Search In Fatwa

Having more than one wife in the US

Question

In the United States, is it legal to have more than one wife?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Allah has made it lawful for the man to marry up to four wives if he can fulfill the rights incumbent to this act: expenditure, strength to please them sexually, justice among them.

But if the person feels a disability to fulfill the above, then it is unlawful for him to be polygamous. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {…then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one…..}[4:3].

This rule is not limited to any given time or place.

Allah knows best.

Related Fatwa