Is Marrying More than One Wife Recommended?

Question:

Is it recommended as a general rule to have only one wife or more than one wife?

Country:

Australia

Answer:

In al-Hawi al-Kabir 11/417, Qadi Mawardi related a difference of opinion between the Zahiris and Imam Shafi’i regarding a man marrying multiple wives.

According to the Zahiris, it is recommended for a man to marry four, so long as one can take care of them, completing the number they understood to be recommended.

And Imam Shafi’i judged that it may be preferred to marry just one even if four are permitted.

Qadi Mawardi then related the issue to be one of tafsil. He stated that what should be considered is the husband’s condition. If he is satisfied by one, then it is best for him to limit himself to marriage with her, i.e. that one. And if he is not satisfied, then marrying again would be recommended, marrying until he is content, up to four.

This is conveyed by Khatib Shirbini in Mughni al-Muhtaj 4/207 too, that it is best to marry just one “unless there is a hajah zahirah“, and then, marrying more may be recommended.

And Allah knows best.

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.