polygamy in Islam is intended primarily to ensure the well-being and equal rights of all women.
Terms & Conditions
However, polygamy is not permitted in all cases, and not every man. There are certain rules of polygamy in Islam that must be observed. First of all, this is justice. What is meant by this rule? We list briefly the main provisions established by the Quran.
A husband must provide for all wives equally. This applies to food, wardrobe, housing, furniture and more. That is, everyone should receive everything that she needs.
The man undertakes to offer separate housing for all his chosen ones. The only exception is the case when they agree to live under one roof, but in different rooms of the house. At the same time, a man cannot settle one wife in a chic palace, and the other in a cramped shack. This is unfair and infringes on rights.
A husband should spend an equal amount of time with his wives. Thus, the distribution of not only material wealth, but also attention should be fair. The exception is the case when one of the wives gives the spouse permission to spend less time with her than with the others. Moreover, Sharia does not oblige a husband to love his women equally. After all, a person, even if desired, cannot distribute this feeling equally.
The husband should equally care for children born of different wives. Here the principle of uniformity should be observed even more carefully and scrupulously.
Thus, the conditions of polygamy in Islam are such that a man must be completely fair to his chosen ones. If he is unable to provide this, then he should not marry more than once.
Shariah laws regarding polygamy
In Islam, there are certain provisions regarding polygamy. According to them, in different cases it may be desirable, permissible or forbidden for any man. We will consider these situations in more detail to find out when exactly in Islam polygamy is allowed, and when not.
In cases where a man wants to marry a second time because of his wife’s illness or infertility, polygamy is desirable for him. Of course, provided that he will be fair to his chosen ones.
If a Muslim wants to take a second spouse without any special need, for example, to strengthen his position in society, then polygamy is not very desirable for him, but acceptable.
In cases where a man is not financially secure or is physically weak, or knows that he will not be able to comply with the above requirements, polygamy is prohibited for him.
The above provisions confirm that polygamy primarily serves for the equal rights and well-being of women.
Islam, polygamy: rules if the first wife is against
There is an opinion that a man can remarry only with the permission of the first spouse. How true is it? So, let's go deeper into Islam.
If the first wife is against, the Qur'an does not limit the man. However, it is advisable for the spouse to inform her and discuss this issue so as not to jeopardize family happiness and harmony.
Also for a woman there is an opportunity to remain the only and beloved wife, if this requirement will be discussed and fixed in the preparation of the marriage contract.
Family benefits
According to Muslims, polygamy helps to solve many family problems. In particular, significantly reduces the likelihood of adultery and divorce. It is believed that men are naturally prone to polygamy. Therefore, legal polygamy is much more preferable than treason.
Polygamy in Islam also serves to increase offspring as one of the most important principles of the prosperity of the people. This factor also originates from the past, when men died in wars. For the population to increase, many women were needed who were able to give birth to children.
Benefit to society
There are also social reasons why polygamy is allowed in Islam. As mentioned above, in areas where there are fewer men, the percentage of unmarried people rises. And legal polygamy allows every woman to be under the protection and guardianship of her spouse and experience the joys of motherhood.
A significant reason explaining polygamy is to protect the nation from sexually transmitted diseases, abortion and street children. The number of divorces is reduced, and the first wife may not be afraid to be abandoned, even if the relationship has cooled. She will continue to be held in high esteem and respect.
Polygamy around the world
In most Islamic countries, polygamy is permitted and is the rule of law. But not everywhere. For example, in Turkey it has been prohibited by law since the beginning of the last century. Also, it is not allowed in Algeria and Tunisia. A prerequisite for a second marriage in Iran is the consent of the first spouse. And in Syria, Morocco, Pakistan or Iraq, first you need to get permission from the authorities.
In Russia, as in most countries of the world, polygamy is prohibited and prosecuted. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there were many statements about the need to resolve it. However, in practice, this was done only in Ingushetia, and even then not for long.
And, for example, in France, where polygamy is also prohibited, an exception is made for immigrants from Muslim countries in this matter.
A relic of the past or a blessing?
Many women find it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to come to terms with the fact that they will not be the only ones for their husbands. It is especially difficult to understand polygamy for people professing a different faith. Therefore, there is such a heated debate around this topic. Someone considers polygamy a relic of the past and the path to debauchery. Others are good.
Of course, everyone decides for himself what to consider polygamy in Islam. Photos of happy families, where everyone lives in peace and harmony, convince the wisdom of this tradition.
On the other hand, there are also cases when a man abuses his right to marry again. He remarries only for pleasure, and as soon as a young companion gets tired of him, divorces her. Therefore, of course, it is worth weighing everything before agreeing to the role of the second or third spouse.
In any case, polygamy is not a mandatory practice. Today, the vast majority of men enter into only one marriage. After all, re-marriage is not only troublesome and costly, but also offends the first spouse, even if she agrees to it.
This is only the right that a man can use at will. And it is good if he complies with all the necessary requirements. Then peace reigns in the family, and polygamy performs the functions historically assigned to it: to protect women and preserve moral principles.