⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice · #61
The second wife's mahr and hantaran are higher than the first wife's. Is that unfair?
The mahr is not among the things that must be equal between wives; it is set at each contract by agreement, custom and the means at that time.
Allah commands that each woman be given her mahr willingly (an-Nisa' 4:4), and the Prophet's ﷺ wives also received different dowers. The justice required in polygamy concerns the rota, maintenance according to need, and treatment without inclining (an-Nisa' 4:129). Emotionally, however, a large difference put on display can hurt the first wife, especially if her own mahr and wedding were modest because the husband could not afford more then. A wise husband can honour the first wife with a gift in appreciation of her sacrifices, and avoid showing off the luxury of the new wedding. See the question on gifts to wives.
Allah commands that each woman be given her mahr willingly (an-Nisa' 4:4), and the Prophet's ﷺ wives also received different dowers. The justice required in polygamy concerns the rota, maintenance according to need, and treatment without inclining (an-Nisa' 4:129). Emotionally, however, a large difference put on display can hurt the first wife, especially if her own mahr and wedding were modest because the husband could not afford more then. A wise husband can honour the first wife with a gift in appreciation of her sacrifices, and avoid showing off the luxury of the new wedding. See the question on gifts to wives.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:4Surah an-Nisa' 4:129Surah al-Baqarah 2:237