25.09.2018 Views

Dispelling the Myth and Fear of Polygyny

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

[DOCUMEN<br />

T TITLE]<br />

[Document subtitle]


Sisters Speak……<br />

<strong>Dispelling</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Fear</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>Myth</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Polygyny</strong><br />

Anchored by<br />

Tawakalt Tahir<br />

(Loveaholic)<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 1


ABSTRACT<br />

All praises all adorations, all gratitude, are<br />

due to Allah (swt), We seek refuge from<br />

<strong>the</strong> evil <strong>of</strong> ourselves, <strong>the</strong> evil<br />

consequences <strong>of</strong> our deeds. Whomever<br />

Allah guides cannot be led astray <strong>and</strong><br />

whomever He does not guide, none can<br />

guide him. I bear witness that none has<br />

<strong>the</strong> right to be worshipped but Allah who<br />

has no partner, likewise I testify that<br />

Muhammed is <strong>the</strong> messenger <strong>of</strong> Allah.<br />

May <strong>the</strong> peace <strong>and</strong> blessings <strong>of</strong> Allah be<br />

upon him, his household, his companions<br />

<strong>and</strong> all those who follow him until <strong>the</strong> day<br />

<strong>of</strong> Reckoning Amin.<br />

You are welcome to this forum, may Allah<br />

make it an ujjah for us <strong>and</strong> not against us<br />

on <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> Accountability.<br />

<strong>Polygyny</strong> has been a topic that usually<br />

attracts so much negativities among<br />

women, but negativity has not done<br />

anyone any good. Hence, <strong>the</strong> need to<br />

have this conversation among ourselves<br />

to change <strong>the</strong> narratives <strong>of</strong> polygyny.<br />

Dear sisters, we are not just here to talk<br />

<strong>and</strong> go.....WE WANT SISTERS TOWALK<br />

THE TALK. WE WANT TO CHANGE THE<br />

NARRATIVES OF POLYGYNY.<br />

May Allah write our names among those<br />

who made positive change in <strong>the</strong> practice<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sunnah. May this be an ujjah for us<br />

on <strong>the</strong> day we will be questioned on how<br />

we met Islam <strong>and</strong> how did we live it.<br />

As we are taking notes.... let's see what<br />

<strong>and</strong> what positive things that we can pick<br />

to make a change in change in our home<br />

as an only wife, as a single sister<br />

considering polygyny, as a cowife, as a<br />

friend /relative to a cowife, as parents to<br />

a cowife, as a sister, aunt or a mo<strong>the</strong>r to a<br />

polygynous man.<br />

More Muslims homes are fallen apart<br />

because <strong>of</strong> <strong>Polygyny</strong>, Sisters are giving up<br />

on good marriages because <strong>of</strong> <strong>Polygyny</strong>,<br />

loved ones are becoming enemies because<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Polygyny</strong>.<br />

Allah has not allowed polygyny to cause<br />

disunity among us…let us sit back <strong>and</strong><br />

reflect.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 2


By Allah, sisters that will be sharing with<br />

us are human being like us, flesh <strong>and</strong><br />

blood, with emotions, with jealousies,<br />

<strong>the</strong>y also love <strong>the</strong>ir husb<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>the</strong>y are<br />

also imperfect, with <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

struggles…But have also decide to pacify<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir hearts <strong>and</strong> submit. Because <strong>the</strong>y<br />

believe in <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> Allah that He will<br />

never burden <strong>the</strong>m with what <strong>the</strong>y can’t<br />

bear <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y put <strong>the</strong>ir full trust in Him.<br />

