Muslim Flow is in testing and coming soon to Google Play. Download

Halal Family & relations

Is a man allowed to marry more than one wife?

Short answer

Yes, up to four, with a firm condition of justice among them. The Quran says that whoever fears he will not be just should marry one (4:3), and notes that perfect fairness in feeling is not possible (4:129), so the duty is justice in spending, time and treatment. Local law and agreements may add conditions.

Evidence

Quran

وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا۟ فِى ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُوا۟ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَٰثَ وَرُبَٰعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ فَوَٰحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا۟ ﴿٣﴾

And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].

وَلَن تَسْتَطِيعُوٓا۟ أَن تَعْدِلُوا۟ بَيْنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَمِيلُوا۟ كُلَّ ٱلْمَيْلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَٱلْمُعَلَّقَةِ ۚ وَإِن تُصْلِحُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا ﴿١٢٩﴾

And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging. And if you amend [your affairs] and fear Allah - then indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.

This is general information, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Questions about halal and haram

Is a man allowed to marry more than one wife?

Yes, up to four, with a firm condition of justice among them. The Quran says that whoever fears he will not be just should marry one (4:3), and notes that perfect fairness in feeling is not possible (4:129), so the duty is justice in spending, time and treatment. Local law and agreements may add conditions.

WhatsApp