Reasons for Polygamy

Polygamy in Islam

According to the Holy Qur’an: “And if you fear that you will not be just to the orphans, then marry those that please you of women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]” (Qur’an 4:3). Islam is a pure and unblemished religion, with monogamy as its foundational principle. However, certain circumstances may warrant polygamous practices. The following sections aim to elucidate the reasons, conditions, and objectives surrounding polygamy in Islam.

Reasons for Polygamy

1. During the battles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), there was a significant loss of male lives, resulting in an increased number of women who were either unmarried or widowed. Consequently, Allah permitted the marriage of multiple women to address the imbalance in gender demographics.
2. Historically, women were not economically independent, often relying on male guardians for support, especially if they were widows with children.
3. An increase in the population of the community is crucial for its growth, and higher rates of marriage can facilitate this goal, thereby serving as a compelling reason for polygamous marriages.
4. Men with high sexual drive may seek additional wives to avoid the temptation of immoral behavior, particularly if their existing wife’s age, libido, or menstrual cycle affects marital relations.
5. In cases where a wife is infertile with no hope for recovery, a husband may be inclined to marry another woman, while still considering the feelings of his first wife.
6. Escalating disputes between spouses or between a husband and his wife’s family may create untenable situations, prompting the husband to consider a second marriage as a solution to maintain family ties.
7. A husband may wish to reconcile with a divorced spouse.
8. The number of eligible females typically exceeds that of eligible males, as females tend to mature and reach marriageable age earlier than males. While girls often prepare for marriage right after puberty, boys may require additional maturity and maturity to be deemed ready for marriage.
9. Men generally have a longer fertility span compared to women.

Conditions for Polygamy

Islam permits financially and emotionally capable men to marry up to four women, provided they adhere to specific conditions:

1. Justice: Allah commands, “But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one” (Qur’an 4:3). Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam, and Allah does not condone injustice. A man must be able to provide equitable treatment among his wives in terms of living standards, time spent with each, and emotional support, should circumstances allow.
2. Prohibition of Marrying Sisters: It is impermissible for a man seeking multiple wives to marry two sisters, or to marry a woman while also having her aunt or maternal aunt. Such arrangements can foster resentment and jealousy, potentially disrupting familial bonds.