Can a Muslim Woman Marry More Than One Husband?

The practice of polyandry, or a woman marrying more than one husband, is not permitted in Islam. This article explores the reasons behind this restriction, the Quranic basis, and the views of Islamic scholars and cultural context.

Quranic Basis

The Quran permits men to marry up to four wives under certain conditions but does not grant similar permission to women regarding marrying multiple husbands. This is evident from the verse in Quran 4:3:

And if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry of the women who seemed good to you, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (one captured) from those whom your right hands possess. That is more suitable, that thus you may not deviate from the right course.

The above verse, however, does not mention polyandry. The prohibition of polyandry is supported by the following Quranic passages:

Forbidden for you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, the wives of your paternal and maternal brothers, the full sisters, the half-sisters from the father, the foster mothers who suckled you, the foster sisters from nursing, the wives of your sons, and marrying two sisters simultaneously - except what is past. Allah is All-Merciful, Most Forgiving.

And all married women except those that you exceptionally possess. And forbidden for you are the women who were previously married to others until you give them their due, and the slave girls that you have obtained in war. But if you wish to replace one wife with another, and have given the former a handsome portion, then do not take the least bit back from it. Would you take it unjustly? And Allah is Knowing, Wise.

Islamic scholars interpret these verses to mean that while polygyny is permitted with strict conditions, polyandry is not allowed.

Reasons for the Restriction

There are several reasons why polyandry is not permitted in Islam:

1. Lineage and Inheritance

Islamic law attaches great importance to clear lineage and inheritance. Allowing a woman to marry multiple husbands could lead to ambiguity in determining the paternity of a child, which Islam aims to avoid.

2. Responsibilities of Maintenance

In Islam, a husband is required to provide for his wife financially, emotionally, and physically. Allowing a woman to marry multiple husbands could complicate the fulfillment of these responsibilities.

3. Social Harmony

Islamic teachings prioritize social stability and harmony. Practicing polyandry could lead to complications in family and societal structures.

Islamic Scholarship

Both consensus (ijma) among Islamic scholars and major Islamic schools of thought (four Madhahib: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafii, Hanbali) agree that polyandry is prohibited.

Prophetic Guidance

The Hadith further supports this prohibition, emphasizing the preservation of family unity and stability, avoiding confusion regarding paternity and inheritance, and maintaining social order and moral values.

Modern Discussions

Today, some argue for re-examining polyandry in modern contexts. Others emphasize the importance of maintaining traditional Islamic values while ensuring justice and fairness.

Islamic Teachings Emphasize

Modern Islamic teachings continue to emphasize the importance of justice and fairness in relationships, the protection of women's rights and dignity, and the preservation of family unity and stability.

Cultural and Historical Context

The rule against polyandry is rooted in the roles and responsibilities traditionally prescribed to men and women in Islamic societies, where polygyny was more common, and a woman marrying one man ensured clarity in matters of family and legal obligations.

Therefore, according to traditional Islamic jurisprudence, a Muslim woman cannot marry more than one man simultaneously.

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