My husband asks me (the second wife) to keep our marriage secret. Should I agree?

Be careful — a secret marriage often leads to the oppression of the rights of wife and children. Even though a marriage that fulfils its pillars is valid under the Shariah, keeping it entirely secret goes against the sunnah of announcing marriages, and in Malaysia a marriage that is unregistered or without polygyny permission gives rise to offences and problems with the children's documents. You may find it hard to claim maintenance, confirmation of lineage or inheritance. If your husband refuses to register or openly acknowledge you, that is a sign he is not ready to be fair. Go to the religious affairs office to register the marriage. See secret polygyny.