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Blog

Shariah-guided reflections on marriage, family, and fatwa-backed answers from IMB.

Best matrimony websites — updated lists

Which site suits whom and which supports a second marriage — a comparative list with criteria and the date it was last updated.

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Have a Shariah question? Write it and it will reach our muftis.

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Give zakat and sadaqah for widows, the poor and the helpless — every donation gets a receipt.

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Book Summaries

Sahih al-Bukhari's 'Kitab an-Nikah': A Topic-Based Introduction to the Hadith on Marriage

What topics are in the marriage chapter of Imam al-Bukhari's (may Allah have mercy on him) Sahih — proposals, the wali, mahr, walimah, dividing time among wives and conduct towards the family — a reading map.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Al-Hidaya and Radd al-Muhtar: A Guide to Reading 'Kitab an-Nikah' in Hanafi Fiqh

What is in the Kitab an-Nikah of the two main books of Hanafi fiqh, Al-Hidaya and Ibn Abidin Shami's Radd al-Muhtar, and how the ordinary reader should make use of them.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Fiqh as-Sunnah (Sayyid Sabiq): Summary of the Marriage Chapter and How to Read It

How marriage, proposals, mahr, the wali, kufu, plural marriage and divorce are discussed in Sayyid Sabiq's 'Fiqh as-Sunnah' — a topic-based summary and cautions for the reader.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

The Istikhara Prayer and the Decision to Marry: Method, Du'a and Misconceptions

How do you pray istikhara when a marriage proposal comes? Two rak'ahs, the Arabic text and meaning of the du'a, misconceptions about dreams and the right way to decide after istikhara.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

Raising Children in a Multi-Wife Family: Equality, Love and Islamic Upbringing

Equality among children of different mothers, relations between half-siblings, the gap between sons and daughters and Islamic upbringing — the Shariah and practical way of raising children in a multi-wife family.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Walimah and Simple Marriage: The Sunnah Method, Waste and Social Pressure

When the walimah is held, how big it should be, whom to invite — the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah's ﷺ simple walimah and how to avoid waste, debt and show-off arrangements.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Remarriage of a Divorced Woman: The Iddah, Dignity and What the Family Should Do

Why does society blame a woman after divorce? In light of the Qur'an and Sunnah: the divorced woman's iddah, maintenance, her right to remarry and the correct role of the family.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

Marriage of Elderly Parents: The Children's Responsibility, Society's Misconceptions and Shariah Guidance

What should the children's role be if an elderly father or mother who has lost a partner wants to marry again? The responsibility towards parents in light of the Qur'an and hadith, and advice for freeing oneself from fears about property and shame.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Pillars, Conditions, Witnesses and Khutbah of Marriage: What You Must Know for a Valid Nikah

Ijab-qabul, two witnesses, mahr and prohibited relationships — the pillars and conditions for a valid nikah according to Hanafi fiqh. Plus Khutbat al-Hajah and the du'a for the newlyweds.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

The Legal Process of Plural Marriage in Bangladesh: The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961

What must be done legally to marry a second or third time in Bangladesh? The Arbitration Council application, fee, permission and penalties — step by step in simple language.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Bahishti Zewar (Ashraf Ali Thanwi): A Book of Religious and Marital Knowledge for Women — Summary

What Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi's (may Allah have mercy on him) 'Bahishti Zewar' is, whom it was written for, what topics it contains and its position on marriage, married life and women's rights — with reading guidance.

IMB Editorial Team

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Fatwa & Q&A

Can a Man Keep More Than Four Wives at One Time? Q&A

No, keeping more than four wives at one time is not permitted in Shariah. A fifth marriage during the iddah of a divorced fourth wife, and what happens if one has more wives at the time of accepting Islam — a short Shariah answer.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

The Islamic Ruling on Multiple Marriages: A Complete Discussion in Light of the Qur'an, Hadith and Fiqh

Islam permits a man to have up to four wives at the same time, but only on the strict condition of justice. Learn the correct position on plural marriage in light of the Qur'an, the Sunnah and fiqh.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

