Equality between wives

· 4 Rajab 1439 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

What is the ruling on a husband who only provides for one wife and not the other even though he has 2 wives?

My husband lives with his second wife and I am the first. He pays rent where he lives and buys groceries but I see to myself. I pay my own rent and buy my own food. Is it permissible for him to do this? I am a Muslim revert and this has tested my faith to the point where I am having difficulty in believing in Islam.

Answer

This is totally impermissible in Islam. Islam advocates equality and fair play between wives. Your husband is sinful for not fulfilling your rights and for not exercising justice between both his wives.

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

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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