Mantis said, "It is not Islam that has ushered in polygamy. As historically confirmed, polygamy has been known since ancient times - a phenomenon as old as mankind itself With polygamy having been a commonplace practice since Paranoiac times, Ramses II - Pharaohs' most celebrated King (reigned 1292-1225B.C.)- Kept eight wives, and scores of concubines and female slaves who gave him more than one hundred and fifty sons and daughters. Temple walls, with the names of wives, concubines and children inscribed on them, stand vividly in witness of the practice. Beautiful Queen Neferteri was the most celebrated of Ramses II's wives, followed in rank and order by Queen Asiya Nefer otherwise known as Isis Nefer, who bore him his son King Merenbetah. Merenbetah was to ascend to the throne later following the death of his father and elder brothers.
Polygamy was not less commonplace during prophet Ibraheem's era than it had been in ancient Pharaonic times. Hajar, Prophet Ibraheem's second wife, gave birth to Ishmael, who would have been slain, and who is the forefather of all Arabs. His first wife, Sarah, gave Prophet Ibraheem, Ishaq, alayhimussalaam.
Prophet Yaqub, alayhissalam, kept two sister wives, who were his maternal uncle Laban's two daughters. In addition to the two wives, named Liya and Raheel , Prophet Jacob had two female slaves, owned by him and with them he used to have legitimate intimacies as this practice has long been known when the female slaves are owned by the master. The four women Prophet Jacob kept - the two wives and two female slaves - gave him the so-called tribes (eleven sons). It was his wife Raheel who gave him his son, prophet Yusuf, alayhissalam, and later gave him Benjamin. She was Prophet Jacob's most beloved woman he legitimately kept.
Polygamy was frequent among Slavic, who now account for Russians, Serbs, Czechs and Slovaks, dotted all along Lithuania, Estonia, Macedonia, Romania and Bulgaria. Germans and Saxons also widely practiced polygamy. Germans and Saxons are the two major races to which almost all the population of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and England belong. Pagans in Africa, India, China, Japan as well as other southeast Asian regions have always been polygamists.
Dr. Muhammad Fouad Al-Hashemi, who himself converted to Islam from Christianity, confirms "the Church as having recognized polygamy up to the 17 th century". None of the four gospels is known to have explicitly barred polygamy. It so happened that some European peoples, dictated only by non-polygamy pagan traditions, barred the practice of keeping more than one wife. Only some peoples were known to have barred polygamy, since most European peoplespracticed it on the largest possible scale. When that anti-polygamy minority converted to Christianity, it clamped the traditional polygamy ban down on the rest of Christians. As time passed by, Christianity was increasingly, falsely though, believed to have essentially barred polygamy. It is only an old tradition clamped by some down on the others throughout ages.
Opponents of polygamy are invited to pick up the gauntlet - if they can - and produce any single religious text out of any of the New Testament four gospels, which prohibits polygamy. As to the Old Testament, otherwise known as Torah, it involves explicit texts that polygamy was an accepted practice in the creeds of Ibraheem, Isaac, Jacob, Dawud, Solomon as well as other prophets sent to the Children of Israel.
Even socially, sociologists and historians, including Westermark, Hubihos, Hiller and Genburg, note that polygamy was widely known only to peoples who had attained a considerable amount of civilization. Having settled down at river valleys as well as rainy regions, and converted to organized cultivation and grazing, rather than hunting, collecting forest fruit and primitive farming, those peoples adopted polygamy as a widely-accepted social system. At an earlier more primitive phase, it was family unity and monogamy, which were the prevalent social values.
Those historians and sociologists, quoted above, go even further to announce that a world of more civilization tends to be heraldic of wider-scale polygamy. The account given by those scientists- who are all non-Muslims -stands in testimony of the validity of polygamy, and strongly refutes the argument of those fallacious opponents of polygamy who plead that it has long been outdated.
Therefore, polygamy had been a commonly -accepted practice even before Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a mercy to all mankind. However, polygamy as such was absolutely unrestricted, as the number of wives or concubines was limitless. A polygamist was not required to fairly treat his wives, nor had he to do them any justice, as later stipulated by Islam.
So, if Islam, which is as great, merciful and just as it is, has ordered that wives be treated on a par with each other, put the number of wives kept by a husband at one time at a maximum of four women and banned polygamy if injustice is feared on the part of the husband - why do some come out and object to the practice so ignorantly and over stringently? Does it stand to reason that when heaven descends mercy upon us we throw it back to the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful?
Marriage has been ordained by Allah as the correct and legal way to produce children and replenish the earth. The family is the basic unit of an Islamic nation or society. Allah has made the desire for mates and offspring instinctual for mankind and animals. Life on earth continues through children and children are the products of marriage. Nevertheless, marriage in Islam can not be viewed merely as means for uniting the male body with a female body and producing offspring, nor was marriage instituted just for purposes of satisfying natural desires or quenching passions. Its goals are much deeper in meaning than those obvious physical realities.
