7. Polygamy

The Quran permits more than one marriage only under specific conditions: “If you fear that you cannot deal fairly with orphan girls, you may marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if you fear that you might not be able to treat them with equal fairness, then only one.” (Quran, 4:3)

This verse permits polygamy but only within a specific social context. In situations where war or other extraordinary circumstances reduce the number of men while increasing the number of women, polygamy serves as a temporary measure to restore social balance. The expression “two, three, or four wives” emphasizes that marrying one woman is the standard practice, while more than one is exceptional, occurring only under unusual social conditions.