It is a misunderstanding that Islam has permitted polygamy, to marry and keep four wives at a time(false concept). The fundamental principle is to have one wife at a time. The Quranic instructions that if one decides to marry another woman in place of his existing wife he has to divorce as per the given procedure and this itself clarifies that no one is allowed to have more than one wife at one time; Quran chapter 4 verse 20
This should not lead to think that whenever a person wants to marry another woman in place of his existing wife, he might divorce her and go for another marriage for sex enjoyment or for other reasons. Second marriage is not permitted until and unless differences between husband and wife have reached the climax, ending up by declaring talaq (divorce) and the wife is divorced. To have more than one wife up to a maximum of four at a time has been permitted under extra-ordinary circumstances and for valid reasons. For example as a result of war when a considerable number of women became widows including those of very young age, and large number of children become orphans, and when their economic, social, ethical, and other problems cannot be solved by any other satisfactory means then Islamic State can allow an exception to the general rule of monogamy. Such an exemption has to fulfill two conditions.
* Such a person will have to do justice and give equal treatment to all his wives.
* He should be economically sound enough to bear the burden of such a large family. Of course consent of the first wife in this matter is necessary.If anyone of these conditions is not fulfilled, permission to go for next marriage is not granted and one should stick to the rule of one wife; Quran chapter 4 Verse 3
Quran clearly discuss about the on going sujbect in this verse. Rather at another place the Quran says that despite their strong desire it would not be possible for a husband to be fair and just among women (wives). One should not be inclined wholly to one wife leaving the other in a state of suspension, like one who remains neither divorced nor undivorced; Quran chapter 4 Verse 129
Related Articles
Muslim Matrimonial Services - a Vital Need These Days
By: Alley Emerson | 03/10/2007 | Dating
Wedding can happen any time but to find a right match is a must. Parents and traditional match makers used to handle this but now there are many professional Muslim matrimonial services which help in bringing people together and in handling everything in the marriage.
Finding Your Muslim Significant Other
By: Abu Ubaidullah | 25/04/2008 | Marriage
This article debates the issue of ways of finding your Muslim life partner along with suggestions and helpful information about the entire process.
Muslim Marriage - a Relationship Which Symbolizes Islam and Love
By: Ruben Adams | 08/06/2008 | Marriage
A Muslim man is allowed to marry four Muslim women. Together as a couple it is their duty to have a successful Muslim marriage as that is the basis of the Muslim society. The Muslim marriages are mostly decided by the parents and it is only after the marriage that the bride and groom can see and interact with each other.
Muslim Marriage Links - the Easy Online Way to Find Your Life Partner
By: Ruben Adams | 09/06/2008 | Marriage
Muslim marriage links are a great opportunity for you to find your life partner from anywhere in the world. Instead of restricting yourself to a particular region you can search for you soul mate from anywhere and that too at practically no cost.
Islamic Marriage and Its Sheer Beauty
By: Ruben Adams | 21/06/2007 | Marriage
An Islamic marriage adheres to the rules of the Koran in pomp and splendor, for the whole world to see.
Muslim Men Attitude Towards Muslim Women
By: Nawaz | 01/11/2007 | Marriage
In a community of men born and brought up in historical traditions and institutions with particular beliefs and attitudes towards treating their women. They are “Muslims” for no other reason than that for generations they have been called by that name. In other words, their birth and environment alone entitles them to be described as such irrespective of their choice and understand of the term. Above all, as pointed out earlier he term does not necessarily have any link with the Quran.
History of Kaaba
By: Nawaz | 22/08/2008 | Religion
At the time of Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him , his tribe, the Quraysh was in charge of the Kaaba, which was at that time a shrine to numerous Arabian tribal gods. Desert tribesmen, the Bedouin , and inhabitants of other cities would join the annual pilgrimage, to worship and to trade. Caravan-raiding, common during the rest of the year, was suspended during the pilgrimage; this was a good time, then, for travel and trade.
Religion Islam Short Biography
By: Nawaz | 06/11/2007 | Religion
Islam, the complete code of life ordained by the Sustainer of the Universe, emerged as a Socio economic and Political power in the Seventh Century. This unpredictable and sweeping emergence was a result of the Muslims disciplining their lives in accordance with the injunctions of the Holy Quran and left an everlasting influence on the humanity.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Religion Articles
What Are the Astrological Characteristics of Tiger?
By: Matthias Zeitler | 08/09/2008
The zodiac sign Tiger is a part of the Chinese Astrology which is based on the lunar calendar. In the Chinese zodiac each sign has the duration for one year. In the zodiac circle the tiger is the third year and it comes back after twelve years. As the name suggests Tigers have a magnetism which draws people towards them.
All about Astrological Tiger Love Compatibility
By: Matthias Zeitler | 08/09/2008
As a lover the tiger is very emotional and intense which makes him very possessive. They have a sensuality which not only attracts people but it makes them very sexy. Their curiosity to unveil the unknown is carried forward in their love life so to bind them the partner has to be a little secretive and allusive.
Experiencing the Second Coming of Christ
By: Ernie Fitzpatrick | 07/09/2008
What are you waiting for? Do you really think the man who walked this earth 2,000 years ago, named Jesus, is going to appear out of the sky and touch down on earth some place and be witnessed by FoxNews?
Logos Bible Study Software Review
By: Justin Driscoll | 07/09/2008
If you are looking for Bible Software I invite you to read my review about the exciting Logos Bible Study Software published by Logos Research.
More Information on Taurus Love Compatibility
By: Matthias Zeitler | 07/09/2008
Taurus is characteristically serious and dependable. This implies to their love and compatibility as well. They are quite dependable lovers. Their romance is also defined by the stable and practical attitude that generates a clear communication with the partner. They can easily win the heart of their mate with their sincerity and attention.