Every individual is aware of having felt a lack or sense of loss within himself which needed completion, a weakness which needed strengthening or loneliness which could only be removed by someone truly committed to him. The calm or emotional rest which one feels as a result of having fulfilled these needs can be termed tranquility. Thus marriage in Islam is more than just a means of obtaining legal sex; it is an extremely important institution which safeguards the rights of men, women, and children while satisfying the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of the family members. The Prophet (ﷺ) illustrated the importance of marriage by saying, “When a servant of Allah marries, he has completed half of his religious obligations and he must fear Allah in order to complete the second half."
Undoubtedly, marriages built on principles of love, honor, respect and mutual caring are far superior to temporary relationships with a variety of partners. Such marriages stabilize society by protecting its primary unit, the family. What would eventually happen to a society which forgets sanctioned relationships and allows base desires to rule. What of the women and children left in a dishonorable state without respect and support? Such a society would be lower than the society of animals which are at least governed by instincts which cause them to protect and provide for their young and their mates. Consequently, Islam has placed great stress on the divinely ordained institution of marriage in order to protect society. In fact, the Prophet (ﷺ) branded those opposed to marriage as being heretics and said, “Marriage is a part of my Sunnah (divinely guided way of life). Whoever is displeased with my Sunnah is not from among us.” Since non-marital sex is forbidden in Islam, marriage protects individuals against immorality by providing outlets for natural urges as well as providing physical and emotional security for both partners.
Just as individual members of society are entitled to certain rights and are subsequently responsible for fulfilling certain obligations within society, family members are entitled to certain rights and obliged to fulfill certain obligations within the family structure. The Prophet (ﷺ) outlined the general hierarchy of responsibility in society in the following statement narrated by Ibn ‘Umar, radhiyallahu 'anhu. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Verily, every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you is responsible for his flock. The Ameer is a shepherd over the people and shall be questioned about his subjects (as to how he conducted their affairs). A man is a shepherd over the members of his family and shall be questioned about them. A woman is a guardian over her household and shall be questioned as to how she managed the household and brought up the children. A slave is guardian over the property of his master and shall be questioned about it (as to how he safeguarded his trust). Verily, every one of you is a shepherd and every one shall be questioned in regard to his flock. ”
Thus marriage could be considered a partnership in which the principle parties have been assigned different but complementary roles consisting of rights and corresponding responsibilities. In order for family life to flow smoothly, each partner must fulfill his part of the partnership. Neither has the right to demand if their responsibilities are not fulfilled.
In the Quran, Surah An-Nisa [4]:34, Allah has given general guidelines concerning the role of each partner, “Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard."
We see that men have been made responsible for the protection and support of women because Allah has given them the necessary physical and mental capabilities to fulfill their role as protectors and maintainers of women, which in turn entitles them to be obeyed and their wealth and honor protected. Women, on the other hand, are responsible for guarding their husband’s wealth, the protection of his honor and for being obedient to their husbands which in turn entitles them to be maintained.
Allah has instructed Muslims in no uncertain terms not to make unlawful that which He has made lawful. Thus, it is not fitting that those who choose to follow the Prophet’s Sunnah be condemned for availing themselves of an option given to them by Allah. Polygyny is not a decadent or indecent relationship but a valid part of the marriage system of Islam. In Surah An-Nisa[4]:3, Allah has said, "...then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or 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]."
Note that man is first told to marry two, three or four women, then he is advised to marry only one if he can not deal justly with more than one. This does not mean that Islam encourages all men to marry at least two women, but that such an option is undoubtedly permissible for those who can fulfill its conditions. The verse also sets the upper limit of four in a society in which an unlimited amount of simultaneous marriages were allowed. Thus, a man must be able and willing to divide his time and wealth in an equitable fashion before he is allowed to have more than one wife. Conversely, if he is unable to feed, clothe and house all his wives justly, then, according to this Quranic command, he should not marry more than one.
