تعدد النكاح
One of our six core goals
Facilitated Polygyny
Islam permits at most four wives at one time — on the heavy conditions of justice and means. We assist those who are eligible in a Shariah-compliant, lawful and responsible way.
There is permission, and there are conditions
Verse 3 of Surah An-Nisa permits two, three or four, together with the instruction of one if there is a fear of injustice. That is, it is a limited permission that comes with responsibility — neither obligatory nor blameworthy.
Who is eligible
One who can uphold justice in maintenance, separate safe housing, division of time and conduct; whose intention is pure; and who is ready to follow the legal process. The needs of widows, divorced and shelterless women are a real social side of this.
The legal process
In Bangladesh, while an existing marriage subsists, another marriage cannot be contracted without the written permission of the Arbitration Council. We advise following the legal process and do not encourage secret or unlawful marriages.
Women's safety
When a proposal comes as a second or third wife, the woman's consent, the wali's involvement, a written mahr and clarity about housing and maintenance are essential. Through our mediation these matters are made transparent beforehand.
Evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah
وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا فِي الْيَتَامَىٰ فَانكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا
The Arabic text and translations are checked by a scholar before publication; please tell us if you see any mistake.
Common questions
How many wives can one have at one time?
At most four at one time; if one lacks the ability to be just, one wife is enough.
Is the first wife's permission needed?
It is not a Shariah condition for the marriage to take place, but in Bangladesh the Arbitration Council's permission is required and protecting the wife's rights and dignity is a moral duty.
Our articles on this topic
Read the articles below for more detail.
- Facilitating Plural Marriage: Eligibility, Preparation and a Responsible ProcessPlural 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.Read →
- The Islamic Ruling on Multiple Marriages: A Complete Discussion in Light of the Qur'an, Hadith and FiqhIslam 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.Read →
- Conditions and Rules of a Second Marriage: Step by Step in Light of Shariah and RealityIf you want a second marriage, what conditions does Shariah set? Financial ability, justice, intention and legal procedure — everything together in simple language.Read →
- Justice Between Multiple Wives: In Which Matters Equality Is ObligatoryDoes 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.Read →
- The Legal Process of Plural Marriage in Bangladesh: The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961What 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.Read →
We are by your side
Application, verification and introduction — all under scholarly supervision, in a Shariah-compliant and lawful way. If you have questions, contact us.