🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife · #62
Our husband is seriously ill. How can the wives cooperate fairly in caring for him?
Share the tasks openly and fairly, put the husband's needs first, and set rivalry aside; this is one of the most important times for a polygamous family to stand together.
Allah tells us to help one another in goodness and piety (al-Maʾidah 5:2). When the Prophet ﷺ was gravely ill, he asked his wives' permission to be nursed in ʿAisha's house, and they agreed (Sahih al-Bukhari 2588) — a sign that turns can be adjusted by agreement during illness. Suggestions: discuss together the most suitable place for care; draw up a rota for the hospital or home; share medical information in a courteous group; and divide costs by ability. If the husband cannot decide, involve respected relatives. Also prepare matters such as a will and gifts fairly, as this prevents disputes later. See the question on which wife's home a sick husband stays in.
Allah tells us to help one another in goodness and piety (al-Maʾidah 5:2). When the Prophet ﷺ was gravely ill, he asked his wives' permission to be nursed in ʿAisha's house, and they agreed (Sahih al-Bukhari 2588) — a sign that turns can be adjusted by agreement during illness. Suggestions: discuss together the most suitable place for care; draw up a rota for the hospital or home; share medical information in a courteous group; and divide costs by ability. If the husband cannot decide, involve respected relatives. Also prepare matters such as a will and gifts fairly, as this prevents disputes later. See the question on which wife's home a sick husband stays in.
Sources
Surah al-Ma'idah 5:2Sahih al-Bukhari 2588Surah an-Nisa' 4:129