Polygyny in Islam

Contrary to popular belief, polygyny is not widely practiced in Islam although it is permitted in certain circumstances. Men who marry more than one woman do so knowing that they are responsible for treating their wives with kindness and dignity as well as for providing for their material needs. It is not, as many imagine, a game or some type of fantasy life to be married to more than one woman. Furthermore, women who do not wish to enter into such marriages are free to accept or reject them. Read what Islam says about plural marriage as well as the role polygyny has played in both Christianity and Judaism in the follwing articles.

• Who Practices Polygamy?
  This brochure published by The Institute of Islamic Information and Education explains how Islam has simply put conditions on the practice of polygyny, a way of life which has a long tradition in the world's other major faiths.

• Polygamy
  A scholarly article which takes a look at how polygyny is practiced in Islam as compared to its place in the Judaeo-Christian tradition.

• "The Status of Women in Islam": Polygamy Section
  The respected Islamic scholar Yusef al-Qaradawy explains why polygyny is still relevant in the 21st century. Very good article for anyone who wants to understand the Islamic position on this subject.

• Never Say Never
  The author of this article never pictured herself as a co-wife. But Allah had a different plan. Read about it here.

• What Polygyny Has Given Me!
  The woman who wrote this article is not a co-wife but the daughter of one. She explains how this marriage has benefitted her and her mother both by offering them stability and the chance to spend more time together as a family. This is a very nice article which explains a perspective not often heard.

• "Islam: The Modern Religion" Polygyny Section
  Articles on polygyny from the Islamic perspective.

• A Wife's Prerogative
  The author of this article discusses whether or not a Muslim woman may seek divorce in case her husband seeks a second wife.

• Muslimahs in Polygyny Yahoo-Group
  A place where Muslim women can learn and share about polygyny through discussion and friendship with women who are in polygynous marriages.

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