References :Nevertheless, many Muslims today find the subject of polygyny distasteful and insist on considering plural marriage demeaning to women. This is primarily because the roles of men and women in western society, at least, have become severely distorted. Women openly compete with men for the same jobs; men sue their wives for support payments; women’s clothing styles include suits and ties; men’s clothing styles include bracelets, necklaces, ear rings and long hair, and both sexes wear interchangeable clothing under the title of “uni-sex”. The female has lost her natural position of protection in western society and is thus obliged to fight for equality with the male. Under such circumstances, it is not surprising to find western women and their eastern counterparts vehemently opposed to polygyny. Very few women in liberated western society consider obedience to their men a necessity for smooth married life. In fact, obedience to one’s husband is not even considered a positive characteristic worthy of development in a woman. Even fewer modern women are willing to admit that differences exist between men and women; that Allah made allowances for man’s role as leader, provider and protector. Western women deny these things in spite of the fact that the same differences are communicated in insidious ways in western society, itself. Women are sexually harassed when at work and are often forced to prostitute themselves in order to keep their positions or in order to get an advance; men outnumber women in positions of power and most of the lower paid menial occupations which involve service (waitresses, cashiers, etc.) continue to be filled by women in spite of new roles which women are said to be assuming in the West.
However, Islam teaches us that Allah created everything in pairs, the male and the female, and assigned for them roles accordingly. Islam has defined the male role as that of provider and protector; whereas, the female has been given a supportive and dependant role which naturally involves a certain amount of submission and obedience to the male. The outlook of Islam towards the roles of males and females is thus in complete contrast to that of twentieth century western society. The position of women in the West today may appear progressive from the standpoint of voting rights, property rights and educational opportunities, but from the standpoint of the family their position has degenerated alarmingly. The expulsion of women from their natural roles within the family is part of the symptoms of a declining culture. The fact that western culture and society is dying. The incidence of illegitimate birth has risen rapidly in the West during the last few years and teenage pregnancies have become a norm. Stories of wife swapping, child abuse and various sexual diseases like herpes and A.I.D.S. linked to sexual promiscuity should lead any sane person to question the sexual mores of western society and the problems of enforced monogamy.
Men created polygamous because of a need in human society. There is normally a surplus of women in most human societies. The surplus is a result of men dying in wars, violent crimes and women outliving men. The upsurge in homosexuality further increases the problem. If systems do not cater to the need of surplus women it will result in corruption in society. Example, Germany after World War II, when suggestions to legalize polygamy were rejected by the Church. Resulting in the legalization of prostitution. German prostitutes are considered as workers like any other profession. They receive health benefits and pay taxes like any other citizen. Furthermore, the rate of marriage has been steadily declining as each succeeding generation finds the institution of marriage more and more irrelevant.
Institutional polygamy prevents the spread of diseases like Herpes and AIDS. Such venereal diseases spread in promiscuous societies where extramarital affairs abound. Polygamy protects the interests of women and children in society. Men, in Western society make the laws. They prefer to keep polygamy illegal because it absolves them of responsibility. Legalized polygamy would require them to spend on their additional wives and their offspring. Monogamy allows them to enjoy extra-marital affairs without economic consequence.
The question which remains is, “If God is good and wishes good for His creatures, why did He legislate something which would be harmful to most women?” Divine legislation looks at the society as a whole seeking to maximize benefit. If a certain legislation benefits the majority of the society and causes some emotional harm to a minority, the general welfare of society is given precedence.
So, from all of these, we can say that Islam did not introduce polygamy. Unrestricted polygamy practiced in most human societies throughout the world in every age. Islam regulated polygamy by limiting the number of wives and establishing responsibility in its practice. Monogamy of the West inherited from Greece and Rome where men were restricted by law to one wife but were free to have as many mistresses among the majority slave population as they wished. In the West today, most married men have extramarital relations with mistresses, girlfriends and prostitutes. Consequently the Western claim to monogamy is false. Monogamy is illogical. If a man wishes to have a second wife whom he takes care of and whose children carry his name and he provides for he is considered a criminal, bigamist, who may be sentenced to years in jail. However, if he has numerous mistresses and illegitimate children his relation is considered legal. "
Mantis then said, "O my brothers and sisters, if we read through the Quran and the Sunnah, the sources of Sharia, we would find that Sharia promotes a set of values through all of its teachings, rulings, laws, and guidance. Erudite scholars found a reason and wisdom behind what it teaches and there is a set of major objectives it aims to achieve.
Looking at this heavenly law, one would realize that the first goal it aim to achieve is, to develop and nurture the righteous human being to be a source of good for himself or herself and for the community, and to reduce and eliminate any bad that may occur from him or her that may harm himself or herself or people in the community. This takes place through the rituals and moral systems that aim mainly at developing the righteous human being.
This human being knows the Creator, is conscious of Him, obedient to Him, and observant of His orders. These human beings are beneficial to others, such as their families and their societies. This human being is a manifestation of the mercy of Islam to humanity.
Secondly, Sharia came to establish justice between people within the community of believers, and with other communities and groups. Justice in Islam is a noble goal and is comprehensive. Islam promotes justice in court, justice in dealing with each other, justice to family members, and justice with oneself. Sharia considers people to be equal, no one has superiority over another because of race, wealth, or family. Shari`ah even obligates Muslims to be just with their enemies during war. Sharia establishes justice between men and women and makes women peers to men in terms of rights and responsibilities.