Sure, we know bro<strong>the</strong>rs have a lot <strong>of</strong><br />

shortcomings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own that had<br />

contributed to <strong>the</strong> negativities. But <strong>the</strong><br />

fact remains that bro<strong>the</strong>rs are marrying<br />

sisters… it <strong>the</strong> incoming sisters <strong>and</strong><br />

existing sisters are well informed about<br />

what <strong>the</strong> correct Islamic polygyny is… it<br />

will go a long way.<br />

Written by<br />

Coach Tawakalt Tahir<br />

(Loveaholic)<br />

Join <strong>the</strong> Positive <strong>Polygyny</strong> Network on<br />

Telegram;<br />

Contact: +2348034512095<br />

+2348067315867<br />

+2347031852591<br />

+2347035226356<br />

Email:<br />

lovefor<strong>the</strong>sake<strong>of</strong>allah76@gmail.com<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> things that may hold us back<br />

from reflecting is Ego <strong>and</strong> Pride. But let us<br />

remember that <strong>the</strong>se are attribute that<br />

made shaytan become <strong>the</strong> accursed.<br />

May Allah guide our hearts, forgive our<br />

imperfections, make OBEDIENCE to His<br />

words easy for us Aameen.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 3


“POLYGYNY” NOT AN END TO A HAPPY<br />

MARRIAGE……. A FIRST WIFE’S<br />

EXPERIENCE BY DR. AMEENAH JIBRIL<br />

have decided that <strong>Polygyny</strong> will only lead<br />

me to Jannah, IN SHA ALLAH.<br />

Now to <strong>the</strong> koko <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> matter.<br />

The topic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day goes thus:<br />

Audhubillahi minash-shaytan ir-rajim.<br />

Bismillahi ir-Rahman ir-Raheem.<br />

Rabbi shrahli sadri, wa yassirli amri,<br />

wahlul uqdatan mil-lissani, yafqahu<br />

qawli.<br />

Assalam alaykum wa Rahmatullahi Wa<br />

Barakatuhu<br />

Alhamdulillah for <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> life, for<br />

making us Muslims constantly striving in<br />

<strong>the</strong> path <strong>of</strong> goodness, Hoping for His<br />

Pleasure.<br />

Am sure we all have favourite verses <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Quran. One <strong>of</strong> mine is Q 89:27-30.<br />

“{to <strong>the</strong> righteous it will be said} O<br />

reassured soul, return to your Lord, well<br />

pleased <strong>and</strong> pleasing {to Him}. And enter<br />

upon my {righteous} servants. And enter<br />

my Paradise.” Every time I read or hear it,<br />

I get goose bumps imagining my Lord<br />

speaking to me directly. And I truly want<br />

Us all to be told <strong>the</strong>se same words on that<br />

Day. Which is why my personal mission<br />

statement is “Striving for Jannah” <strong>and</strong> I<br />

<strong>Polygyny</strong>……. Not an end to a happy<br />

marriage……A first wife’s experience.<br />

It goes without saying that I am a first<br />

wife.<br />

It also goes without saying that I have a<br />

co-wife (just one for now).<br />

Question: Did I have a happy marriage<br />

before polygyny? The answer would be a<br />

BIG YES. Every marriage has its ups <strong>and</strong><br />

downs, so don’t say shebi I saw you crying<br />

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r day.<br />

What <strong>the</strong>n is a happy marriage, you ask?<br />

It is a marriage in which you feel secure<br />

<strong>and</strong> contented with <strong>the</strong> blessings <strong>of</strong> your<br />

Lord <strong>the</strong>rein. Your marriage does not<br />

need overt wealth or children to be<br />

happy. It needs both <strong>of</strong> you to be ready to<br />

make <strong>the</strong> sacrifices that everyday living<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two strangers would entail.<br />

No one is perfect, so seek not perfection<br />

in your spouse.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 4


Should polygyny be a death knell on a<br />

happy Marriage? A resounding <strong>and</strong><br />

affirmative NO.<br />

How is that possible? you are asking with<br />

tears in your eyes. In answering that, we<br />

would look at <strong>the</strong> following headings:<br />

• THE CORRECT MINDSET TO HAVE A<br />

STRESS-FREE POLYGYNY<br />

• HANDLING THE EMOTIONS: THE DOs<br />

AND DONTs<br />

• HOW TO MAINTAIN A GOOD<br />

RELATIONSHIP WITH HUBBY AFTER<br />

HE TURNED POLYGYNOUS.<br />

polygamy, not to burden us, but as a test<br />

for us. He has said HE will definitely test<br />

us, <strong>and</strong> to Give glad tidings to those who<br />

are patient.<br />

Once <strong>the</strong>se words are firmly entrenched<br />

in our mindset, <strong>and</strong> we believe that Allah<br />

is The All Knowing, The Wise, <strong>the</strong>n once<br />

our o<strong>the</strong>r half declares his intention to<br />

avail himself <strong>of</strong> his God given right/duty,<br />

<strong>the</strong>n it behooves on us to be positive<br />

about this next phase <strong>of</strong> our relationship<br />

with our spouses. It most definitely<br />

should not be <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> a happy<br />

marriage.<br />

Give yourself words <strong>of</strong> affirmation thus:<br />

• This is a test I will pass, In Sha Allah<br />

THE CORRECT MINDSET TO HAVE A<br />

STRESS-FREE POLYGYNY<br />

So how should we be when polygyny<br />

looms in our horizon? The simple answer<br />

would be POSITIVE.<br />

SO, WHAT DOES POSITIVITY MEAN? It<br />

means to firmly believe in <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong><br />

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) when He said<br />

in Q2:286 that “la yukallifu Allahu nafsan<br />

illa wus’aha” i.e. Allah does not<br />

charge/task a soul except {with that<br />

within} its capacity. Allah (SWT) ordained<br />

• I deserve to be happy, so nothing will<br />

take my happiness away<br />

• I have been a good wife, <strong>and</strong> so shall I<br />

remain.<br />

• I shall love my incoming sister for Allah’s<br />

sake.<br />

• I will continue to strive for Jannah, come<br />

what may.<br />

The norm is to feel like a ton <strong>of</strong> bricks has<br />

been dropped on your chest. Yes,<br />

everyone feels it. And depending on your<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 5


coping mechanisms, you will cry your eyes<br />

red. Okay, still normal <strong>and</strong> definitely<br />

allowed. But know that after <strong>the</strong> storm<br />

always comes calm. So, don’t remain in<br />

<strong>the</strong> storm. Seek <strong>the</strong> calm. Actively pursue<br />

it. Clutch it to yourself <strong>and</strong> say, “I will<br />

survive this”. It may take a few days,<br />

maybe weeks, at times months. But <strong>the</strong><br />

sooner you come out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rut <strong>and</strong> see<br />

that your life is not coming to an end but<br />

taking a bypass to Jannah, <strong>the</strong> better you<br />

will feel.<br />

also positive ones; joy, increasing love,<br />

contentment, patience, caring, fulfillment<br />

<strong>and</strong> many more.<br />

Whichever it is one feels at any point in<br />

time, <strong>the</strong> important thing is for it not to<br />

be mismanaged.<br />

I will just mention some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dos <strong>and</strong><br />

Don’ts <strong>of</strong> emotional management in<br />

polygyny which I have found immensely<br />

useful.<br />

Dos<br />

• Accept your husb<strong>and</strong>’s decision: You<br />

HANDLING THE EMOTIONS: THE DOs<br />

AND DONTs<br />

<strong>Polygyny</strong> comes with a myriad <strong>of</strong><br />

emotions: anger, hurt, rage. jealousy,<br />

envy, suspicion, distrust, depression,<br />

apathy, elation, euphoria, unhappiness,<br />

misery, ambivalence, feeling<br />

unappreciated, ingratitude, dazed,<br />

surprise, loss <strong>of</strong> faith in life <strong>and</strong> love. I<br />

could go on <strong>and</strong> not exhaust <strong>the</strong> list. Am<br />

sure you noticed elation <strong>and</strong> euphoria<br />

<strong>the</strong>re <strong>and</strong> you are wondering what those<br />

are doing <strong>the</strong>re, right? Well, from a first<br />

wife perspective, believe me, it is not<br />

always all negative emotions. There are<br />

may feel <strong>the</strong> time is wrong, but if Allah<br />

permits it to happen, it is happening at<br />

<strong>the</strong> right time.<br />

• Believe that your husb<strong>and</strong> has <strong>the</strong><br />

capability to love you <strong>and</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r. Love is<br />

not finite. There is usually more than<br />

enough to go around.<br />

• Keep on loving your husb<strong>and</strong>: Someone<br />

once asked if it is not better to love <strong>the</strong>m<br />

less, so it does not hurt so much. I say<br />

love <strong>the</strong>m more for having <strong>the</strong> courage to<br />

go into polygyny. It is not easy for any <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> parties involved.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 6


• Have empathy toward <strong>the</strong> incoming<br />

wife(ves). Imagine she is your blood<br />

sister/daughter <strong>and</strong> want for her what<br />

you would have wanted for yours.<br />

• Extend <strong>the</strong> h<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> friendship. It may be<br />

all she needs to unleash her own<br />

goodness unto you. • Accept her <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>of</strong><br />

friendship. Do not question her motives.<br />

Instead, cleanse your heart <strong>of</strong> suspicion<br />

<strong>and</strong> doubt.<br />

• Have an upbeat attitude to everything<br />

happening. Ignore <strong>the</strong> naysayers. Seek out<br />

people with genuine good advice.<br />

Don’ts<br />

• Don’t give up: Whatever number <strong>of</strong><br />

years you have spent toge<strong>the</strong>r prior to <strong>the</strong><br />

repeat nikah can never be erased. Don’t<br />

be <strong>the</strong> one to wield <strong>the</strong> eraser for that by<br />

fading into <strong>the</strong> background.<br />

• Do not compare: Who he loves more is<br />

irrelevant. How you both manage<br />

yourselves in <strong>the</strong> sight <strong>of</strong> Allah is what<br />

matters.<br />

• Withhold your affection: That will only<br />

push him in <strong>the</strong> opposite direction.<br />

• Do not fight/insult/debase/harass your<br />

co wife: Be <strong>the</strong> one to rise above petty<br />

issues. In every relationship, someone has<br />

to be <strong>the</strong> matured one. Be that one.<br />

• Do not open your marriage for<br />

discussion by every Tom, Dick <strong>and</strong> Harry:<br />

Not everyone truly wants good for you<br />

<strong>and</strong> a lot <strong>of</strong> advice that will not benefit<br />

you will come<br />

• Do not fight your husb<strong>and</strong> on <strong>the</strong> issue:<br />

Your acceptance <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing will<br />

only increase <strong>the</strong> love <strong>and</strong> respect he has<br />

for you. Your Queen status will be<br />

maintained just by that simple act.<br />

• Don’t assume you are deficient. That<br />

will only depress you more.<br />

HOW TO MAINTAIN A GOOD<br />

RELATIONSHIP WITH HUBBY AFTER HE<br />

TURNED POLYGYNOUS<br />

The secret to maintaining a good<br />

relationship with hubby after he marries<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r wife(ves) starts right from <strong>the</strong><br />

outset <strong>of</strong> your marriage to him. Make sure<br />

you choose wisely. Make him your best<br />

friend. Think about it, you quarrel with<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 7


your best friends, but you always make<br />

up. So, should it be with your spouse.<br />

• You should be able to cry in his<br />

presence.<br />

• He should be privy to your<br />

innermost hurts <strong>and</strong> hidden<br />

details. As much as possible, no<br />

secrets<br />

• He should be <strong>the</strong> first person you<br />

think <strong>of</strong> when good/bad happens<br />

to you.<br />

• Try not to think bad thoughts<br />

about him, do not insult him in<br />

your head, talk less <strong>of</strong> to his face.<br />

• Be <strong>the</strong> submissive wife, but not a<br />

doormat.<br />

This mindset makes you perpetually ready<br />

to assist him to succeed. And if he wishes<br />

to experience polygamy, <strong>the</strong>n be ready to<br />

experience it toge<strong>the</strong>r. Do not become a<br />

stumbling block in his path. Don’t turn<br />

into a screaming harpy whom he eagerly<br />

awaits dawn to rise so he can be as far<br />

away from you as possible.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> contrary, you move your<br />

relationship to <strong>the</strong> next level. And that is a<br />

place where you both respect <strong>and</strong> love<br />

each o<strong>the</strong>r but he now has a little more<br />

space to himself, <strong>and</strong> so do you. They say<br />

if you have something good, let it go. If it<br />

comes back to you, <strong>the</strong>n it is truly yours.<br />

Respect him. Treat him well. Love him.<br />

And when <strong>the</strong> time comes, let him go. He<br />

will definitely come back to you,<br />

bi‘iznillah.<br />

Be interested in <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> his<br />

subsequent marriage, but do not be too<br />

inquisitive or feel you need to know every<br />

tinsy winsy detail <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir lives. Try to<br />

build a rapport with your co wife(ves),<br />

because most men truly want to have a<br />

peaceful polygynous journey, so be <strong>the</strong><br />

pivot that launches that peace in <strong>the</strong><br />

home.<br />

He is not your property so <strong>the</strong>re is nothing<br />

like “how can I be sharing him?” or “how<br />

can he take that my thing to ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

woman <strong>and</strong> want to bring it to me<br />

again?”. Nothing like that. Sexual relations<br />

between a man <strong>and</strong> his wives is legal, so<br />

focus on making your intimacy with him<br />

worth it for both <strong>of</strong> you during your time.<br />

And worry less about what happens when<br />

he is away from you.<br />

And remember, <strong>the</strong>re is no dua left<br />

unanswered. So, at those moments when<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 8


you feel you have gotten to <strong>the</strong> limit,<br />

stop <strong>and</strong> pray <strong>and</strong> seek <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> your<br />

Lord, for He is <strong>the</strong> Source <strong>of</strong> Peace.<br />

Back to <strong>the</strong> title: For me, <strong>the</strong> journey has<br />

been almost 3 years <strong>and</strong> counting. And my<br />

marriage is happier now than it was at <strong>the</strong><br />

beginning <strong>of</strong> polygyny. The road is not all<br />

smooth, nor is it all rough. There have<br />

been ups <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>re have been downs. But<br />

<strong>the</strong> scale tips towards fulfillment <strong>and</strong><br />

contentment because Allah has made it<br />

easy for me to accept <strong>the</strong> path He has set<br />

out for me to thread. May Allah grant us<br />

all <strong>the</strong> strength, <strong>the</strong> patience, <strong>the</strong> ability<br />

to persevere, <strong>the</strong> ability to tolerate <strong>and</strong><br />

make excuses. And may He make <strong>the</strong><br />

journey a Path to Jannat Firdaus (Yep,<br />

always aim for <strong>the</strong> best)<br />

I seek Allah’s forgiveness for whatever<br />

wrong I may have uttered (or typed). All<br />

goodness is from Allah <strong>and</strong> all mistakes<br />

are from myself.<br />

I pray <strong>the</strong>se few words <strong>of</strong> mine will inspire<br />

someone to break <strong>the</strong> chain <strong>of</strong><br />

assumption that polygyny is a harbinger<br />

<strong>of</strong> doom to any marriage. We need to<br />

believe in <strong>the</strong> goodness <strong>the</strong>rein, <strong>and</strong> Allah<br />

will make us experience it.<br />

Subhanaka Allahuma wa bihamdika.<br />

Nashhadu an La illaha Illa anta wa<br />

nastagfiruka wa natubu ilayk. Subhana<br />

Rabbika rabbil Izzati amma yasifun. Wa<br />

salaamun alla al-mursaleen.<br />

Walhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalamin.<br />

Assalam alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa<br />

Barakatuhu.<br />

“FACING OUR FEARS” WHY SISTERS NEED<br />

TO TALK ABOUT POLYGYNY BY SIS.<br />

KUDIRAT LAWAL ADESINA<br />

Bismillah<br />

Praise be to Allah, we seek His help <strong>and</strong><br />

His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah<br />

from <strong>the</strong> evil <strong>of</strong> our own souls <strong>and</strong> from<br />

our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides<br />

will never be led astray, <strong>and</strong> whomsoever<br />

Allah leaves astray, no one can guide. I<br />

bear witness that <strong>the</strong>re is no god but<br />

Allah, <strong>the</strong> One, having no partner. And I<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 9


ear witness that Muhammad is His slave<br />

<strong>and</strong> Messenger.<br />

Gr<strong>and</strong>mas, mummies <strong>and</strong> sisters in faith,<br />

As-Salam alaykum warahmatullah<br />

wabarakatuh.<br />

By <strong>the</strong> will <strong>of</strong> Allah, our topic for this<br />

session is: “FACING OUR FEARS! WHY<br />

SISTERS NEED TO TALK ABOUT<br />

POLYGYNY”<br />

When Coach Tawakalt approached me to<br />

give a presentation on this topic despite<br />

my lack <strong>of</strong> practical experience on<br />

polygynous relationship, I thought to<br />

myself, how do one dive in unknown<br />

water?<br />

Anyway, I took up <strong>the</strong> challenge <strong>and</strong> here<br />

we are. Let’s go;<br />

FAC: Islam gives a man permission to<br />

marry two, three or four women, on <strong>the</strong><br />

condition that he deals justly with <strong>the</strong>m<br />

Right, today we will be considering <strong>the</strong><br />

following in sha Allah –<br />

• Our fears about <strong>the</strong> practice <strong>of</strong><br />

polygyny<br />

• The need to talk about <strong>the</strong>se fears<br />

• Who do we to talk to?<br />

You will agree with me that when it<br />

comes to polygyny majority <strong>of</strong> our fears<br />

are things out <strong>of</strong> our direct control.<br />

Dear sisters, polygyny is naturally<br />

challenging for us women. It is somewhat<br />

inherently difficult <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>re seem to be a<br />

natural reluctance to embrace this<br />

concept. So, do not feel guilty for <strong>the</strong><br />

emotional struggles you may be battling.<br />

I must be quick to add, that <strong>the</strong>se<br />

emotional struggles are not peculiar to<br />

first wives. The second, third <strong>and</strong> fourth<br />

wives also have <strong>the</strong>ir fears <strong>and</strong> emotional<br />

struggles - concern about fitting into an<br />

existing structure, possibility <strong>of</strong> adopting<br />

<strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> a step-mum from <strong>the</strong> onset,<br />

being tagged home-wreckers or golddiggers<br />

amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs. Subhanallah!<br />

Like <strong>the</strong>se emotional struggles aren't<br />

enough - Ya Allah!!! Why can't people<br />

always act right?<br />

It is inevitable that you’ll encounter<br />

untoward behavior from your husb<strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>and</strong>/or co-wife/wives.<br />

You know what though - it helps to<br />

remember that you aren’t perfect ei<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Remember that whatever you might feel<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 10


about <strong>the</strong>m, someone else might feel <strong>the</strong><br />

same about you. We’re all human, after<br />

all. We all have our shortcomings.<br />

Most importantly, " person, anges.”<br />

Yet, it will be detrimental to dismiss our<br />

fears <strong>and</strong> emotions. Therefore, <strong>the</strong> most<br />

prudent option is to face our fears <strong>and</strong><br />

develop strategies to manage our<br />

emotions.<br />

• ” My husb<strong>and</strong> is not financially<br />

buoyant yet, he can’t possibly be<br />

thinking <strong>of</strong> polygyny”<br />

• ” Now, that Allah has blessed us<br />

with rizq, after many years <strong>of</strong><br />

hustle, this man now consider<br />

himself qualified for polygyny”<br />

• I am younger <strong>and</strong> prettier; our<br />

husb<strong>and</strong> loves me more than her<br />

RANDOM THOUGHTS - WHO CAN<br />

RELATE?<br />

• “Well, my husb<strong>and</strong> is not <strong>the</strong><br />

polygamous type”<br />

• “Glad I am No.2, doubt he will ever<br />

take on more wives”<br />

• ” Men! why exactly do <strong>the</strong>y have<br />

need to be with more than one<br />

woman?”<br />

• ” We’ve only been married few<br />

years, he can’t possibly be thinking<br />

<strong>of</strong> taking ano<strong>the</strong>r wife so soon”<br />

• ” We’ve been toge<strong>the</strong>r so long, he<br />

will hardly ever consider ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

marriage”<br />

Anyone here telling <strong>the</strong>mselves any <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>se? I urge you to say this prayer: "Oh<br />

Allah, grant me <strong>the</strong> serenity to accept <strong>the</strong><br />

things I cannot change, <strong>the</strong> courage to<br />

change <strong>the</strong> things I can; <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> wisdom<br />

to know <strong>the</strong> difference”.<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> us are familiar with this remark I<br />

underst<strong>and</strong> polygyny is permissible <strong>and</strong><br />

all, but it is how men go about it that I<br />

have problem with.<br />

So, how do one approach an event that<br />

will impact one’s life, yet its<br />

implementation is not 100% within one’s<br />

control?<br />

Permit me to borrow 2<br />

from <strong>the</strong> 7 habits<br />

discussed by Stephen Covey in his book titled:<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 11


The 7 Habits <strong>of</strong> Highly Effective People<br />

1. BE PROACTIVE: There are many areas <strong>of</strong><br />

concern in our lives <strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong>se areas <strong>of</strong><br />

concern, we may have direct control,<br />

indirect control or no control. Now, being<br />

proactive means assessing situations,<br />

developing a positive response towards<br />

it <strong>and</strong> finding solutions ra<strong>the</strong>r than wait<br />

in a reactive mode.<br />

With polygyny, I want to assume that<br />

women have some degree <strong>of</strong> indirect<br />

control. Hence, being proactive in this<br />

instance may include:<br />

• Equipping ourselves with knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />

Islam regarding our rights <strong>and</strong><br />

boundaries in polygyny. Knowledge is<br />

empowering for a Muslimah<br />

• Learn from o<strong>the</strong>r polygyny marriages<br />

both <strong>the</strong> healthy ones <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> not so<br />

healthy ones.<br />

• Speak to <strong>the</strong> right people about your<br />

fears <strong>and</strong> emotions eg. Able Coach Sis.<br />

Tawakalt Tahir.<br />

Truth is, every marriage has its<br />

peculiar dynamics, so; perhaps <strong>the</strong><br />

most important discussion is <strong>the</strong><br />

one we have with <strong>the</strong> man at <strong>the</strong><br />

centre <strong>of</strong> it all.<br />

• Engage your husb<strong>and</strong> in discussion<br />

around polygyny ra<strong>the</strong>r than secretly<br />

hoping he will not take more wives.<br />

Discussion with our husb<strong>and</strong>s are not<br />

one to be laced with threats or<br />

ludicrous dem<strong>and</strong>s. Ra<strong>the</strong>r, we should<br />

be able to communicate our fears <strong>and</strong><br />

expectations constructively. We<br />

(existing <strong>and</strong> incoming wives) must be<br />

able to clarify or communicate our<br />

needs / expectations with respect to<br />

<strong>the</strong> following areas:<br />

✓ FINANCE: Existing joint business?<br />

need to clarify blurred details or<br />

let <strong>the</strong> status quo remain. Will<br />

<strong>the</strong>re be need for chairman to<br />

double his hustle etc.<br />

✓ LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Same<br />

address but different apartment to<br />

co-wives; different address.<br />

✓ CHILDREN: Educate <strong>the</strong>m, when &<br />

how to tell <strong>the</strong>m, dump <strong>the</strong>m in it<br />

<strong>and</strong> see <strong>the</strong>ir wrath. They have<br />

emotions too.<br />

State your negotiables <strong>and</strong> nonnegotiables<br />

with respect to all<br />

<strong>the</strong>se <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r things that may<br />

