Polygamy was a way of life until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. When the earth was young and under-populated, polygamy was one way of populating it and bringing in the human beings needed to carry out God's plan. By the time the Quran was revealed, the world had been sufficiently populated, and the Quran put down the first limitations against polygamy.
Polygamy is permitted in the Quran, but under strictly observed circumstances. Any abuse of this divine permission incurs severe retribution. Thus, although polygamy is permitted by God, it behooves us to examine our circumstances carefully before saying that a particular polygamous relationship is permissible.
For all practical purposes, Muhammad had one wife โ from the age of 25 to 50.
Other than marrying widowed mothers of orphans, there were three political marriages in the Prophet's life:
This perfect example tells us that a man must give his full attention and loyalty in marriage to his wife and children in order to raise a happy and wholesome family.
The Quran emphasizes the limitations against polygamy in very strong words:
The Quranic limitations against polygamy point out the possibility of abusing God's law. Therefore, unless we are absolutely sure that God's law will not be abused, we had better resist our lust and stay away from polygamy.
If the circumstances do not dictate polygamy, we had better give our full attention to one wife and one set of children. The children's psychological and social well-being, especially in countries where polygamy is prohibited, almost invariably dictate monogamy.
A few basic criteria must be observed in contemplating polygamy:
While polygamy is permitted in the Quran, it comes with strict limitations and specific circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad's example shows that monogamy is the norm โ giving full attention to one wife for 25 years. The only specific justification mentioned is caring for orphans. The Quran itself states that being truly equitable in polygamy is impossible, strongly guiding believers toward monogamy in most circumstances.
GOD BE GLORIFIED
ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู
