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Fatwa CenterWants to marry his widowed cousin but his wife refuses
Question
I am a married man having one wife with 3 kids (2 daughters, 1 son); enjoying very happy conjugal life, Al-hamdulillaah. One of my cousins lost her husband (died) recently and fallen in a big problem with 3 kids (all daughters, 1 marriageable). She likes and wants me to marry her. To maintain 6 kids is not a very big problem for me but I feel my wife will not be able to tolerate any partner (2nd wife). Really I don’t want to hurt my wife but it is difficult to refuse my cousins’ request also. I am in a fix and lost ability to take correct decision. Please help me.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
We supplicate Allaah to bless you and strengthen your faith.
There are many benefits in a second marriage as we have mentioned in Fataawa 81469 and 82971.
In your case the widow and the orphans (her daughters) are in a great trouble. Your support and help, in this case, will be highly recommended and you will be rewarded the best for that. So, we advise you to try to explain to your wife the virtues of helping a Muslim and the great significance of sponsoring orphans. Tell her every one will get what Allaah has decreed for him/her. A co-wife can not deprive her from her blessings rather Allaah will pour his blessings on her and on her children if she accepts this marriage. You may seek the help of pious and influential people to change her mind. See Fataawa about the virtues of being kind to others and sponsoring orphans 88760 and 82371.
If she is religious, you can be just among wives and bear the responsibilities then you may marry her even without informing your first wife. See Fataawa 84411, 86439 and 86514.
Allaah Knows best.
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