I am searching for more information on how & when is it admissible for a man to remarry while his first wife is still alive.

· 6 Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 1421 AH1 min readFatwa 2184English

Question

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I am searching for more information on how & when is it admissible for a man to remarry while his first wife is still alive.

Answer

According to Shari'a, a Muslim male may have four wives simultaneously with the condition of maintaining equality among all his wives. Therefore, in principle, you can remarry without divorcing your wife.

However, in order to avoid bitter feelings to your present wife, you should first discuss your intentions of remarrying with wisdom. That will save you from the negative consequences fo betrayal, etc. being possibly expressed by her upon her discovering your secret remarriage.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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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