Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
In the context of polygamy, the Qur'an mentions the following verse:
“But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:3)
However, in another verse, Allah says:
“And you will never be able to be just between wives, even if you should strive [to do so].”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:129)
In the first verse, justice is made a condition for marrying more than one woman, while in the second verse, it is explained that complete justice is impossible. Does this mean that the first verse is abrogated and, as a result, a man can only marry one woman because fulfilling the condition of justice is impossible? Please clarify.
Answer:
There is neither any contradiction between these two verses nor is one verse an abrogation of the other. This is because the justice referred to in the first verse is the justice that is within human capacity, which includes fairness in terms of time allocation and provision (maintenance). However, when it comes to love, affection, and marital relations, achieving complete justice is beyond human ability. The justice mentioned in the second verse refers to this type of justice, which is beyond human control.
Allah’s statement:
“And you will never be able to be just between wives, even if you should strive [to do so].”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:129)
refers to this type of justice that is beyond human capacity. This is supported by the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used to divide time and resources equally among his wives and then say:
“O Allah, this is my division in what I control, so do not blame me for what You control and I do not control.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Sunan An-Nasa'i, and Sunan Ibn Majah)
And Allah is the Grantor of success.
Question:
In the context of polygamy, the Qur'an mentions the following verse:
“But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:3)
However, in another verse, Allah says:
“And you will never be able to be just between wives, even if you should strive [to do so].”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:129)
In the first verse, justice is made a condition for marrying more than one woman, while in the second verse, it is explained that complete justice is impossible. Does this mean that the first verse is abrogated and, as a result, a man can only marry one woman because fulfilling the condition of justice is impossible? Please clarify.
Answer:
There is neither any contradiction between these two verses nor is one verse an abrogation of the other. This is because the justice referred to in the first verse is the justice that is within human capacity, which includes fairness in terms of time allocation and provision (maintenance). However, when it comes to love, affection, and marital relations, achieving complete justice is beyond human ability. The justice mentioned in the second verse refers to this type of justice, which is beyond human control.
Allah’s statement:
“And you will never be able to be just between wives, even if you should strive [to do so].”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:129)
refers to this type of justice that is beyond human capacity. This is supported by the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used to divide time and resources equally among his wives and then say:
“O Allah, this is my division in what I control, so do not blame me for what You control and I do not control.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Sunan An-Nasa'i, and Sunan Ibn Majah)
And Allah is the Grantor of success.