In Islam, men are permitted to have up to four wives, a practice known as polygyny, which is mentioned in the Quran. This allowance is not without conditions and is rooted in specific historical, social, and ethical contexts.

Quranic basis

The permission for a man to marry up to four wives is explicitly mentioned in the Quran in Surah An-Nisa (4:3):

“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].”

This verse indicates that polygyny is permissible, but it also comes with a significant condition: the man must be able to treat all his wives justly and equitably. If he fears that he cannot maintain justice among multiple wives, he is advised to marry only one.

Historical and social context

Protection of widows and orphans

In 7th century Arabia, where Islam emerged, the society was often engaged in warfare, which led to many women becoming widows and children becoming orphans. Polygyny provided a way to protect these women and their children by integrating them into stable households where they would be cared for and provided for.

Regulation of an existing practice

Before Islam, polygyny was already a widespread practice in many cultures, often with no limits on the number of wives a man could have. Islam introduced a restriction (no more than four wives) and added strict conditions, particularly the requirement of fairness, which was a significant reform aimed at protecting the rights of women.

Economic and social support

In situations where women outnumber men, such as after wars, polygyny could ensure that more women were married and had social and financial support, which was crucial in societies where women’s rights were largely dependent on their male guardians.

Conditions for justice

Islamic scholars emphasise that the permission to have multiple wives is not a blanket approval but comes with the strict requirement of justice. This includes equal treatment in terms of financial support, time, affection, and overall care. The Quran further highlights the difficulty of achieving true equality in treatment:

“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…” (Quran, 4:129).

This verse underscores the challenge of maintaining perfect fairness and cautions against the potential for injustice.

Ethical considerations

While polygyny is allowed, it is not obligatory or encouraged without cause. The emphasis on justice means that a man must seriously consider whether he can meet the Quranic standards before deciding to take more than one wife. In many Muslim societies today, monogamy is the norm, and polygyny is practiced by a minority, often in specific cultural or social contexts.

Conclusion

The permission for Muslim men to have up to four wives is a practice rooted in the historical, social, and ethical context of the early Islamic community. It is allowed under the condition of strict justice, and if that condition cannot be met, the Quran advises against it. This practice aimed to provide protection and support for women and children in a patriarchal society where their welfare was often tied to male guardianship.