The Role of the Wali (Guardian): Hanafi Fiqh and Practical Advice

Is the guardian's permission necessary in marriage? Who the walis are, their order, the importance of the girl's opinion and what happens when they obstruct unjustly — a simple madhhab-based discussion.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Standing with Helpless, Widowed and Orphaned Women: Marriage, Shelter and Society's Collective Responsibility

The one who strives for widows and the poor is like one who fights in the path of Allah. What society should do for the honourable marriage and shelter of helpless, orphaned, widowed and divorced women, and the practical ways of helping.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Widow Marriage: Islam's Guidance, the Iddah and Society's Misconceptions

Why does society see the remarriage of a woman who has lost her husband as shameful? In light of the Qur'an and Sunnah: a widow's iddah, the rules of proposals, responsibility for the children, and what society should do.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

Marriage of the Elderly and Those Without a Companion: Loneliness in Old Age, Shariah Guidance and Society's Responsibility

For those who lose a partner in old age the greatest lack is company, care and respect. The right to a lawful marriage for both elderly men and women, the children's responsibility and a guide to protection from fraud.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Summary of the Discussion of Surah An-Nisa 4:3

How Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) discussed the context of revelation, the limit on numbers, the explanation of 'alla ta'ulu' and the Prophet's special ruling in verse 3 of Surah An-Nisa — a summary for the reader.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

From a Haram Relationship to a Halal Nikah: Repentance, Privacy and What to Do

Involved in a love affair or an unlawful relationship? Without despair — repentance, the right way of ending it or of a halal marriage, protection from blackmail and guidance on seeking a scholar's help.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Does Surah An-Nisa 4:129 Prohibit Multiple Marriages? Answering a Misconception

'You will never be able to be just between wives' — some try to use this verse to prove that plural marriage is forbidden. Learn the verse's true meaning and the scholars' explanation.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Fatwa & Q&A

Talaq and Khula: The Rules of Islam and the Legal Process in Bangladesh

What is the Sunnah method of talaq, when and how khula happens, the rules of the iddah and the notice to the Chairman and the 90-day period in Bangladesh — short and clear Q&A.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Fatwa & Q&A

Can a Girl Be Married Against Her Will? Islam's Guidance and Remedies

If a father or guardian forcibly marries off a girl, is that marriage valid? The incident of Khansa bint Khidham (may Allah be pleased with her), the view of Hanafi fiqh and the girl's path of remedy.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

How to Handle Jealousy in a Co-Wife Household: Practical Advice for Both Wives and Husband

Jealousy is natural in a household of multiple marriages, but if uncontrolled it breaks relationships. Lessons from an incident in the Prophet's household and the Islamic and psychological way of handling jealousy.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Ma'ariful Qur'an (Mufti Muhammad Shafi'): The Discussion of Surah An-Nisa 4:3 and 4:129

What kind of tafsir Mufti Muhammad Shafi's (may Allah have mercy on him) 'Ma'ariful Qur'an' is, how it discusses the verses on plural marriage and justice and why it suits the Hanafi reader.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Fatwa & Q&A

10 Essential Questions for Women Who Want to Become a Second Wife

What should you know before deciding if you receive a proposal as a second or third wife? Legal process, maintenance, housing, time division, mahr and safety — a checklist of 10 questions.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Facilitating Plural Marriage: Eligibility, Preparation and a Responsible Process

Plural marriage is a limited, conditional permission in Islam. Who may proceed, how a woman's safety is ensured, what the legal steps are and which mistakes to avoid — responsible guidance.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Prompt Marriage (Ta'jil an-Nikah): The Shariah Importance, Benefits and What to Do

Not delaying marriage when one has the means is the teaching of the Sunnah. The hadith-based importance of prompt marriage, its benefits, the causes of delay and how to move quickly without haste.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Fatwa & Q&A

What Happens When Mahr Is Waived or Got Waived? The Wife's Rights and the Husband's Caution

Is saying 'waive the mahr' on the wedding night in accordance with Shariah? When a waiver is valid and when void — the difference between willingness and pressure and the right method.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Ihya Ulum ad-Din: Summary and Lessons of 'Kitab Adab an-Nikah'

