Wives Living Together in Plural Marriages

Question from the 1st wife and 2nd wife: What is the Islamic ruling on a man who has three wives living in the same home, each with her own private room, while sharing household duties? And how should a fourth wife be integrated into the household, particularly regarding the time allocated to her with the husband especially if she is a virgin given that his current schedule is to spend one night with each wife after the ʿIshāʾ prayer?” Shaykh Faysal Al-Hashidi ḥafidhahullāh: Okay Let us clarify this matter from a practical Islamic perspective, while observing the principles of justice and rights: 1⃣. The general ruling on polygyny Islam permits a man to have up to four wives on the condition that he deals justly with them in spending, overnight stays, and treatment. Allāh ﷻ says: "But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry] only one.” [An-Nisāʾ 4:3] So polygyny is allowed, but justice is its fundamental condition, and favouritism is not permitted. 2⃣. Living in the same house with more than one wife There is no Islamic objection to more than one wife living in the same house, especially if each has her own separate room, but the following must be observed: a) Each wife’s privacy must be respected. b) No wife may interfere in another’s affairs without permission. c) Household responsibilities may be shared by mutual agreement, and this is permissible. The basic principle is that internal family dealings must be based on good conduct, justice, and mercy. 3⃣. Welcoming a fourth wife When a fourth wife enters the household, whether she is a virgin or previously married: a) She must be treated with justice in overnight stays and time, receiving the same as the others. b) A fair schedule must be maintained. If the system is that he spends one night with each wife after the ʿIshāʾ prayer, then this system should continue with balance and fairness. c) A virgin is not to be favoured over the others in a way that deprives or wrongs them; rather, justice in time and overnight stays must be maintained for all. 4⃣. Important rules a) Financial and emotional justice: Each wife must receive equal maintenance and equal emotional care and attention. b) Privacy and boundaries: It is not permissible to enter any wife’s room or use her belongings without her permission. c) Practical flexibility: The schedule may be adjusted according to practical circumstances, so long as outward justice is maintained. And this is after he spends seven days with a new virgin wife and three days with a new previously-married wife. Source: https://t.me/EngFatawaboxes_9_9_9_Bot