Polygamy

Polygamy is a social reality which may be studied in various respects. In the present article, foundations of legitimacy of polygamy, its conditions and effects in the Islamic Law will be studied. Though all Islamic schools accept permissibility of polygamy based on verses, valid hadiths, and the tradition of jurists, there are serious questions about properties of this verdict and circumstances under which it may be executed. In spite of some views popular among Muslim thinkers, permissibility of polygamy is not specificto the state of necessity and particular social conditions. To observe justice between wives is the only condition which is agreed upon concerning polygamy; though about the concept and instances of justice, there are various views. Other conditions such as agreement of the first wife or financial ability cannot be among conditions for polygamy; and reasons for its permissibility are too general to be restricted in this respect. Though,Islamic government may, because of social interests, impose as a Stateverdict, some conditions or limitations in this regard.