What the marriage chapter of Imam al-Ghazali's (may Allah have mercy on him) famous book says about the benefits of marriage, the qualities in choosing a wife, marital etiquette and justice among multiple wives — an easy summary.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Dowry and the Bride-Price Custom: Haram in Islam and the Law of Bangladesh

Is dowry permitted in Islam? Why demanding dowry instead of mahr is wrong, the difference between a gift and coercion, and the Dowry Prohibition Act 2018 in brief.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

Marital Disputes and Arbitration: Saving the Household in Light of Surah An-Nisa 4:35

What to do when a dispute between husband and wife reaches its peak? Controlling anger, discussion, arbitration by the two families (hakam) and the Qur'anic method of saving the household before divorce comes.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

What to Look for in Choosing a Bride: Beauty, Religion, Nature and Compatibility

'Choose the religious woman and you will prosper' — a balanced yardstick for choosing a bride in light of the hadith's instruction and the list of Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him).

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Zad al-Ma'ad (Ibn al-Qayyim): The Prophet's Guidance on Marriage and Married Life

How Ibn al-Qayyim's (may Allah have mercy on him) 'Zad al-Ma'ad' discusses the guidance of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on marriage and family life — seeing the bride, the khutbah, the walimah, conduct with wives and lessons.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

International Islamic Matrimony Sites and Second-Marriage Sites: Introduction and Cautions

A fair introduction to Pure Matrimony, Sunnah Match, SecondWife.com and Polygamy.com, questions for expatriates and those considering a second marriage, and cautions on Bangladesh's legal position.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Marriage of Women and Men with Disabilities: Islam's Outlook and Society's Responsibility

The right to marry, the dignity and society's duty towards brothers and sisters with disabilities. Honesty, choosing a suitable groom or bride, family support and ways to help.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

10 Ways to Keep the Relationship with the First Wife Sound After a Second Marriage

It is natural for the first wife's feelings to be hurt after a second marriage. 10 practical ways to sustain the relationship with the first wife through honesty, time, financial security and respect.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

What Is Mahr, How Much Should It Be and When Must It Be Paid? In Light of the Qur'an, Hadith and Hanafi Fiqh

Mahr is the wife's right, not a gift. The minimum mahr, whether more may be fixed, deferring, waiving it and the ruling on mahr at divorce — a complete discussion in simple language.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

The Nikahnama and Marriage Registration: The Correct Process and Precautions in Bangladesh

Why marriage registration is important, what the Kabinnama contains, how to register correctly and which mistakes to avoid — step by step in the Bangladeshi context.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Is the First Wife's Permission Necessary for a Second Marriage? Shariah, Law and Ethics

Is a second marriage without the wife's permission valid in Shariah? What does Bangladeshi law say? What should be done to keep the family relationship sound — a clear discussion from three angles.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Explanation of Surah An-Nisa 4:3: Context of Revelation, Word Meanings and Lessons

Why was the verse 'fankihu ma taba lakum' revealed, how did the topic of orphans come in, and what does 'alla ta'ulu' mean — a simple explanation of verse 3 of Surah An-Nisa.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Conditions and Rules of a Second Marriage: Step by Step in Light of Shariah and Reality

If you want a second marriage, what conditions does Shariah set? Financial ability, justice, intention and legal procedure — everything together in simple language.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Book Summaries

Tuhfat al-'Arus: An Islamic Marriage Guide for Newlyweds — Summary and Reading Advice

What the book 'Tuhfat al-'Arus' says about pre-marriage preparation, the wedding night, marital etiquette and raising children, whom it suits and what to be careful about — a summary.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

The Islamic Rules of Marriage Proposals and Meeting: What Is Permitted and What Is Not

Is it permissible to see the bride before marriage? Islam's limits on private talk, photos, phone calls and video calls, and the method in accordance with the Sunnah.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Delayed Marriage and How to Avoid Sin: Islamic Guidance for Young Men and Women

Marriage is being delayed — so how do you protect your gaze and character? Fasting, controlling the gaze, staying busy with work and ways to make marriage easy; plus what guardians should do.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

