Should i take a Second Wife?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

In principle, polygamy is permissible in Islam. One may marry up to four women at once if one is able to maintain equality between his two wives or among his three or four wives.[1] However, one should consider his situation before making such a decision. You state that you have been married for ten years. You have two children. Consider your wife’s feelings in this matter.

Furthermore, a second marriage comes with great challenges. Your feeling of being able to maintain equality is easier said than done. In a second marriage, there are more issues than just the issue of equality. If you have a genuine need to remarry, then you should consider all angles before making a decision. You should also make istikhara.

If you are experiencing some challenges in this marriage, there is no guarantee that you will not experience similar or more challenges in another marriage. That is apart from the attitude of your community towards the second marriage.

And Allah Ta‘ālā Knows Best.

Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.