Question:
Assalaamu ‘alaikum
Respected ‘Ulama
I know that in Islam, it is permissible for a man to have more than one wife. My question is, “Is it recommended?” Also, is there any warning mentioned in the hadeeth for a man who does not treat his wives equally?
Jazakallah
Answer:
Bismihi Ta‘ala
Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barkaatuh
Respected Sister in Islam
Provided that a man is confident that he will be able to maintain more than one wife and deal with all his wives with justice, the Quraan Majeed has allowed him to take up to four wives. Whether a person should take a second wife or not is based mainly on personal circumstances and needs. If there is no need, then while still permissible, the ‘Ulama have nevertheless encouraged that a person suffice with one wife.
The dictates of maintaining justice and equality are difficult. Especially in these times, most people do not manage to deal with all the wives in a just manner. It is reported in a hadeeth that the one who did not deal with his wives in a just manner will be raised on the day of Qiyaamah with half his body paralyzed. (Sunan Tirmizi #1141) This will be a severe punishment and also a means of exposing his injustice to all.
The best is that a person takes advice and guidance from a senior, experienced ‘Aalim before taking such a step.
Answered by:
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama