Needs Second Wife in Country away from Current Wife and Children

13-10-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am currently married with one child. However, due to some difficulties it may not be possible to bring my wife and child to join me as we are currently in different countries due to circumstances out of our control. If I cannot bring them, am I allowed to marry another woman in the country I am in, especially as my wife may not be able to cope with life in the country I am in, in addition to not being able to join me?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is no objection that you marry a second wife regardless of whether your wife accepts or not, and regardless of where you marry (in your country or elsewhere). Allah permitted for a man to marry up to four wives and He did not stipulate any condition except being fair and just in dealing with his wives.

So, if a man fears being unfair to his wives, or if he thinks that it would be likely the case, then it is not lawful for him to marry more than one woman.

Allah knows best.