🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife · #18

Must the second wife do as the first wife says?

No — there is no hierarchy of obedience between wives; each wife owes obedience only to her husband in what is right. The first wife may not give orders to the second wife, nor the other way round. Even so, respecting those who are older and have been longer in the family is good manners, and a humble second wife usually makes acceptance easier. The husband is responsible for setting fair rules for everyone — the rotation, expenses and shared matters — so that the wives do not need to quarrel among themselves. See relations between co-wives.

Sources

Surah al-Baqarah 2:228Surah an-Nisa' 4:3

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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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