In allusion to the marriage of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishahra and Ḥaḍrat Saudahra, the issue of polygamy must have rattled the hearts of our non-Muslim readers. God-Willing, an elaborate discussion on this issue shall be taken up in the second volume of this book. However, a brief note on this issue here shall be equally helpful. Hence, it should be understood that in their prejudice, opponents have raised allegations to many principles of Islām, but have never contemplated their reality with a cool heart, nor have they examined them in light of experience or observation. Among them, polygamy is also one issue, which is generally considered to be against nature. In this regard, first and foremost, it should be understood that ‘nature’ is no doubt a light, which Allāh the Exalted has instilled into every human being for the purpose of guidance. However, at times, this light, suppressed by conflicting elements, is weakened or exhausted, and in the following case, its verdict cannot be accepted, until it is purified of prejudice. Thus, regarding the concept of divorce, the Christian nature was weakened by the suppression of conflicting elements. Consequently, to this day, the precedent verdict has been that with the exception of a wife committing adultery, it is unlawful to seek divorce. Therefore, Christians made alterations to their laws accordingly. However, now, after being jostled by observation and experience, their sleeping nature has awakened to some extent. They are beginning to realize that, not only adultery, rather, other circumstances in this world can also make it difficult for a husband and wife to live together in domestic harmony. Therefore, in accordance with Islāmic teachings, Christian countries are now beginning to pass laws regarding divorce.
The fact of the matter is that there are many things which seem beneficial to the ear and the heart experiences an inclination towards them, but in actuality they are deception, because the secrets of their reality are revealed in the practical world. Among them is the issue of divorce, which has been mentioned above, and among them is the issue of polygamy, about which this brief note is being written. As a mere assertion, it seems like a very good teaching that in all events, an individual keep one wife alone, and should not have the permission to keep more than one wife in any circumstance. However, if we contemplate further, and look towards the various requirements of mankind, it must be accepted that, in certain cases, man is confronted with such circumstances as not only himself, but the prosperity and benefit of society demands that he marry more than one wife. For example:
There is a man who has one wife, but due to a physical defect, she is unable to bear children.
She does have children, but due to an ailment of the mother, the children die time and time again.
There is a man whose wife has fallen victim to a disease, due to which she is deserving of her husband’s special sympathy and attention, but is no longer capable of rightful spousal intercourse.
A man, on account of his unique circumstances, cannot maintain his level of righteousness and morality with one wife alone.
With a man’s second marriage, there is a domestic or national benefit attached.
In a particular era, if the circumstances of a country or people demand that men generally marry more than once, for the progression of progeny or for the protection of national morality.
If there are any other reasonable grounds behind a second marriage, which common sense declares permissible.
In such circumstances, the conscience of any man in his rightful mind, provided that it has not been suppressed by prejudice and died, will not only accept polygamy as lawful, but will deem it necessary. Moreover, in such circumstances, it shall be expected of both men and women that they prepare themselves to sacrifice their passions for the acquisition of higher purposes.
Islām is a practical religion and fulfills the lawful requirements of mankind. Furthermore, gratitude is due here that after centuries of stumbling, the Christian world is slowly but surely progressing towards Islāmic teachings. That day is not far when the entire world shall realize that the pure and complete teaching, which remained the target of allegations for centuries on account of religious prejudice and politics, is the only one which is capable of establishing the true foundation of peace by satisfying all of the lawful requirements of mankind.
Alas! Opponents have falsely concluded, without consideration and contemplation, that the Islāmic issue of polygamy is (God-forbid) a pathway to pleasure and lust, opened by Islām for its followers. If the conditions with which Islām has permitted polygamy are closely analyzed, it becomes evidently apparent that for a true Muslim, a second marriage cannot be a means of pleasure and lust. Rather, in actuality, this is a sacrifice which must be made under special circumstances and requirements. If a Muslim breaks these conditions and marries more than once for the fulfillment of his pleasure and lust, this is his individual action, and cannot be considered Islāmic conduct. He commits a deed, just as the liberal people of other religions, who do not permit polygamy in any case, but incur dishonour upon themselves here and there through illicit intercourse, with their wife at home. In addition to this, it must not be forgotten that Islām has not commanded polygamy, in other words, it has not been declared obligatory that every Muslim must marry more than once. Instead, this is an exception, which has been made lawful in special circumstances. However, practically, a better part of the Muslims today suffice upon one marriage alone.