What Else You Should Know About Taurus Characteristics
By: Matthias Zeitler | 07/09/2008
Taurus is the sunshine that is defines as a bull wherein you will find many taureans who are not really a fighter like an angry bull or a toreador. They are the peace loving human beings with a warm passion to the natural beauty. But at the same time they can be very much impulsive and stubborn if somebody intrudes in their peace and serenity.
Ramadan Training
By: Nawaz | 06/09/2008
Fasting During Ramadan is a means to becoming Muttaqi (the one who follows the Laws Of Quran). Without any doubt fasting has health and spiritual benefits but we must never lose sight of the main goal of fasting. Ramadan provides an environment for our collective training and development of character. Muslims are required to emulate and display year long exercise. Since character building is a hard, long & continuous process therefore Ramadan comes every year as a reminder.
All About Water Baptism And The Christian Church
By: Rachel Yoshida | 06/09/2008
This is one subject that will be debated until the end of time, so why all of the different views?
More from Nawaz
Ramadan Training
By: Nawaz | 06/09/2008 | Religion
Fasting During Ramadan is a means to becoming Muttaqi (the one who follows the Laws Of Quran). Without any doubt fasting has health and spiritual benefits but we must never lose sight of the main goal of fasting. Ramadan provides an environment for our collective training and development of character. Muslims are required to emulate and display year long exercise. Since character building is a hard, long & continuous process therefore Ramadan comes every year as a reminder.
History of Kaaba
By: Nawaz | 22/08/2008 | Religion
At the time of Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him , his tribe, the Quraysh was in charge of the Kaaba, which was at that time a shrine to numerous Arabian tribal gods. Desert tribesmen, the Bedouin , and inhabitants of other cities would join the annual pilgrimage, to worship and to trade. Caravan-raiding, common during the rest of the year, was suspended during the pilgrimage; this was a good time, then, for travel and trade.
Muslim Prayer & Society
By: Nawaz | 15/08/2008 | Religion
Congregations of Salaat (muslims prayer) are not merely for the sake of its reminding, these also encompass the mutual consultation for the solutions of the matters of the Ummah (muslim nation). In fact, as mentioned earlier these are the gatherings of the “consultative council” of the Islamic Government.
Objective of Fasting
By: Nawaz | 09/08/2008 | Religion
The month of ramadan is coming closer, that is why it is improtant to go over through its significance. Is fasting just about having sins forgiven and getting rewards multiplied in the Hereafter? What about the problems of life here in this world? Is fasting just a ritual or does it have some other significance? Modern Islamic scholars draw attention to the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting.
Zakat in Islam (islamic Economics)
By: Nawaz | 31/07/2008 | Religion
The economics of zakat and its relevance to modern times is a hotly debated issue among both religious and liberal Muslims. This series of articles will attempt to explain the concept of zakat in the light of only the Quran and the faithful implementation of this concept by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We will see how a similarly implemented system can solve the current economic problems of not just Muslims, but of the whole world.
Muslim Faith
By: Nawaz | 26/07/2008 | Religion
As every Muslim knows or should know that Iman (firm belief) is the foremost and essential requirement of Islam. Without proper Iman, one cannot become a Muslim even if anyone born in a Muslim family. In fact,Iman is something which has to be self consciously acquired in order to become a Muslim, which constantly maintained in order to remain a Muslim and also continually reinforced and fortified in order to begin the next life as a Muslim.
Satan, a Force
By: Nawaz | 19/07/2008 | Philosophy
Adam, as the original human being or as the archetype human (Rashid: Human Development Theory: Islamic Vs. Western Perspective, P.4) has been bestowed potentialities to acquire knowledge of how everything else in the universe functions (2:33, The Quran). Now it is unto him to utilize these potentialities and conquer/ harness all that lies in the universe.
Islam is a System
By: Nawaz | 07/07/2008 | Religion
Deen is the name of a system. This system meant that human beings should live together in such a manner that every individual should have an equal opportunity for to develop its full potential or self-realisation. A system in which each individual should become a means for the development of potentials of others and in this way finds way of his/her Own development of potentials. In this system, the needs of the natural life are very elementary things.
News and Society 
All praise is due to Allah,
to Proceed:
there was a question posted to one of the scholars of Islam,
Question:
Some people say marrying more than one wife is not allowed unless a person has an orphan under his care and he fears that he will not do justice between them. Then he may marry their mother or one of her daughters. For evidence they quote, '' And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan-girls, then marry women of your choice, two, three or four.” (al-Nisa:3)
Answer:
This statement is false. The meaning of the verse is that if a person has under his care an orphan and he fears that he will not give her proper amount of dower, then he should marry other women, for there are many women and Allah will not make things difficult for him.
The verse points to the legality of marrying two, three or four wives. This is allowed because it leads to more chastity, lowering the eyesight and guarding the private parts.
Furthermore, that is a cause for more children and the chastity of more women, as well as them being treated properly and cared for.
There is no doubt that the women who has one-half of a husband or one-third or one-fourth is better off than the one who has no husband at all. However, one must meet the condition of justice among the wives and the ability to take care of and tend to the wives. If a person fears he will not do justice, then he may only marry one wife in addition to having slaves. The practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) indicates and stresses that. When he died he had nine wives. And Allah says about him,
''Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow.” (al-Ahzab:21)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) made it clear to his Nation that it was allowed for him to have more than four wives. Therefore, following his example on this point would mean taking four wives or less. Beyond four wives is something that is specific for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) only.
Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Islamic Fatawa Regarding Women - Darussalam Pg. 178-179