🧭 Preparation & choosing a spouse · #43
Is polygyny really a sunnah? Can one intend polygyny in order to follow the sunnah?
According to the majority of scholars, polygyny is permissible (mubah) on condition of justice — not a sunnah generally required of every man.
An-Nisa' 4:3 gives permission for up to four wives, but is followed by the command to marry one if one fears being unjust. Some Shafi'i scholars state that it is better not to take more than one wife without need, for fear of falling into injustice. The Prophet's ﷺ practice of polygyny had its own wisdom and context. A good intention — guarding oneself, supporting a widow or orphans — can make it an act of worship, but intention alone does not remove the conditions of justice and ability, and for most men one wife remains the choice closer to justice. See Fiqh of polygyny.
An-Nisa' 4:3 gives permission for up to four wives, but is followed by the command to marry one if one fears being unjust. Some Shafi'i scholars state that it is better not to take more than one wife without need, for fear of falling into injustice. The Prophet's ﷺ practice of polygyny had its own wisdom and context. A good intention — guarding oneself, supporting a widow or orphans — can make it an act of worship, but intention alone does not remove the conditions of justice and ability, and for most men one wife remains the choice closer to justice. See Fiqh of polygyny.
Difference among the schools. Some Hanbali scholars tend to see polygyny as preferable for those who are able and confident of being just; Shafi'i scholars usually consider being content with one wife preferable where there is no need.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:3Surah an-Nisa' 4:129