Q. If a man wants to take a second wife, is it permissible for him to do so, with permission of the first wife? Can he have a conversation with the future second wife & be able to choose from various woman by seeing & talking to them? An can the first wife under certain circumstances waive all her rights to the second wife, if she is not willing for a divorce?
A. Whilst it is not compulsory for a husband to marry a second wife with the permission of the first wife, it is a moral responsibility of the husband to discuss it with his first wife before making such a decision as it will have a direct impact on the life and marriage of the first wife.
Prior to the husband making a decision, in any event, the general rules of Hijaab, intermingling etc. will apply between the husband and the future second wife and thus, premarital contact and relationship will not be permissible. In this case, the husband may involve a third party (his wife or a Mahram to the woman) to discuss any necessary matters.
The first wife may waiver her rights willing-fully to the second wife if she wishes to do so. She cannot be forced or coerced in doing so.
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa