THE SHERI’AH (LAW) OF POLYGAMY IN ISLAM.

  Marriage is a sacred institution in Islam with very important objectives. In most cases the objective are met through monogamy, but however in certain circumstances, a man is allowed to marry up-to four wives; ( though not mandatory) with the condition that he treats his wives with justice, and takes the decision with God Consciousness.  The idea that Islam allows polygamy is; so that men could pursue lust and as an excuse to fulfill sensual desires is a far cry which Islam actually wishes to achieve. It’s highly recommended that one who has strong sexual desire to practice polygamy to  curb committing adultery and fornication.

Interpretation of the Teachings on the practice of polygamy 

Polygamy is Not a Right, but a responsibility to ensure social justice for orphans; thus God placed conditions on its practice,and these conditions are set to ensure that justice is done. The Quranic verses on polygamy states: “If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly( with them) then only one.”  

Condition A: The man who wants to be polygamous Must have capacity to be fair and just to all his wives. The verse is a call for just conduct towards women, not a right for men to fulfill their alleged lustful desires or their egos. And just treatment here means more than a man’s financial capacity to support more than one wife: He must be fair in all ways, including time, support and companionship he provides to all his wives and children.

Condition B: if He(the man) fears he cannot deal justly with  all of his wives, then Allah advocates that he should marry only one as this will ensure equality. 

Condition C: Polygamy is permitted within the context of orphans and wars, only if men fear they would not be able to deal justly with the orphans.

If a man can act upon the condition A then he is allowed to practice polygamy but if he fears of Condition B then Islam restricts the act on him which will lead unequal treatment.

There are a lot of reasons as why men are given the opportunity to marry up to four wives but upon all of them these conditions must apply to all.