Polygamy in Islam: Regulation, Responsibility, and the Pursuit of Justice
Introduction Polygamy remains one of the most debated and misunderstood topics in discussions about Islam, often evoking emotional and critical reactions, especially when judged through the lens of modern secular thought. However, within the framework of Islamic law and Prophetic tradition, polygamy is neither a license for male indulgence nor a symbol of female oppression. It is a regulated exception , permitted under strict conditions and rooted in a context of justice, mercy, and societal balance. This article explores the legal, ethical, historical, and spiritual dimensions of polygamy in Islam through a Qur'anic, Prophetic, and jurisprudential lens. 1. Historical and Pre-Islamic Context Before the advent of Islam, polygamy was widely practiced without limit or legal regulation. Men often married numerous women without regard for justice, inheritance, or the emotional and financial well-being of their wives. Islam addressed this practice not by abolishing it outright but ...