⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice · #63
May a husband gather his wives to eat together or pray in congregation?
Yes, with their agreement; such gatherings can strengthen the family, provided no one is forced, each wife's aurat and privacy are respected, and it does not become an arena for comparison.
The Prophet's ﷺ wives would gather each evening in the home of the wife whose turn it was, and he would visit them all (Sahih Muslim, Kitab ar-Radha'), showing that gatherings were nothing unusual. Allah tells us to help one another in goodness (al-Maʾidah 5:2). Guidance: get each wife's agreement; choose a neutral place or take turns; do not show excessive affection to one in front of another; and respect a wife who is not yet ready. What scholars do not permit is being intimate with two wives in one room. Eating together at Hari Raya or a child's event is often a good start. See Relations between co-wives.
The Prophet's ﷺ wives would gather each evening in the home of the wife whose turn it was, and he would visit them all (Sahih Muslim, Kitab ar-Radha'), showing that gatherings were nothing unusual. Allah tells us to help one another in goodness (al-Maʾidah 5:2). Guidance: get each wife's agreement; choose a neutral place or take turns; do not show excessive affection to one in front of another; and respect a wife who is not yet ready. What scholars do not permit is being intimate with two wives in one room. Eating together at Hari Raya or a child's event is often a good start. See Relations between co-wives.
Sources
Sahih Muslim, Kitab ar-Radha'Surah al-Ma'idah 5:2Surah an-Nisa' 4:129