⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice · #44
Is it true that polygyny is only permitted when marrying a widow or an orphan?
No. The context of Surah an-Nisa' verse 3 relates to orphans, but the wording "women who please you" is general and does not require the second wife to be a widow or an orphan.
Aishah r.a. explained that the reason this verse was revealed was the prohibition on wronging orphan girls in their mahr (Sahih al-Bukhari 4574; Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-Tafsir), so guardians were told to marry other women who pleased them. Yet that context highlights the spirit of the verse, namely protecting the vulnerable and justice. Supporting widows and single mothers is a noble deed and can be done in many ways; it is not a condition for a valid polygynous marriage nor a reason to set aside the condition of justice. See Wisdom & criticism.
Aishah r.a. explained that the reason this verse was revealed was the prohibition on wronging orphan girls in their mahr (Sahih al-Bukhari 4574; Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-Tafsir), so guardians were told to marry other women who pleased them. Yet that context highlights the spirit of the verse, namely protecting the vulnerable and justice. Supporting widows and single mothers is a noble deed and can be done in many ways; it is not a condition for a valid polygynous marriage nor a reason to set aside the condition of justice. See Wisdom & criticism.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:3Sahih al-Bukhari 4574Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-Tafsir