Reason 13: Men’s sexual and social maturity, as well as their readiness for marriage, typically come later than that of women. It rarely happens that a man is ready for marriage before the age of twenty-five, while women’s puberty and readiness for marriage occur at a younger age. As a result, more women than men prepare for marriage. If a woman waits like a man and chooses to marry at the age of twenty-five, she risks losing her youth and freshness. This dynamic is particularly evident in society, especially among women who are pursuing their studies and wish to complete their education. Ultimately, they often realize that their age has increased, pushing them further down the marriage queue; consequently, men may not be as interested in them, leading to a life of despair for these women.
Reason 14: Women generally have less desire for sexual intercourse than men. Additionally, many women are shy, and few men are content to remain satisfied with just one woman. Moreover, some women may find it particularly difficult to engage with men, especially as they reach their fifties.
The fourteen reasons mentioned above illustrate the needs of every human being regarding the significance of polygamy. Feminists often criticize Islam for permitting polygamy. They tend to fulfill these needs of men in ways that diverge from legitimate practices, such as engaging in friendships and extramarital relationships. If feminists object to polygamy—which, in principle, preserves the honor and modesty of women—they instead propose alternatives that may seem inhumane. In these alternate scenarios, women often find themselves as mere playthings for men, resulting in a degradation of their status. The honor and chastity of women may become compromised, leading to a tarnished character. A man may form a superficial relationship with a woman for a few days to satisfy his sexual urges before leaving, without any obligation to pay a dowry or provide alimony. Children born from such illegitimate relationships are left without guidance, proper education, and stability, contributing to societal chaos.
In contrast, Islam envisions a society where men and women maintain healthy relationships, achievable through permanent marriage.
Marriage serves as a guarantor of a woman’s happiness, dignity, and chastity, fostering compassion, healthy education, and adequate support for her children. A man can have multiple wives and find peace if he is capable of meeting the equal conditions set forth by marriage.