❖ Ruling on Fairness Between Multiple Wives in Time and Necessities
By: Imran Ayub Lahori
✿ Introduction
Islamic teachings emphasize justice and fairness among multiple wives in all matters within a husband's control—particularly in the division of nights (time), and the provision of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. Failing to maintain this justice results in severe consequences in the Hereafter.
✿ Warning Against Injustice Between Wives
➊ Narration of Ḥaḍrat Abū Hurayrah (RA):
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever has two wives and inclines towards one of them (i.e., spends more time or wealth on her unjustly), he will come on the Day of Resurrection with one side of his body paralyzed.”
[Sahih: Sahih Abu Dawood: 1867; Abu Dawood: 2133; Tirmidhi: 1141; Ibn Majah: 1969; Nasa’i: 7/63; Ahmad: 2/471; Darimi: 2/143; Hakim: 2/186; Ibn Hibban: 4207; Bayhaqi: 7/297]
✿ Example of the Prophet ﷺ in Justice
➋ It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ had nine wives. He had
[Muslim: 1462; Ahmad: 6/107; Abu Dawood: 2135; Sahih Abu Dawood: 1868]
→ This reflects perfect justice in scheduling and spending equal time, while also showing compassion and unity among co-wives.
✿ Justice Within Human Capacity
✔ If a man has more than one wife, it is obligatory to fairly assign turns, ensuring that each receives an equal share of time, care, and financial support.
✔ However, fairness is only expected in matters within one's ability—such as division of time, housing, food, clothing, etc.
✔ In matters outside of human control, such as emotional inclinations or natural affection, there is no accountability, as even the Prophet ﷺ had a stronger love for Ḥaḍrat ʿĀ’ishah (RA).
➌ Narration of Ḥaḍrat ʿĀ’ishah (RA):
She said the Prophet ﷺ used to divide time justly among his wives and would say:
اللهم هذا قسمي فيما أملك فلا تلمني فيما تملك ولا أملك
“O Allah! This is my division regarding what I control. So do not blame me for that which You control and I do not.”
[Weak: Da‘eef Abu Dawood: 467; Abu Dawood: 2134; Tirmidhi: 1140; Ibn Majah: 1971; Nasa’i: 7/64; Darimi: 2/144; Ibn Hibban: 4205; Hakim: 2/187; Bayhaqi: 7/298]
✿ Qur'anic Guidance on Realistic Justice
❖ Allah ﷻ says:
“And you will never be able to do perfect justice between wives, even if you strive to do so...”
[An-Nisāʾ: 129]
This refers to emotional justice, which lies beyond human capability.
→ Hence, Allah ﷻ instructs:
“So do not incline completely towards one and leave the other suspended (neither married nor divorced).”
[An-Nisāʾ: 129]
Conclusion
A man with more than one wife must be just in what he can control, such as dividing time and providing life essentials. While emotional bias is not punishable, neglecting a wife’s rights is a serious matter, bringing about punishment in the Hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ’s example and the Qur’an both guide towards a balance between human limitations and religious responsibility.
