Does Polygyny Violate Basic Rights of a Muslim Woman?

Source: Asianews.it

There was an article published few years ago, in Indonesia, that stated "Ulema and feminists against polygamy club." That's one point-of-view. It's natural that a Muslim wife, in general, would have a feeling of insecurity, jealousy and discomfort when it comes to Polygamy as a subject. Understandably she may not like her husband to marry another wife, at least while she is alive.

What is important to know, though it is not mandatory for a man to have 2 or 3 or 4 wives, however the option is provided to a man if so he wishes, under circumstances. And who has provided this option? Allah Himself. Quran 4:3 states:

"If you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with orphan girls, marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then (marry) only one..."

By the way, it is also important to clarify here that the right word of a man marrying multiple wives is called Polygyny, not Polygamy.

Here are the following reasons why this topic must be dealt with, by the Muslims, judiciously

Negating a divine decree from Allah ...

... mentioned in the Quran, would be sufficient to assume that a Muslim is gone away from his religion - Islam. It is clear that for a Muslim to be a Muslim, he/she must believe everything that is mentioned in The Quran and the teachings from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). If he/she negates (like the image illustrates above) or does not agree to an Ayat (verse) or a Sunnah, he becomes a non-Muslim.

Polygyny is an option ...

... that Allah has given to a man; which means if a husband feels a need to marry, the wife should respect the decision. This should be done for 2 prime reasons - Allah has given the option; a pious husband's wish is an obligation for a pious wife.

Wife needs to understand ...

... that this sacrifice (and Sabr) will cause her to get elevated in Jannah. Thus worth supporting the husbands decision. Also if she were a widow, wouldn't she need someone (married or unmarried man) to give her support, take care of her needs, give her shelter and provide her other Islamic rights as prescribed by the Sharia? See another good point-of-view on this topic here.

Husband must understand ...

... this additional responsibility comes with a price. Failure to fulfill the basic rights of the any wife is sufficient to get him to Jahannam. The Quran says:

You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them (by giving her more of your time and provision) so as to leave the other hanging (i.e. neither divorced nor married). And if you do justice, and do all that is right and fear Allah by keeping away from all that is wrong, then Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ~ Quran 4:129

Thus only the mature need to handle this duty with care. Remember that if you decide to divorce later (as isn't working out) then Allah hates divorce, even though He (swt) has legalized it. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

When a man has two wives and he is inclined to one of them, he will come on the Day of resurrection with a side hanging down. ~ Abu Dawud 12/88

The justice that is required here is a fair division of nights, and the giving of each wife her rights as regards to care, including spending and clothing. But some people when they marry more than one wife, favor one and neglect the other. This is not acceptable in the Sharia.

The gender gap is already widening at a far greater pace. The below chart is a good indicator. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

A time will come upon the people when one man will be seen followed by 40 women, to be their guardian because of scarcity of men and great number of women. ~ Bukhari 24/18

More on the Signs of the coming end of times here.

Summary

We would recommend men to marry a widow or an orphan sister or a sister who couldn't get married due to age etc. Related to widows The Prophet (pbuh) said:

The one who strives to sponsor a widow or a poor person is like the one who strives in Jihad in the cause of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime. ~ Nasai 3/23/2578

Make your worldly decisions judiciously. It has an impact on you and your family in this world, in the grave and in the Akhirah.

Labels Man , Marriage , Polygamy , Woman

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