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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A New Perspective: Women in Islam Chapter 8: Polygamy If you fear that you cannot act equitably toward orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two, and three, and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice between them, then marry only one; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course. (4:3) Fatma: How does Islam justify polygamy?

Sayyid: Scholars have a variety of reasons justifying polygamy, such as a woman’s inability to continuously provide her husband with conjugal relations during times of menstruation, pregnancy, or a wife’s barrenness. Scholars also cite the disproportion of marriageable women compared with the availability of marriageable men. Although, the described reasons may be manifested to a certain degree, still they do not facilitate the true nature of polygamy.

Polygamy may be an option [a solution] for certain people, male and female alike, or in specific cases, or for future situations. Often times, when polygamy becomes the subject of discussion, it is criticized. Polygamy is not an obligated rule; it is a permissible act. The unsurpassed and most productive of all marriages are monogamous, and most Muslims practice monogamy.

Contemporary scholars do not recommend or encourage polygamy, but still it is available to be utilized as a solution if people are faced with extraordinary cases or circumstances. For some people, or in some circumstances, polygamy might serve as a remedy. For example, in some countries, the stigma of a widow or a divorced woman may be a deterring factor in remarrying. Conventionally, men who marry for the first time will not marry such women.

Given the circumstances, what would be the best solution? Do these women remain unmarried for the rest of their lives? What if there were ethical and financially capable men who wanted to sincerely shelter and protect these women? Would this not be considered a noble act? Fatma: Critics often cite that Islam favors polygamy as a continuation of male dominance, tyranny, and lechery. Sayyid: Such comments are baseless and contradict the principles of Islam and the intended purpose of polygamy.

Islam objects to any man who practices polygamy as a means to exploit women for his personal enjoyment. Islam was not the initiator or promoter of polygamy. Polygamy was being practiced long before the existence of Islam.