Is it permissible for a woman to seek divorce if her husband marries another, especially if she is intensely jealous and fears for her faith, and is the Hadith in which the Prophet forbade Ali from marrying another woman while married to Fatimah an indication that a man marrying another woman is a harm to his wife? And does this Hadith mean that a man only marries another woman if his current wife is "deficient," based on the idea that four women have reached perfection, and does this affect her faith and deeds?
Polygyny is a right ordained by Allah Almighty for men, and it contains wisdom that is not hidden. Therefore, a woman should not begrudge her Muslim sister Allah's favor by sharing her husband, for it dispels from her the pain of loneliness and the bitterness of solitude. No matter its reason, divorce has a severe impact on a woman. Her patience with polygyny is better for her and easier than returning to her parents' home without a husband. A woman's request for divorce due to polygyny is not permissible, as polygyny is not among the permissible reasons for divorce; because Islam considers the general interests of society. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade Ali ibn Abi Talib from marrying another woman while married to his daughter Fatimah due to a specific particularity concerning Fatimah and her father. As for a woman's dislike of her husband's polygyny, it is a natural and innate matter, but one must submit to Allah's rulings and be content with them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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