Question and Answer

Second Marriage and Permission of the First Wife

A husband asks his wife to permit him to marry another woman. She refuses to permit him would. He has the financial resources to take care of both her wifes. What does Islam say about the woman?

According to the Shari'ah the man has the right to take another wife. He is not obliged legally to seek permission from his wife. The wife however can show her resentment. It is very natural. She cannot be declared to have committed a sin. However, it would be very wise for the husband to take her into confidence. It is not very wise in the present day social set up to cope with the problems that arise later on. Therefore, one should not sacrifice his present family seeking to develop another one.