🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife · #31

My family does not agree to my becoming a second wife. What now?

Listen to their concerns seriously — the blessing of the wali and family is a protection, not an obstacle. In the Shafi'i school, a woman needs a wali to marry, so the consent of her father or wali matters. Family objections often arise from genuine concerns about justice, finances or the status of the marriage. Invite the man to meet the family and answer their questions openly. If the wali refuses without a Shariah reason even though the candidate is compatible, the Syariah Court can assess the issue of a refusing wali (adhal) — but this is the last resort. See wali.

Difference between schools. The Hanafis allow a sane adult woman to marry herself to a compatible spouse without a wali; the Shafi'is, Malikis and Hanbalis require a wali.

Sources

Surah an-Nisa' 4:3narrated by Abu Dawud (sahih)

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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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