Husband sharing his nights equally between his wives

· 21 Jumada I 1438 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Can you explain the method of equal distribution of time between wives and does equality of time extend to the day as well or is it restricted to the night? Similarly, could you inform me from what time till what time is it considered night? Does it end at Subah Saadiq or sunrise?

Answer

It is compulsory upon the husband to share his nights equally between his wives. The method of equal distribution is left to the discretion of the husband, (for example if he spends three nights with one wife, it is compulsory upon him to spend the next three nights with the other wife. If he wishes to spend two nights with one wife, it is compulsory upon him to spend the same amount of time with the other wife). The night commences from sunset and ends at subh saadiq (dawn). As far as the time during the day is concerned, it is preferable for the husband (though not compulsory) to share his time equally between his wives.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

( ويقيم عند كل واحدة منهن يوما وليلة ) لكن إنما تلزمه التسوية في الليل حتى لو جاء للأولى بعد الغروب وللثانية بعد العشاء فقد ترك القسم ولا يجامعها في غير نوبتها. (الدر المختار 3/207)

ومما يجب على الأزواج للنساء العدل والتسوية بينهن فيما يملكه والبيتوتة عندها للصحبة والمؤانسة لا فيما لا يملك وهو الحب والجماع كذا في فتاوى قاضي خان. (الفتاوى الهندية 1/340)

تنبيه قد علمت أن النهار الشرعي من طلوع الفجر إلى الغروب (رد المحتار 2/377)

Answered by
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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