1) If you wish to take a second wife, does your first wife have to know about it? I was told she doesnt. 2) Does your second wife have to know that you are married? 3) What is the minimum requirments of a valid Nikkah? Do you have to pay Dowry?
Answer
1. Your second wife does not have to know about your first marriage.
2. The offering and acceptance has to be carried in the presence of 2 sane, mature, male witnesses or 1 male and 2 females. It is Waajib to pay a dowry.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai