Children in polygyny
Every decision on this site is ultimately felt by the children. This page is about their rights.
Children do not choose which household they are born into
Every child — from any wife — is entitled to clear lineage (nasab), adequate maintenance, education, and a relationship with both parents. There is no "first house" or "second house" child under Shariah.
Children's rights · nasab, maintenance, hadhanahLineage (nasab)
A child of a valid marriage takes the father's lineage. An unregistered marriage makes birth registration difficult — see Marriage abroad & registration.
Child maintenance
The father's responsibility until the child is self-sufficient, according to the state enactment. It does not lapse on divorce, and does not reduce because the father marries again.
Hadhanah (custody)
The right of custody. Priority goes to the mother for young children, subject to certain conditions. Decided by the court on the basis of the child's welfare.
Paternal half-siblings
Children of different wives are paternal half-siblings — mahram to one another, and heirs of one another.
Children's faraid
All children share the children's portion equally according to gender (a son receives twice a daughter's share), regardless of which mother. See Inheritance.
Emotional impact
Children who watch their parents quarrel over turns and money carry that into their own marriages later. This is not a ruling; it is experience.
If the children of both households are at ease together, you have been just
Not the same number of nights. Not the same amount of ringgit. Children who visit between two homes without feeling threatened — that is the sign of true justice, and it cannot be faked.
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