Polygyny — the practice of having more than one wife — is the narrow form of polygamy (having more than one spouse). Islam allows a man to have more than one wife at one point, with a maximum of four — a provision that has been largely misunderstood and abused by the society.
The purpose of polygyny in Islam, according to scholars, was to protect widows and orphans. “The Prophet (PBUH) regarded monogamy as a most rational and practical form of marriage contract,” says ZM Shahid Siddiqi, an author who writes on cultural and legal matters. “Polygyny was permitted under exceptional circumstances, demanding the fulfilment of conditions which are generally impossible to satisfy,” he adds.
Polygyny, therefore, is not intended to serve the personal desires of men. In fact, it is sanctioned under circumstances such as war and natural calamities when the ratio of women to men increase and a majority of women and children are left without support and shelter. Even in that scenario, Islam lays out strict rules. Foremost, the previous wife/wives need to consent to the new marriage and the man needs to ensure that he can be absolutely impartial and equitable in dividing his resources, time and affection amongst all his wives.