Thirdly, Sharia never states anything except to achieve a real benefit or maslahah.
Muslim scholars observed that all the teachings of Sharia aim at preserving and protecting five major benefits, namely, protection of religion, protection of life, protection intellect, protection of progeny, and protection property or wealth. Those five benefits are essential to the honorable human life. On top of the necessities that Sharia came to preserve and protect is religion. Religion is what differentiates human being from the other creations of Allah. It is part of the honor that Allah gives to humanity. Therefore, it has to be protected. First, Sharia protects religion by establishing the ruling that there is no compulsion in religion. Sharia makes it forbidden to afflict people in their faith or to force them to embrace another religion even if this other religion is Islam. Allah said in the Qur'an that this action, known as fitnah, is worse and more severe than killing. A general look at the rituals of Islam reveals that a major goal behind them is to strengthen people's faith and the relationship between people and their Creator. Sharia, for example, legislates fighting, known as Jihad, to protect against many types of transgression, foremost of which is transgression over people's religion.
The next necessities, is protection of life. Saving the life of one person is as if the life of all humanity is saved. It should be well established that life is sacred because it is a gift that Allah gives humans. One of the miracles of this universe is the creation of the human being. The Sharia makes the life of a single human being so valuable and Allah in the Qur'an said that killing one person is equivalent to killing the whole of humanity and saving the life of one person is as if the life of all humanity is saved. Sharia forbids killing and dictates the most severe punishment for it in this life and in the hereafter. It also prohibits injuring people, harming them physically or even symbolically. It allows and encourages people to live honorably, gives them the right to move, think, and speak freely and responsibly.
Intellect is also a gift. It is what differentiates humans from animals. Protecting the intellect from any disease is a genuine objective of Islamic Shari`ah. Shari`ah makes sure intellect is a source of benefit to the society. It promotes education for all and makes it a right for everyone. Shari`ah also states that if the intellect gets corrupted, it becomes harmful to the individual and to the society and Shari`ah fights strongly against such corruption. One of the main reasons behind the impermissibility of intoxicants is that they have a strong influence on corrupting the intellect.
In order to maintain life and pass the torch to generations to come, Sharia aims to protect progeny. Every child has the right to grow amongst a family. This family is obligated to take care of the children and develop them. Marriage is very valuable in Islam and it has a big share in Islamic Sharia teachings and rulings. Sexual relations other than in marriage are impermissible and same-sex marriage is strictly forbidden.
Marriage is protected by law from the abuse of either of the spouses, or the abuse of people outside the family. Accusing someone, especially women, of having unlawful sexual relations deserves a strong punishment since spreading such rumors demolishes marriages and is dishonorable. Men and women in society are obligated to protect their chastity, lower their gaze, and deal with one another professionally and in a brotherly fashion. All these teachings are to make sure healthy families are established and children grow up in healthy families.
Divorce, although allowed, is discouraged by demanding spouses to endure patience. Divorce is a final resort to fix an unsuccessful family. Resolving marriage conflicts as stated in the Qur'an, is another example of how Sharia pays extra attention to the family.
An orphan is very valuable, and taking care of an orphan has a reward no less than the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) in Paradise. One cannot consider his children as a burden, and cannot kill them out of fear of poverty or dishonor, as people used to do.
Mothers are given a special care especially when they are pregnant or nursing for they are the ones who nurture the next generation. Shari`ah's teachings, when followed, guarantees the righteous upbringing of new generations and the real protection of progeny.
Finally, people have the right to own and protect their property. Sharia aims to protect people's wealth and property. Theft is strictly prohibited and punished by the law. Sharia also regulates transactions between people, and states clearly that it has to be built on complete freedom and willingness. Sharia also encourages us to increase our wealth and it ensures that wealth does not reach the hands of those who waste it. The poor have rights in the wealth of the rich through charity. Usury is forbidden as it is a cause of wasting wealth and putting it in the hands of a few rich people.
And so, my brothers and sisters, Sharia come to bring benefit for all, not as a monster, but as a blessing. And Allah knows best."
"They ask you about the sacred month - about fighting therein. Say, "Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah . And fitnah is greater than killing." And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally." - [QS.2:217]
- Dr. Salih al-Fawzan, A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence, Volume II, Al-Maiman.
- Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips and Dr. Jamila Jones, Polygamy in Islam, IIPH
- Hamdy Shafiq, Polygamy: Wives Rather Than Girlfriends, eemanlibrary.com
- Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, Contemporary Issues, IOU
- Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, Translated by John Ormsby, The Pennsylvania State University
*) Credited to Lenka Kripac and Thomas Salter "Trouble is a Friend"
