CONDITIONS for Polygamy in Islam

Islamic law sets forth clear conditions that must be met for polygamy to be practiced. These conditions aim to protect the rights and wellbeing of all involved.

Justice among wives: The foremost requirement is that a husband must be able to treat each wife with fair­ness and justice. Allah (SWT) warns:

“But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one…” (Qur’an 4:3).

Justice here encompasses equal financial provision, time, and emotional support. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever has two wives and inclines entirely towards one of them, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with half of his body leaning” (Abu Dawud, 2133).

This Hadith underscores the importance of avoiding favouritism, highlighting the weight of responsibility a man assumes in a polygamous marriage.

Financial capability: A hus­band must possess the means to adequately support each wife. Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an:

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other and because they spend out of their property…” (Qur’an 4:34).

Financial capability is essen­tial to ensure that all wives and children are properly cared for.

Creating an environment of mutual respect and consent: While not obligatory, it is encouraged for the husband to seek the consent of his first wife before entering into a new marriage. The exam­ple of the Prophet (PBUH) shows that he would always be open and communicative, addressing his wives’ concerns and upholding respect among them.

Responsibility of a Husband in a Polygamous Marriage

A husband in a polygamous marriage has immense respon­sibility, which requires wis­dom, patience, and faith.

Providing equal time and resources: Each wife is enti­tled to equal time, material provision, and attention. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would allocate his time fairly, ensuring that each wife felt val­ued and respected.

Aisha (RA) narrated that he would seek permission before spending extra time with any wife, even in times of illness, to demonstrate his commitment to fairness.

Upholding good character and compassion: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasised kindness, saying, “The best of you are those who are best to their families” (Tirmidhi, 3895). A husband in a polygamous marriage must strive to up­hold this ideal by displaying kindness and understanding toward all his wives.

Example of the Sahaba: The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) also practiced po­lygamy with compassion and integrity. Many of the Saha­ba married multiple wives, ensuring that each of their wives was cared for, both financially and emotionally. Their approach reflected their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities fairly, following the example of the Prophet (PBUH).

(…To be continued)

 By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdu­lai, 1BN – Michel Camp

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”– John 13:34-35 (NIV)

 FROM the very beginning, God designed us not to walk through life alone, but to be connected—first to Him, and then to one another. Relationships are the frame­work of our existence, and the quality of these relationships directly impacts our spiritual, emotional, and even physical wellbeing. But in a world that often distorts the meaning of true connection, we face a challenge: How do we build and maintain relationships that reflect God’s heart?

Today, we will explore the concept of Godly relation­ships—what they are, why they matter, and how we can cultivate and sustain them in every area of our lives. Whether in friendships, family ties, professional circles, or mentorships, our relation­ships are meant to be living testimonies of God’s love and grace. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that sets us apart, and one of the clearest ways we can do that is through how we relate to others. Jesus Himself said that it is by our love for one another that the world will know we are His disciples (John 13:35).

WHAT GODLY RELATION­SHIPS MEAN

Godly relationships go beyond surface connections; they are rooted in;

•love,

•service,

•forgiveness,

•and the desire to see oth­ers grow in their relationship with God.

Relationships, in all their forms, are central to the human experience. Whether within the family, friendships, work relationships, or ro­mantic partnerships, how we connect with others reveals much about who we are and what we value.

For believers in Christ, rela­tionships are not merely social contracts or exchanges of convenience; they are divine assignments—opportu­nities to manifest God’s love and character to a world in desperate need of true connection.

Godly relationships are built on;

•Love,

•Trust,

•Integrity,

•and Purpose.

They reflect God’s nature and bring healing, encour­agement, and accountabil­ity. More importantly, they demonstrate to the world the essence of God’s kingdom, where love, humility, and ser­vice to others are paramount. Cultivating and maintaining such relationships is a lifelong endeavour that requires wis­dom, patience, and reliance on God’s grace.

The Foundation of Godly Relationships

I want us to dive into sever­al key points that will help us understand what godly rela­tionships look like and how we can nurture them.

1. Godly Relationships Are Founded on Christlike Love

The first and most important point is that Godly relation­ships are rooted in Christlike love. This is the foundation upon which all other aspects of a relationship are built. When we talk about Christlike love, we refer to the sacrifi­cial, selfless love that Jesus demonstrated. It’s a love that goes beyond emotions and convenience—it is a commit­ment to care for others even when it’s difficult.

Jesus said in John 13:34- 35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Christlike love is our testimony to the world. People don’t just see our faith by what we say, but by how we love.

This love is patient, kind, forgiving, and always seeks the good of the other person, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.

• By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author