The Quran does not command or mandate men to marry four wives. Instead, it establishes a maximum limit of up to four wives, provided specific conditions are met, while explicitly prohibiting marrying more than four.
This directive is found in an Ayah (verse) of the Quran, which specifies the allowance for men concerning wives. As widely understood by scholars, men are prohibited from marrying more than four wives. This means that while marrying up to four is permissible, exceeding this number is not allowed.
Conditions for Plural Marriage
The permissibility of marrying more than one wife (up to four) is contingent upon a crucial condition: the man's ability to deal justly with all of them. If a man fears he cannot treat multiple wives with fairness and equity, then he is advised to marry only one.
- Justice and Equity: A fundamental principle is to ensure absolute justice among all wives in terms of financial support, housing, time, and emotional treatment.
- Context: The verse often associated with this permission (Quran 4:3) is revealed in a broader context concerning the welfare of orphans and women, emphasizing fairness and preventing injustice.
- Prohibition: Marrying more than four wives is explicitly forbidden.
Key Aspects of Plural Marriage in Islam
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Limit | A man is permitted to marry a maximum of four wives. |
| Requirement | The ability to treat all wives with complete justice and equity. |
| Prohibition | Marrying more than four wives is explicitly prohibited. |
| Purpose | Often understood in contexts related to social welfare, protection of women, and ensuring justice. |
Understanding the Quranic Guidance
The Quranic verse provides a clear framework, not an imperative to marry multiple wives. It sets a boundary for a practice that existed before Islam, regulating it with strict ethical and legal conditions, primarily focusing on justice and responsibility. Therefore, while it is permitted to marry up to four wives under these conditions, it is not an obligation or a command to do so.
