Should a husband get the consent of his current wife(s) if he wishes to marry another woman?
The question of whether a husband should seek the consent of his current wife or wives before marrying another woman is addressed in both the Qur'an and various hadith. The Qur'an provides guidance on marriage and the treatment of spouses but does not explicitly state that consent is required.
In Surah An-Nisaa, it mentions that a man may marry more than one woman, stating, And if you fear that you will not be just to the orphans, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one...
4:3. This verse emphasizes the importance of justice in polygamous marriages but does not specifically require the current wife's consent.
However, the hadith literature indicates that seeking consent is important. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, Do not marry a widow except with her consent and do not marry a virgin except with her permission.
Sahih al-Bukhari 90:17 This teaching implies that consent is a critical element in establishing a marital relationship, suggesting that it would be wise and respectful for a husband to seek the consent of his current wife or wives before taking on another spouse.
In summary, while the Qur'an does not explicitly mandate obtaining consent, the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ strongly advocate for seeking permission and respecting the feelings of existing spouses when entering into a new marriage. This practice aligns with the principles of kindness and justice emphasized in Islamic teachings.
Sources
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4:3 · An-Nisaa
4:3 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا۟ فِى ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُوا۟ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَٰثَ وَرُبَٰعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ فَوَٰحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا۟
And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 90:17
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 90, Hadith 17 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: Do not marry a widow except with her consent and do not marry a virgin except with her permission. They asked, ‘How does she give permission?’ He said, ‘By her remaining silent.’ Some say if a man deceives by false witnesses to marry a previously married woman with her order and the judge confirms the marriage, and the husband knows he has not truly married her, this marriage is valid and it is permissible for him to stay with her.
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