🌍 Children, inheritance & global · #209

My husband is polygamous and we live in separate homes. Does his rota affect who looks after the children?

No; the rota is the wife's right, while custody and maintenance are the child's rights. While the marriage continues, children usually live with their mother, and the father must maintain every child regardless of which wife is the mother. Act 303 s.72 obliges a man to maintain his children, whether in his custody or another person's. The father's nights at another home do not reduce a child's right to his time and attention. Arrange dedicated time for the father with each set of children, and avoid comparing the children between homes. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Be conscious of Allah and act justly among your children” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2587). See Children in polygamy.

Sources

Act 303, s.72Sahih al-Bukhari 2587

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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