💍 Khitbah & engagement · #31
A married man wants to propose. Must he disclose his marital status?
Yes, he must be honest with the woman and her wali that he is already married.
Concealing marital status is deception about something that greatly affects the woman's decision: her right to a rotation of nights (giliran), maintenance, housing and her relationship with the co-wife. In Malaysia, a married man must apply for the Syariah Court's permission before taking another wife, and the process involves information about the existing wife and the prospective wife. Openness from the khitbah stage is therefore safer both religiously and legally. The prospective wife is also entitled to ask about his financial means, his rotation plans and whether the first wife has been informed. See prospective second wife and polygyny in Malaysia.
Concealing marital status is deception about something that greatly affects the woman's decision: her right to a rotation of nights (giliran), maintenance, housing and her relationship with the co-wife. In Malaysia, a married man must apply for the Syariah Court's permission before taking another wife, and the process involves information about the existing wife and the prospective wife. Openness from the khitbah stage is therefore safer both religiously and legally. The prospective wife is also entitled to ask about his financial means, his rotation plans and whether the first wife has been informed. See prospective second wife and polygyny in Malaysia.