Polygamy In Islam
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The definition of marriage in dictionaries is a legally recognized relationship, established by a civil or religious ceremony, between two people who intend to live together as sexual and domestic partners. Polygamy is described as having more than one spouse at the same time, and monogamy as the practice of having only one mate at a time or during a lifetime.
Having more than one wife is illegal in the U.S; however its accepted in Islam and other religions. According to the United States constitution:” Be it enacted that every person having a husband or wife living who shall marry any other person, whether married or single, shall …be adjudged guilty of bigamy and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, and by imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years… And be it further enacted that … all other acts or parts of acts heretofore passed by the legislative assembly of the Territory of Utah which establish, support, maintain, shield, or countenance polygamy, be, and the same hereby are, disapproved and annulled… And be it further enacted, that it shall not be lawful for any corporation or association for religious or charitable purposes to acquire or hold real estate…of a greater value than fifty thousand dollars. (United States Revised Code, Section 5210) .
Looking at the above section, we can see that polygamy is considered immoral and forbidden in the U.S. On the other hand, if we look at the Quran verse 4:3 “If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if you fear that you, shall not be able to deal justly with them, then only one.”, we can see clearly that polygamy is not forbidden in Isla