Polygamy in Islam: Sunnah or Permissible?

Q: 

1. Are second, third, fourth marriages a sunnah?
2. Is polygamy encouraged in Islam (emphasized sunnah) or is it something permissible?

A: 

1. It is Sunnah provided one maintains justice among the wives and fulfills their rights. 
2. As above.

And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

فَانكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَى وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَلَّا تَعُولُوا ﴿النساء: ٣﴾

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)