⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice · #1
What is the ruling on polygyny in Islam?
The basic ruling on polygyny is that it is permissible (harus), not obligatory, on condition that the man is able to be just and to provide maintenance.
The evidence is Allah's word in Surah an-Nisa' verse 3: marry the women who please you, two, three or four; but if you fear you will not be just, then only one. The same verse ties the permission to justice, so polygyny is not an absolute, unconditional right. Scholars explain that the ruling can change according to the individual's circumstances: it becomes forbidden for a man who is certain he will act unjustly or cannot provide maintenance. In Malaysia, besides the Shariah conditions, polygyny is also subject to the permission of the Syariah Court. See Ruling on polygyny and Fiqh of polygyny.
The evidence is Allah's word in Surah an-Nisa' verse 3: marry the women who please you, two, three or four; but if you fear you will not be just, then only one. The same verse ties the permission to justice, so polygyny is not an absolute, unconditional right. Scholars explain that the ruling can change according to the individual's circumstances: it becomes forbidden for a man who is certain he will act unjustly or cannot provide maintenance. In Malaysia, besides the Shariah conditions, polygyny is also subject to the permission of the Syariah Court. See Ruling on polygyny and Fiqh of polygyny.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:3Act 303, s.23