✿ Justice and Fairness in Islam & the Rights of Wives
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)Justice and fairness hold a central position in Islamic teachings, especially in cases where a man has more than one wife. The husband is commanded to maintain equality between his wives in all matters of rights and treatment. The Qur’an and Sunnah both contain clear instructions and serious warnings regarding this responsibility.
① In the Light of the Qur'an
❖ Command to Maintain Justice
فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا
(Surah an-Nisa: 3)
Translation: “And if you fear that you will not deal justly [with them], then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].”
Explanation:
Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, but only on the condition of justice. If a man fears he cannot be just, it is better and safer to marry only one in order to avoid oppression.
❖ Condemnation of Injustice
وَلَن تَسْتَطِيعُوا أَن تَعْدِلُوا بَيْنَ النِّسَاءِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ فَلَا تَمِيلُوا كُلَّ الْمَيْلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَالْمُعَلَّقَةِ
(Surah an-Nisa: 129)
Translation: “You will never be able to be perfectly just between your wives, even if you strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave the other hanging.”
Explanation:
The verse acknowledges the difficulty of achieving absolute equality, especially in matters of the heart. However, this does not permit complete neglect of one wife. Effort in fairness is still required.
② In the Light of Hadith
❖ Punishment for Injustice
مَن كانت له امرأتان، فمال إلى إحداهما جاء يوم القيامة وشقه مائل
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith No: 2133)
Translation: “Whoever has two wives and favors one over the other will come on the Day of Judgment with one side of his body leaning.”
Explanation:
This Hadith shows the serious consequences of injustice toward one’s wives. Favoritism leads to humiliation in the Hereafter.
❖ The Prophet ﷺ as a Model of Justice
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقْسِمُ فَيَعْدِلُ، وَيَقُولُ: اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا قَسْمِي فِيمَا أَمْلِكُ، فَلَا تَلُمْنِي فِيمَا تَمْلِكُ وَلَا أَمْلِكُ
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No: 1140)
Translation: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to divide [time] fairly among his wives and would say: ‘O Allah, this is my division concerning what I control, so do not blame me for what You control and I do not control.’”
Explanation:
The Prophet ﷺ displayed perfect justice in matters within his control, such as time and provisions. As for the heart, he sought Allah’s forgiveness, acknowledging that it is beyond human capacity.
③ Views of Jurists and Hadith Scholars
❖ Imām Nawawī رحمه الله:
"It is obligatory upon a man to maintain equality among his wives in matters of financial support, clothing, time spent, and living arrangements. If he shows extra favor to one, this contradicts justice and will bring severe accountability before Allah."
(Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)❖ Imām Ibn Qudāmah رحمه الله:
"If a man loves one of his wives more or is more inclined toward her, he should not let this affect his behavior or financial support. Justice and equality must be observed in all external dealings."
(Al-Mughnī, Volume 7, Page 232)④ Summary
Islam allows polygamy only under the condition of justice. The Qur’an and Sunnah command equal treatment among wives in all tangible aspects, including:
✔ Financial support (nafaqah)
✔ Time allocation
✔ Residence and living standards
Those who fail to observe fairness between their wives commit a grave sin, and they will be disgraced on the Day of Judgment.
Hence, every Muslim husband who enters into multiple marriages must fulfill the divine responsibility of justice, or else he risks the wrath of Allah and eternal loss.
❀ May Allah guide all believers to uphold fairness and protect them from injustice in their households. Ameen.
