Does Islam allow polygamy?

Does Islam allow polygamy?

Indeed it is a difficult question in this modern time and in so called modern and progressive society’s perspective! But according to the holy Quran answer is straightforward. Yes, polygamy is permitted in Islam. It is neither encouraging nor discouraging but it is just permitted. The following verse undoubtedly proves that polygamy is permitted.

[The Quran 4.3-4] And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards 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 or what your right hands possess; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course.
And give women their dowries as a free gift, but if they of themselves be pleased to give up to you a portion of it, then eat it with enjoyment and with wholesome result.

Some people argue that this verse was revealed at the context of orphan’s girls so it should not be taken in general situation. This argument has no basis as orphans girls or their mothers have same rights as any other women. In fact that argument only degrades orphan girls or their mothers.

Another argument is put forward by some people citing the fact that polygamy is permitted but a man must deal with his all wives justly and if he can not polygamy is not for him. This argument also has no basis. The following verse clarifies it.

[The Quran 4.129] And you have it not in your power to do justice between wives, even though you may wish (it), but be not disinclined (from one) with total disinclination, so that you leave her as it were in suspense; and if you effect a reconciliation and guard (against evil), then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

This verse says clearly that due to human weakness it is not possible for a man to love or do 100% equal justice among his all wives. However a man must take care his every wives as best as he can and can not be total reluctant towards a particular wife. There is no confusion or puzzle in God’s words.

Another verse also confirms that polygamy is permitted. The verse [4:23] tells it is not permitted to marry two sisters at the same time which again confirms that a man can have more than one wife. This is no way to twist the God words in the name of progressive or so called modern society or mentality.

[The Quran 4:23] Prohibited for you (in marriage) are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, the sisters of your fathers, the sisters of your mothers, the daughters of your brother, the daughters of your sister, your nursing mothers, the girls who nursed from the same woman as you, the mothers of your wives, the daughters of your wives with whom you have consummated the marriage - if the marriage has not been consummated, you may marry the daughter. Also prohibited for you are the women who were married to your genetic sons. Also, you shall not be married to two sisters at the same time - but do not break up existing marriages. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Polygamous behaviour is a natural instinct for most of the men. To satisfy this instinct in progressive and modern society adultery is so common which is a devilish behaviour. God almighty prohibits this behaviour and even prescribes punishment for those who commit such crime.

[The Quran 17:32] You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin, and an evil behaviour.

[The Quran 25:68] They never implore beside GOD any other god, nor do they kill anyone - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. Nor do they commit adultery. Those who commit these offences will have to pay.

[The Quran 60.12] O Prophet! when believing women come to you giving you a pledge that they will not associate aught with Allah, and will not steal, and will not commit fornication, and will not kill their children, and will not bring a calumny which they have forged of themselves, and will not disobey you in what is good, accept their pledge, and ask forgiveness for them from Allah; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

[The Quran 24:2] The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be swayed by pity from carrying out GOD's law, if you truly believe in GOD and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their penalty.

Therefore adultery/fornication is totally prohibited in Islam. Polygamy is the only solution to stop wide spread adultery in human society. You can not stop a hungry goat to eat/steal the green leaf of your banana tree!

Therefore those women support polygamy definitely they deserve to get extra blessing from Allah almighty. Successful polygamous marriage could be the best example of natural cohesion of opposite sex as well as strong opposition against immorality and wide spread adultery in modern society.

In medieval and ancient time polygamy was a common norm in every human society. Unfortunately in this modern society so called progressive people pretend and behave in such a way that they are different creatures than medieval human beings! Being human beings no any natural instinct, for instance, sleepiness, hungriness, tiredness, sex appetite etc. have been changed between ancient/medieval people and modern people. Therefore polygamy should be viewed as a normal phenomenon in human society.

Polygamy also can solve many social problems. In many countries women is outnumbered than men so in such society if polygamy is recognized then every women can get a change to have a husband. Polygamy can wonderfully prevent all forms of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) including AIDS. Therefore polygamous society is the best progressive and modern society. That’s right, God given system is always the best system and those who support and follow God(Allah)’s system they supposed to be blessed by Him.

Progressive Muslim

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe.