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The idea behind the Qurlanic verse is not to encourage polygamy,
but rather the idea is to protect orphans and to look after theme
Aisha said regarding this verse (see above), "And if you fear that
you shall not be able to deal justly with orphans .... 11 It is about
the orphan girl who Is in the custody of a man who is her guardian.
and he intends to marry her because of her wealth, but he treats
her badly and does not manage her property fairly and honestly.
Such a man should marry women of his liking other than her, two or
three or four. "
1
Ibn KatkXr mentioned in explaining this verse,
that if any one in charge of an orphan girl fears that he cannot
give her a dowry like others, then it is better for him to marry
other girls because there are many
So the word 'marry' in the verse is not meant to be an order that
must be followed, but rather it is a suggestion on the way of
3
educating, informing and guiding. Explaining this verse, Al-Zamakhsharj
stated that. " If you fear that, ye might not be able to treat orphans
with perfect justice. it will be reasonable also to fear that you will
not be able to treat wives with justice in which case you would need
to keep the number of your wives as small as possible. This is due
to the fact that both Injustices are akin to each other, which means
that if you commit one of them and give up the other, you have not,
in I effect, given up either. 4 However, when Islam came, polygamy was there
as mentioned. So there was no need to permit it. but rather there
was a need to put some restrictions on it to protect the women's
'rights..,
- And, in particular, there was a need for making it a condition
for polygamy to treat wives with perfect equality. Equality in
everything food, clothes, allowances, housing. and showing love
1. Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. T. OP. Cit.. P. 2'4
2. See Ibn KathTr, Vol. 1- OP- Cit-- P- 355*
3. Ibid, ,'
4, Al-Ktruffs op. cit., P. 85
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