From the quranic verse Uthman gave in Polygyny is 'halal', it appears to me that the advice given to a Muslim on taking on more than one wife can be interpreted in a number of ways.

I stand corrected if I have misunderstood the verse but I only wish to have a better understanding of the religious teaching.

  • The quoted verse implies Islam allows polygyny.

  • It is neutral on the issue of polygyny but is clear that no injustice is to be done.

  • There is in fact a subtle discouragement of polygyny.

    An obvious question is, what is being measured in a polygamous relationship? The material and physical part (time, resource sharing, etc) is easy to measure and to conclude if the share is just or unjust. But how do you measure love and trust? Is it possible to equally divide one's emotion among the spouses and all their offspring?

    To me each interpretation has its merits. It depends purely on one's beliefs and background. But I think it is incorrect to use religion to one's own advantage. By doing that, one misses the fundamental teaching behind the verse — the universal preaching to 'do no injustice'.

    Those who support polygyny as a 'good cause' as it helps unfortunate orphans and single mothers, should also answer these questions with sincerity:

  • How many men enter into polygamous marriages without being able to provide a comfortable life for all his wives and children?

  • Why involve sex if the noble intention is to help a poor woman?

  • What about male orphans and single parents who also need help?

    To me, these questions have reduced the 'justifications'. However, I wish to add that, while I think polygyny may be the right but limited solution for its time, in modern society with its abundant resources that seventh-century Muslims did not have, we can better help the less fortunate with proper government policies and social services.

    The help has to be offered without prejudice. I do not think forbidding polygyny is an insult to Islam in this age. The same goes to all practices that have outlived their use and purpose.