Q: Someone I know was mentioning that a certain man wanted to take a second wife because he says his first wife is not enough to satisfy his physical needs. apparently some women whom he approached for marriage were not too happy when he honestly told them the reason. What I want to know: is this a valid reason? If a persons wife cannot cope with/handle his physical desires- can he take a second wife? Obviously he has to be able to treat her/maintain her at the same level as his first wife. Please give a detailed explanation so it can be passed along to those who object & they would be able to understand clearly.
A: If one can manage sharing time and wealth equally to both the wives without suppressing the rights of any of them in any way then it is permissible.
فَانكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا ﴿النساء: ٣﴾
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)