What is the chronological order of the revelation of the Quranic verses related to polygyny?
There is no contradiction between the two verses: (And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those [other] women whom you deem good: two, three, or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]) and (And you will never be able to do perfect justice between women even if you should [greatly] desire it, so do not incline completely [to one] and leave her [the other] hanging).
The justice required in the first verse is justice in lodging and spending, which a person is capable of. As for the negated justice in the second verse, it is justice in emotional inclination, love, and desire. This is not within a person's control and is excused.
So, if a man fears not being just in lodging and spending, he must limit himself to one wife. However, emotional inclination does not prevent polygyny.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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