From the Wisdom Surrounding Taking Multiple Wives
Author: Shaykhah Umm Abdillaah al-Waadi'iyyah
So the existence of jealousy in us is only natural, thus it is obligatory that we are patient. Patience is from the fruits of having faith in Qadr (Divine Pre-ordainment) as mentioned by my father and my Shaykh in his book, [1] and all of the actions of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic are wise. However, this wisdom may or may not become apparent.
From the wisdom surrounding taking multiple wives:
Having more than one wife leads to having more children. Indeed the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, “Marry and procreate for indeed I desire to boast of your numbers before the other nations.” [2]
The woman may be unable to bear children. Therefore, which situation is better, that the husband divorces her, or that she remains with him while he takes a second wife? Which is better, that the husband does not deserve to have any offspring or that he marries a second wife? The answer is that it is better that she remains with him while he takes another wife.
The woman experiences times of menses and postpartum bleeding. Perhaps these times are difficult for the husband to bear, such that they might lead him to things which are prohibited. Therefore, the solution to this problem is marriage.
It may be that the woman possesses some (physical) defect. So it is better that a second wife is taken and she is not divorced.
It may be that the woman is constantly sick. Therefore, it is better that a second wife is taken so that she is not left alone. It is possible that the husband might be able to be patient during the times of sickness, but he is unable to preserve his own chastity by himself.
The marrying of more than one wife establishes a bond between different families.
As Allaah, the Exalted says:
“And it is He who has created mankind from water, and He has established for him relatives by lineage and marriage. And your Lord is Ever All-Capable to do what He wills.” [Soorah al-Furqaan 25:54]
7. The woman must have someone who will fulfill her needs for sustenance and the like. With the marrying of more than one wife, the husband establishes this and Allaah knows best.]
Footnote:
[1] Al-Jaami’ as-Saheeh fee al-Qadr
[2] Aboo Daawood (2050) narrated that Ma’qil ibn Yasaar, Classed as saheeh by al-Albaanee in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1784.
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