What is the response to the opinion that Islamic Sharia permitted polygyny with restrictions and did not encourage it, so why do some preachers promote it without a clear, explicit religious text that urges it?
Scholars hold that the reason for their discussion of polygyny is to counter opposing campaigns that seek to prohibit and criminalize it, in addition to addressing societal problems such as spinsterhood and the large number of divorced women and widows. The ruling on polygyny is permissibility, provided there is ability and justice. It may be recommended, or it may be obligatory, disliked, or forbidden, depending on the man's situation. Al-Mawardi and Ibn Qudamah believe that it is preferable to limit oneself to one wife if she satisfies the husband, unless she is insufficient due to his strong sexual desire, in which case he may marry up to four to protect himself.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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