Q: A Muslim man leading a happy married life, but out of sympathy want to marry another widow woman, and give her a life, but he is doesnt want his first wife to know immediately about his decision of taking up another wife, but later on after an year he would slowly let know his first wife know about the second marriage, so is this cheating? Will his first wife curse the second wife? Should this widow marry this man? Is she becoming a reason of pain for his first wife?
A: On account of the abundant problems and complications that are created through performing secret nikaahs and the husband not being able to fulfil the rights of both the wives in the Islamic manner, we strongly disapprove of performing nikaah in this manner. If he wishes to marry, then he should inform his first wife and after nikaah he should fulfil his marital obligations and responsibilities he owes to both wives equally.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)