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The question

Is a wife's refusal to live with another wife considered apostasy from Islam, and is it permissible for her to seek a divorce in this situation?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Allah Almighty has permitted polygyny up to four wives, provided that there is justice among the wives in terms of financial support, clothing, and overnight stay. If a man fears he cannot be just, he must limit himself to one wife.

There is no harm for the husband in marrying a second wife, but it is better for him not to joke or threaten with it, as it is a commitment with its own burdens.

The wife can refuse to live with the husband if he is not just between the two wives or if he falls short in her rights. This refusal should be done by raising the matter with the Sharia courts or the Muslim community in the country.

We advise the wife to deal with the matter calmly and wisely, to address her shortcomings if any exist, to perform Istikhara (prayer for guidance), to consult good people, to be patient, and to turn to Allah in supplication.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

Read the full answer on Ftawy
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
34236
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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