10 Practical Ways to Make Marriage Easy: Dowry, Mahr, Walimah and Process

The most blessed marriage is the one whose expense is the easiest. Ten practical steps to make marriage easy: giving up dowry, a mahr within means, a simple walimah and a transparent process.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

Larger Families and Children: The Encouragement of the Sunnah, Responsibility and Balance

The hadith encourages marrying a loving woman who bears children. A larger family means not only numbers — a blessed family with justice, upbringing, means and health in balance.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

What Is Kufu and How Important Is It? Balancing Equality, Lineage and Taqwa in Islam

Is equality of lineage, profession and wealth (kufu) a condition of marriage? The concept of kufu in Hanafi fiqh, its limits and why the honour of taqwa must be placed above all.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Marriage of Expatriates: A Complete Guide to Finding a Groom or Bride Safely, at Home and Abroad

Want to marry while living abroad? Avoiding fraud, appointing a guardian and representative, mahr and registration, a marriage during leave and practical advice on protecting the wife's rights.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

The Mutual Rights of Husband and Wife: The Foundation of a Happy Marriage in Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah

What are the husband's rights over the wife and the wife's over the husband? Islamic guidance on maintenance, good conduct, obedience, privacy and mutual cooperation in simple language.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Marriage in the Lives of the Companions: Responsibility, Simple Weddings and the Protection of Women

Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) looked for a groom for his own daughter, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) had a simple marriage — lessons on marriage, shelter for widows and social responsibility from the Companions' lives.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Fatwa & Q&A

What Can a Wife Do If the Husband Is Not Just? Shariah and Legal Remedies

What can a wife do if the husband does not keep justice among multiple wives, does not provide maintenance or abuses her? Discussion, arbitration, legal steps and information on support organisations.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

The Marriages of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Their Wisdom: A Calm Reply to Criticism

Why did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ marry more than once? Widows, political bonds, reform and education — the historical and Shariah wisdom behind each of his marriages in simple language.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Fatwa & Q&A

Is a Secret Second Marriage Permissible? Shariah, Law and Ethics

Is a marriage done secretly valid in Shariah if two witnesses are present? What harm comes from not informing the first wife, what are the legal risks and why is a public marriage important in light of the Sunnah?

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

OrdhekDeen Matrimony: What It Offers and What to Watch Out For

An introduction to the OrdhekDeen Islamic matrimony site, its benefits and limits, and safe rules for using an online biodata site.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Family Life

Maintenance and Housing for Multiple Wives: Practical Planning and Shariah Principles

What should the financial planning before plural marriage look like? Maintenance, separate housing, children's expenses, an emergency fund and avoiding debt — Shariah principles and a practical budget method.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Islam's Yardstick for Choosing a Groom: Religiosity, Character and a Sense of Responsibility

How do you recognise a good groom for your daughter? Alongside wealth, job and family, the two things the Messenger of Allah ﷺ stressed most — religion and character.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

What to Know and Do Before Marriage: An Islamic Preparation Checklist for Grooms and Brides

Before deciding on marriage — intention, religious knowledge, financial readiness, the guardian's role and a health check: a practical step-by-step checklist.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Best Islamic Matrimony Sites in Bangladesh (2026): IMB, OrdhekDeen, Muslim Akd, Ahlia and More

A fair introduction to the main Islamic matrimony platforms used in Bangladesh for finding religious grooms and brides, seven questions to ask before choosing, and who each suits.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Shariah & Marriage

Justice Between Multiple Wives: In Which Matters Equality Is Obligatory

Does justice mean being exactly equal in everything? In light of the Qur'an and Sunnah, where equality is required and what is excusable — a practical guide to nights, maintenance, housing and conduct.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Muslim Akd: An Introduction and Guide to the Marriage Platform Associated with the Muslim Bangla App

What muslimakd.com (Muslim Bibah) is, how to add a biodata, what to check before login and the importance of verifying with the family.

IMB Editorial Team

IMB
Marriage Preparation & Matchmaking

Ahlia Matrimony: Introduction, Application Conditions and Cautions

A fair introduction to the Ahlia Islamic matrimony service based on the site's public information, its benefits and limits and who it suits.

IMB Editorial Team