Ayoola Imran
Emir Sanusi further stated that, ‘Those of us in the North have all seen the economic consequences of men who are not capable of maintaining one wife, marrying four. They end up producing 20 children, not educating them, leaving them on the streets, and they end up as thugs and terrorists.’
The irrationality and uncivilized attitudes of those poor men pains me a lot. A man who in reality find it difficult to cater for one wife usually have penchant for polygamy. Therefore, as soon as he raises some huge funds that supposed to be judiously utilized, the next thing that comes to his mind is how to add the second wife without given prior thought about how to cater for his family.
To make matters worse after he got married and things fall apart for him, he goes round the mosque especially on Friday soliciting for alms. He stands up instantly after the prayer, quotes Quranic verse followed by a blatant and concocted lies to convince the worshipper — such as: ‘Kindly assist me for Allah’s sake, I have 12 children and 5 orphans to cater for,but I couldn’t due to financial constraints.’ Please who ask or compel him to marry another wife without considering his low income?
Most of those men justify their myopic views by misquoting and misconceptualizing the Quranic text and Prophetic traditions. They usually cite a reference with the hadith in which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urges his followers to marry a woman who is affectionate and fertile, for He will boast with the population of his Ummah over all nations on the day of resurrection. Here arise questions that begs for answers: Would the Prophet be proud with untrained wards on that very day? Would he be proud with Al-majiris before other nation on that day? Would he be proud with child – soldiers on the day of Judgement?
As a matter of fact, those men should know that the Prophet says: ‘All of you are guardians and responsible for your wards and the things under your care. The Imam (i.e.ruler) is the guardian of his subjects and is responsible for them and a man is the guardian of his family and is responsible for them.’ [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Also, the Prophet in one of his traditions urges his followers to cater for their wards, educate them and upbring them effectively.
Allah, the Omnipotent and the Omnipresent, says: ‘And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry (other) 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 or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hand possess. That is
nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.’ [Quran 4: Verse 3] Imam Qurtubi in his famous book ‘Al-Ja’miu Li Ahkamil Quran — Vol.5,’ interprets that (If you fear) is simply a condition while its option is(marry) which means if you fear that you won’t do justice in paying their dowries and catering for them, then marry one wife.
Imam Dhahak and other Quran Commentators also interpreted that,(And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly) in terms of love and caring, sexual intercourse, honourable living and equality in bed sharing between the wives,(then only one) which means stick to one wife alone.
Therefore, a pauper is not allowed to marry more than one wife to prevent a lifestyle that could cause an injustice, inequality and unhonourable living. The Prophet (whose peace be upon) says: ‘Whosoever has two wives and treated one unjustly would appear paralyzed on the day of Judgement.’
Prof. Wahabatu Azuhaili in his book entitled ‘Mawsu’atu Al-Fiqhul Islami Wal Qodayah Al – Mu’asirah – Vol. 5’ categorized the responsibility of a husband towards his wife into two; firstly, financial responsibility which comprises dowry payment and providing shelter and welfare for the wife. Secondly, non – financial responsibility which comprises honourable living, kind treatment and dealing justly to the spouse.
The Islamic jurists are of the view that it’s unlawful for a man who source of income is very low to keep more than one wife. With regards to the above evidences, it’s obvious that the policy made by the Emir conforms with the teaching of Islam.
I pray and hope that the policy should see the light of the day. I equally implore the Kano lawmakers to give the Marriage Regulation bill, that will soon be presented to the House a proper thought before its passage. The Islamic clerics should sensitize the populace on the positive side of the law.
Concluded.
—- Ayoola Imran writes from Oyo state. [email protected]
