In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:

The questioner says: “Fadeelah Ash-Shaikh, what is your view on plural marriage and what is its condition?”

The Shaikh responded:

Our view regarding plural marriage is that it is better than limiting oneself to one wife due to what is therein with regards to having numerous offspring and the greater safeguard of chastity. In most cases in societies, women are more than men, so they are in need of someone to safeguard their chastity.

If a man has one wife, he does good to one woman and teaches her from what Allah has taught him concerning the issues of the Shariah. If he has two, goodnes increases by teaching two, guiding and providing for them. If he has three, the good increases even more, and if he has four, it is even more. The more one has – meaning, wives, then indeed, the better and more virtuous the welfare that results from that.

However, there has to be conditions.

The first condition is financial ability- a person has (the wealth) to give as Mahr and provision for the wives.

Second: Physical ability- a person has the desire and strength such that he can fulfill what is obligated to him with regards to these wives.

The third condition is to be able to do justice- knows about himself that he is able to be just between the new wife and the first wife. So, if he fears for himself that he will not be just, then indeed, Allah, Blessed and Most High said:

فإن خفتم ألا تعدلوا فواحدة

But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one. [An-Nisaa 3]- Meaning: Limit yourselves to one;

ذلك أدنى ألا تعولوا

That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]. [An-Nisaa 3]

In the situation of plural marriages, it is not befitting that a wife becomes vexed, grieved, and deals with her husband badly because he has married another, for indeed, this is his right. She should exercise patience and seek reward from Allah for what has taken place and caused her discomfort. If she does this, Allah – The Mighty and Majestic – will help her bear this thing which she considers to be from the greatest calamities.

Because of this, we hear that in some places – where plural marriage is a common thing for them (customary) – the first wife neither gives it much concern nor does she become upset or saddened when her husband marries a new wife.

Therefore, the issue is based on custom (i.e. what is common, the norm). If in a country men are not accustomed to (or do not normally engage in) plural marriage, it is difficult for a woman; but if their custom is engagement in plural marriage, it is easier for her.

So, we say to the woman whose husband has married another wife: be patient and hope for reward from Allah, so that Allah aids you upon that and aids your husband to be just.

And the husband has to be careful of committing injustice between the wives, for indeed the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family -in a statement of his – issued a threat of punishment to the one who does so, (saying):

“Whoever has two wives and he inclines to one of them over the other, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with one of his sides collapsed”.

It is incumbent upon him to be just between the wives in everything: in speaking, friendliness, cheerfulness, spending the night – in everything he is able to do.

As for the (level of) love (concealed in his heart), this is something not under a person’s control- not obligated to him. The hearts are in Allāh’s Hand, the Mighty and Majestic, and He turns them however He wills; but with regards to what he (i.e. the person) is able to fulfil with regards to justice, it is incumbent upon him. [End of quote]

Paraphrased from the following link:

https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=58048

NB: Someone wonders and says: “Why this topic in Ramadan?”

Response:

Firstly, what should prevent us from discussing any topic of the religion in Ramadan?! The Qur’an, as well as the Sunnah, details this matter.

Secondly, we find that some people back home, due to being greatly influenced by foreign ideas, have suddenly started uttering absolute nonsense regarding plural marriage. So, when this topic is discussed, it is not that we are addressing specific people engaged in plural marriage in the West, rather, this paraphrased translation is primarily addressed to people from our countries in the Muslim lands where our grandparents, parents and many other relatives – to this day – engage in plural marriages. When we suddenly hear some men and women back home – due to foreign influence – speaking about this matter without knowledge and justice, we must clarify -from the clarifications of the scholars – this matter whether inside or outside of Ramadan. Therefore, instead of seeking to bring ambiguity in this matter, the right thing a sensible person should do is to return to the guidance of Allah and His Messenger.