⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice · #39

The husband is seriously ill. Whose house should he stay at?

A sick husband must still keep the rotation of nights if he is able; if he cannot move about, he may stay at one wife's house with the permission of the other wives.
When the Prophet ﷺ was ill before his death, he asked "where will I be tomorrow?" hoping for Aishah's turn, and his wives then allowed him to be nursed in the house of Aishah r.a. (Sahih al-Bukhari 4450; narrated by Muslim). This shows the rotation is still kept during illness, and that the wives' agreement can change it. The other wives may visit and help with his care. If there is no agreement, the choice can be made by drawing lots. See Fiqh of polygyny.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 4450 — Aishah's hadith on the Prophet's ﷺ illnessSahih Muslim — Aishah's hadith on the Prophet's ﷺ illness

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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