Polygamy in Islam: An Obligatory Duty or a Permitted Marital Option

Abstract

This study presents the linguistic and terminological definition of polygamy, its ruling, evidence of its legitimacy and conditions. Is polygamy an absolute obligation in marriage, or is it sufficient to have one woman only? It also introduces the definition of Alwajib Alkfai (non-obligatory duty) and the Muslim scholars’ response to the claims of the followers of the Western intellectual invasion.

The study attempts also to highlight the appropriate method that helps in solving the increasing problem of spinsterhood, showing how men can be convinced to have polygamy, and how the first wife can be convinced to accept that the presence of a second wife would be in her favour and not against her.

The study also explores the reasons that have led to the increase in the number of unmarried women, including the following:

1-    The natural increase in the number of females over males, which results in the increase in spinsterhood.

2-    The death of men in wars, which increases the number of widows.

3-    The majority of women are ready for marriage, while the majority of men are not.

4-    The increasing rate of divorce cases.

5-    The living (economic) conditions of men.

6-    Women are competing men in public and private jobs, which leads to increasing the rate of unemployment among men. As a result, men become incapable to propose to the woman’s guardian.