Is It Allowed to Marry a Second Wife Without a Valid Reason?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Can a man marry a second wife without any valid reason, even if it deeply hurts his first wife, who has been fully supportive of him?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah bless and reward you for your concern for justice, mercy, and compassion in relationships.
Polygyny in Islam: Permission and Principles
Islam permits a man to marry up to four wives, as mentioned in the Quran:
“…marry women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one…” [Quran, 4:3]
This is a permission, not a command or recommendation. Its permissibility is governed by the strict condition of justice among wives in terms of material and time-related rights.
Ethical Considerations in Seeking a Second Marriage
While the legal permissibility of marrying a second wife exists, the ethical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions must not be neglected. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” [Tirmidhi]
This hadith urges men to embody excellence in conduct, empathy, and responsibility in marriage. Hurting one’s wife—especially a loyal and supportive one—without compelling justification contradicts this spirit.
Consultation and Mutual Respect
Islamic ethics emphasize shura (consultation), Rahma (compassion), and Ihsan (excellence). In a healthy Islamic marriage, a husband must consider his wife’s well-being, dignity, and feelings. Suppose his decision to marry again stems from base desire alone, disregarding the pain it would cause his spouse. In that case, it may be legally valid but potentially spiritually harmful, as well as sinful if injustice results.
Practical Advice
Before considering a second marriage, a man should:
- Engage in sincere istikhara (prayer for guidance).
- Seek the counsel of qualified scholars and elders.
- Honestly assess whether he can maintain justice.
- Reflect deeply on the emotional and psychological consequences for his wife and family.
While Islam permits polygyny, it is not without condition, nor is it encouraged when it results in injustice or harm. A second marriage undertaken without these considerations, despite causing deep emotional distress to a supportive wife, may be legally permissible. Still, it is a tremendous responsibility that should not be taken lightly and may be sinful, if not observed accordingly.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
