One of the doubts that feminists have about Islam is related to the issue of polygamy, which they argue neglects women’s rights. Feminists often highlight the injustices associated with polygamy and portray Islam as its founder and creator, thereby opening the door for critiques of the religion. They place the blame squarely on Islam, and many young individuals may have been misled by this propaganda and consequently joined the ranks of those who oppose Islam.
Before we discuss the various aspects of polygamy, let us take a quick look at history to ascertain whether Islam created and promoted the phenomenon of polygamy, as some critics claim, or if Islam merely organized an existing practice, making it more regulated and appreciating its significance.
Those who write and research the history of marriage have acknowledged that polygamy existed in all periods prior to Islam, including among Jews, Christians, Arabs, and non-Arabs. Judaism declared it halal (permissible) without any limitations, and it was widespread among Jewish kings and prophets. There is no text in the Old Testament that prohibits polygamy for the prophets, nobles, or common people of those nations.
In the Christian world, polygamy has been prevalent among religious scholars and the general public. The holy books of the Old Testament, which hold special importance among Christians, also regard it as halal and do not oppose it. In the texts of the Gospels, which were common among Christians, there is nothing that sanctifies or prohibits polygamy. Rather, it is inferred from the letter of “Paul” to Timothy that polygamy was accepted among them. The wording of Paul’s letter indicates, “It is necessary that the bishop of the church should have a wife.” This suggests that polygamy was allowed for non-bishops, and any bishop with multiple wives was stripped of his clerical status and considered a layperson, not counted among the priests of the temple.
Historically, it is documented that some early Christians had more than one wife, and among the ancient church fathers, some had multiple wives. Professor Abbas Akkad cites “Wester Mark,” an expert on the history of marriage, stating that with the tacit approval of the church, polygamy existed until the 17th century and manifested in numerous ways, operating beyond government and church control.
Even before Christianity and Judaism, polygamy was practiced among the prophets; for example, Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) married Sarah and Hagar, and Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) had Leah and Rachel as wives. The Old Testament indicates that Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) had another wife in addition to the daughter of a righteous man. Many of the prophets of the Children of Israel had multiple wives, with it being well-known that Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) had many wives, as stated in the Holy Book of 1 Kings, which reports that he had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
Other nations, such as the Athenians, Chinese, Babylonians, Assyrians, Egyptians, and others, did not regard polygamy as immoral, and it was popular among them.
Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) reports in Sahih Bukhari that Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) said:
“Tonight I will circumambulate before a hundred of my wives [I will have relations with them] so that each of them may give birth to me a son who will fight in the way of Allah” An angel instructed him to say, “Allah willing.” Solomon (peace be upon him) forgot to say it, and he circumambulated them all at night. None of them bore a child except for one, who gave birth to a defective child. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commented on this hadith: “If Solomon (peace be upon him) had said ‘Allah willing,’ he would not have been disappointed, and there would have been hope for his need to be fulfilled.”
In summary, marrying one man to several women was considered permissible across the world according to all religions before Islam. It was prevalent among various nations, including Arabs, Hindus, Egyptians, and Babylonians. In light of natural needs, no one can deny this fact even today. In the present age, however, many people in Europe are opposed to polygamy. They have attempted to make it illegal, resulting in increased prostitution. Ultimately, natural law has prevailed, and many scholars now advocate for the promotion of polygamy.
Mr. Dionport, a well-known Christian scholar, after citing numerous biblical verses in support of polygamy, writes: “What is clear from these verses is not only that polygamy is a good thing; rather, Allah has placed blessings in it.” Figures like Father Knox, John Milton, and Apzek Taylor have also affirmed this. Additionally, the teachings of “Vedic” texts have allowed for unrestricted polygamy, permitting a man to have ten, thirteen, or even twenty-seven wives simultaneously.
Krishna, the most revered avatar in Hinduism, had a hundred wives. Those who seek to establish the religion of chastity and consider it essential to prevent adultery cannot avoid allowing multiple marriages; this would block the avenue to adultery. Since in some regions the number of women exceeds the number of men, allowing for multiple marriages can be a solution. If multiple marriages are not permitted, the number of prostitutes and women engaging in transactional relationships will likely increase. Hence, in nations where polygamy is banned, adultery tends to be more common. In nations like Europe, where polygamy is illegal, the result has been that women seek illicit relationships with their friends and companions. What kind of freedom is this when marriage is forbidden, yet adultery is allowed?!
In conclusion, the practice of polygamy was unrestricted before Islam, with no religion or law imposing limitations on it, whether amongst Jews, Christians, Indians, Aryans, or Zoroastrians. Polygamy was widespread among Arabs and Jews without restrictions, as men married as many women as they desired. Imam Tabari notes that “Men married ten wives or more or less during the time of Jahiliyyah (the Age of Ignorance).”
When Islam emerged, it declared polygamy permissible while establishing laws to regulate it, thereby addressing the irregularities in human societies where polygamy was practiced. Islamic Sharia has not compelled Muslim men to marry multiple wives. It is not obligatory for Muslim women to marry a man who has one or more wives; rather, Islamic Sharia grants women the full right to accept or reject such marriages at their discretion.
From the above references, it becomes clear to readers that Islam did not create the institution of polygamy nor impose it on Muslims; rather, polygamy was considered permissible in other Abrahamic religions, like Judaism and Christianity, prior to the advent of Islam. Other religious systems, including paganism and fire worship, also viewed polygamy as acceptable.
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