Reasons and Wisdom Behind the Permissibility of Polygamy
First Reason: Following and emulating the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), who left this world with nine wives. We know that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is undoubtedly the best example for every Muslim, except in matters that were specific to him and not permitted for his followers. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Muslim, both men and women, to believe in polygamy in obedience to Allah Almighty and His Messenger. Denying polygamy—God forbid—can lead to disbelief.
Second Reason: It is well known that a man can reproduce from the time he reaches puberty until around the age of 80, while a woman cannot bear children after the age of 40 or 45. Therefore, when a man can continue to reproduce, he may feel the need to marry again to fulfill his desire for children, which can only be achieved through polygamy. He cannot divorce a woman with whom he has spent half his life and has had several children.
Third Reason: Allah Almighty has granted some men a high level of sexual desire, and they may feel that one wife cannot fulfill all their needs, especially when the woman’s menstrual cycle lasts for many days. In such a situation, the man is driven to two options: either he satisfies his desire in a lawful way by taking a second wife or he may commit the sin of adultery, which could endanger his faith, wealth, and health.
Fourth Reason: Sometimes a man has been married for several years, but his wife is barren, and they have no children. If the husband has a strong desire for children, he cannot remain idle. He must seek a solution. The man is faced with two choices: either to divorce his barren wife to marry another for the sake of having children, or to marry another woman while keeping his barren wife. If he divorces her, she will be left heartbroken and may struggle to remarry, as she is both divorced and barren. Undoubtedly, 99% of such women would prefer their husbands to marry another rather than be divorced.
Fifth Reason: Sometimes a woman suffers from a chronic illness and is unable to take care of her husband or meet his needs. In this case, the husband may be compelled to marry another woman. If polygamy were not allowed, he would have to divorce his ill wife, leaving her abandoned. However, due to the allowance of polygamy, the woman remains under the protection of her husband, and he continues to fulfill her needs.
Sixth Reason: There are occasions when a husband desires to have more children, but his wife has only given him a few. To achieve this noble goal, the man may resort to polygamy and marry another woman to have more children. This is lawful in Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “تزوجوا الودود الولود، فإني مكاثر بكم الأنبياء” (Marry loving and child-bearing women, because I will surpass the other prophets in terms of the number of people among you.)
And in another hadith, it is said: “تناكحوا تكاثروا، فإني أباهي بكم الامم يوم القيامة” (On the Day of Resurrection, I will be proud of other nations because of you.)
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