My society frowns at men who have more than one wife.I fear Zina.Is it permissible for me to take another woman as my life partner without my present wife’s knowledge or the knowledge of others and carry on life with both women.
According to the Shari’ah, it is permissible for a male to have a maximum of
four wives simultaneously, on condition that he maintains justice and
fulfils the rights of each wife. In view of the complexities and
difficulties of a polygamous marriage, you should exercise caution in
entering into such a marriage. Often people enter into a second marriage to
overcome one difficulty, but are then faced with the greater difficulties of
a polygamous marriage, thus defeating the actual purpose of marriage. We
advise you discuss your present difficulty with your wife with wisdom.
Explaining to her your intention of taking a second wife will save you from
the negative consequences of her discovering your secret second marriage.
Nonetheless, should you remarry without the knowledge of your first wife,
the marriage will be valid.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.