🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife · #6

What are the first wife's rights after her husband marries another?

All of the first wife's rights remain in full — not one is lost because her husband marries again. She is entitled to material maintenance according to the husband's means, suitable housing, a fair rotation of nights, kind treatment and maintenance for the children. The husband may not reduce the first wife's maintenance to provide for the new wife. The Prophet ﷺ warned that a man who leans towards one of his wives will come on the Day of Judgement with one side of his body slanting. If her rights are neglected, the wife can make a claim in the Syariah Court, including a claim for maintenance or fasakh. See each wife's rights and maintenance (nafkah).

Sources

Surah an-Nisa' 4:3Sunan Abu Dawud 2133 (sahih)Surah at-Talaq 65:7

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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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