Polygamy in Islam

Polygamy in Islam means having more than one wife. Nikah in Islam is the most beautiful creation of Allah. Allah created everything with a reason behind it. So, i the case with Nikah. Nikah has been commanded over Muslims in order to tie Halal relations between a man and a woman and start their own family. Nikah is more than just the unison of two souls but it means taking the full responsibility of the upbringing of your children and providing them the right environment.

Polygamy in Islam is restricted to having four wives at one time. However, it does not give the right to a man to marry multiple women only for personal pleasure or when he is bored with one.

Allah says in Qur’an:

“But if you feel you many not be able to deal justly between them, then marry only one.” (Holy Qur’an, 4:4).

This Hadith signifies the fact that only if a man is capable, both financially and emotionally, to support a woman for his whole life then only he should indulge in polygamy. In case, he is will fail to provide for multiple wives then Allah will not be pleased with hi, Also, there are certain conditions under which Polygamy is considered a righteous act. A man has the right to keep multiple wives if the present wife is chronically or is unable to bear children for him. Also, Allah has allowed polygamy in wartime situations in order to safeguard the chastity of widows and provide protection for orphans.

However, in today’s time’s polygamy is being misused by men for the fulfillment of unjustified pleasures. It is used by men to save themselves from the punishment of adultery even if they are unable to provide for the second wife. Hence, we as responsible Muslims need to take care that Nikah is not a game and Polygamy is not to be used for fun and excitement. We must learn to restrict our desires within the boundaries set by Allah. In case of Polygamy, it must be practices under the righteous conditions set by Allah.