Polygamy in Islam

Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah, Who has blessed us with guidance in every aspect of our lives, including marriage.

We thank Him for providing us with a system that upholds fairness, justice, and compassion.

We send blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who exemplified love, patience, and justice in his family life. May Sallah (SWT) enable us to follow his example in all our relationships.

Introduction to Polygamy in Islam

Servants of Allah, today’s khutbah is on Polygamy in Islam – a topic often misunderstood but rich in wisdom and compassion when viewed through the lens of Islamic teachings. Polygamy in Islam is not a mere cultural practice; it is a regulated structure rooted in social responsibility and fairness.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself practiced polygamy under divine instruction, setting an example of responsibility and compassion. Through polygamy, Islam offers solutions to social needs and supports a framework that prioritises justice.

Today, we will explore what Islam says about polygamy, the conditions attached, the responsibilities of the husband, the blessings it brings, and the challenges it may entail.

What does Islam say about Polygamy?

Polygamy is permissible in Islam under specific guidelines aimed at ensuring fairness and justice. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

“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…” (Qur’an 4:3).

This verse clearly places conditions on the practice of polygamy, allowing it only if the husband can be just and fair. Polygamy is therefore not a right but a responsibility that requires honesty and commitment.

Islam’s allowance for polygamy provides a solution to social circumstances such as caring for widows, orphans, and cases where multiple marriages serve the greater welfare of the community.

The Example of the Prophet (PBUH):

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced polygamy later in his life, and his marriages were largely motivated by social and humanitarian reasons. He married widows, older women, and women who had been previously divorced to provide them with protection, social standing, and support.

His actions illustrate the spirit of compassion and responsibility that underpins polygamy in Islam.

One notable marriage was to Sawda bint Zam’a (RA), an older widow. This marriage provided her with security and respect, highlighting the Prophet’s (PBUH) empathy and commitment to supporting women who were vulnerable or marginalised in society.

References:

•             Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa (4:3, 4:34, 4:129), Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83)

•             Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud (2133), Sunan Tirmidhi (3895)

(To be continued)

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, 1BN – Michel Camp