Why did Imam al-Shirbini state in "Mughni al-Muhtaj" (4/207) that the Sunnah is to be content with one wife unless there is a need, despite the fact that marrying more than one wife is a Sunnah?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Polygyny is considered better for a man whom one wife does not suffice, or who needs more than one. However, for a man whom one wife suffices, it is better for him to restrict himself to her. Many scholars have held the view that it is preferable to restrict oneself to one wife, out of fear of injustice and family dispersion. Polygyny is not considered a that is unconditionally recommended. The noble verse (Fearing that you will not be just, then [marry only] one) indicates permissibility, not recommendation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/7069
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 7069
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy