The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 247
VII - Days of Struggle 247 circumstances in this world can also make it difficult for a husband and wife to live together in domestic harmony. Therefore, in accordance with Islāmic teachings, Christian countries are now beginning to pass laws regarding divorce. The fact of the matter is that there are many things which seem beneficial to the ear and the heart experiences an inclination towards them, but in actuality they are deception, because the secrets of their reality are revealed in the practical world. Among them is the issue of divorce, which has been mentioned above, and among them is the issue of polygamy, about which this brief note is being written. As a mere assertion, it seems like a very good teaching that in all events, an individual keep one wife alone, and should not have the permission to keep more than one wife in any circumstance. However, if we contemplate further, and look towards the various requirements of mankind, it must be accepted that, in certain cases, man is confronted with such circumstances as not only himself, but the prosperity and benefit of society demands that he marry more than one wife. For example: 1. There is a man who has one wife, but due to a physical defect, she is unable to bear children. 2. She does have children, but due to an ailment of the mother, the children die time and time again. 3. There is a man whose wife has fallen victim to a disease, due to which she is deserving of her husband’s special sympathy and attention, but is no longer capable of rightful spousal intercourse. 4. A man, on account of his unique circumstances, cannot maintain his level of righteousness and morality with one wife alone. 5. With a man’s second marriage, there is a domestic or national benefit attached. 6. In a particular era, if the circumstances of a country or people demand that men generally marry more than once, for the progression of progeny or for the protection of national morality. 7. If there are any other reasonable grounds behind a second marriage, which common sense declares permissible. In such circumstances, the conscience of any man in his rightful mind, provided that it has not been suppressed by prejudice and died, will not only accept polygamy as lawful, but will deem it necessary. Moreover, in such circumstances, it shall be expected of both men and women that they prepare