be important to you.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 12


I am not suggesting we dominate<br />

our marriages with talks around<br />

polygyny ra<strong>the</strong>r I am saying that<br />

discussion around polygyny is<br />

worth having even in<br />

monogamous marriages because:<br />

• by communicating our fears, we<br />

unburden our heart.<br />

• by having <strong>the</strong>se discussions, we pave<br />

<strong>the</strong> path for informed decisions <strong>and</strong><br />

mutual agreements.<br />

• by laying our expectations bare, we<br />

may escape unpleasant surprises.<br />

• by getting involved <strong>and</strong> been proactive,<br />

we take charge <strong>of</strong> our emotions ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than have our emotions rule us.<br />

2. THINK WIN/WIN<br />

Win-win is a frame <strong>of</strong> mind that<br />

constantly seeks mutual benefit in all<br />

human interactions.<br />

It means agreeing on solutions that are<br />

mutually beneficial <strong>and</strong> satisfying. Whilst,<br />

been proactive may be a logical approach<br />

to polygyny, we must be reasonable<br />

enough to weigh <strong>the</strong> durability <strong>of</strong> our<br />

dem<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Whilst it is not particularly your<br />

responsibility to make dem<strong>and</strong>s on behalf<br />

<strong>of</strong> your co-wife. It is however insensitive<br />

for your dem<strong>and</strong>s to come with<br />

conditions that tramples upon <strong>the</strong> rights<br />

<strong>of</strong> your co-wife (wives) or even that <strong>of</strong><br />

your husb<strong>and</strong>.<br />

Be win/win compliant when you set your<br />

“terms <strong>and</strong> conditions” it reduce <strong>the</strong><br />

burden <strong>of</strong> fear. You aren't plotting against<br />

anyone, why stress?<br />

In summary<br />

Peculiarities / dynamics in our individual<br />

marriages will largely determine how we<br />

approach issues but whatever approach<br />

we choose, we must never close <strong>the</strong> line<br />

<strong>of</strong> communication in our marriages.<br />

Identify <strong>the</strong> things that could mess with<br />

your emotions in polygyny <strong>and</strong> work out<br />

strategies preferably with your husb<strong>and</strong><br />

on how to manage <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

E.g. Sharing same address with cowife/wives.<br />

As one <strong>of</strong> our sisters in <strong>the</strong> polygyny<br />

support group <strong>of</strong>ten say "Co-wives are<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 13


not aliens" – <strong>the</strong>y are someone’s<br />

daughter, sister, cousin <strong>and</strong> most<br />

importantly your sisters in faith; –be<br />

pleasant <strong>and</strong> fair in your dealings with<br />

<strong>the</strong>m.<br />

Your well-being <strong>and</strong> sanity are too<br />

precious to be traded for unhealthy rivalry<br />

with potential or existing co-wives.<br />

Never allow misconceptions about<br />

polygyny push you into abominable acts<br />

that could earn you <strong>the</strong> wrath <strong>of</strong> Allah. Be<br />

Jannah focused in your relationship. Love<br />

your husb<strong>and</strong> enough to not wish him<br />

failure in his o<strong>the</strong>r marriages.<br />

POLYGAMY: A REALITY CHECK FOR THE<br />

INCOMING WIFE BY SISTER QUDRAH BINT<br />

ZA'AFARAN ADELASE<br />

Indeed, all praises <strong>and</strong> adoration belong to<br />

Allah. Blessings <strong>and</strong> salutations upon <strong>the</strong><br />

most noble among mankind Muhammad ibn<br />

Abdullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasalaam), his<br />

households, his companions; may Allah grant<br />

<strong>the</strong>m all <strong>and</strong> grant us <strong>and</strong> all subsequent<br />

generations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ummah every forms <strong>of</strong><br />

goodness. Ameen<br />

Dearest Sisters in Islam, As-Salaam alaykum<br />

waRahmatullahi waBarakatuhu<br />

It is indeed a great honour to be a Muslim.<br />

May Allah keep us steadfast upon His Deen<br />

till <strong>the</strong> Day <strong>of</strong> Judgement. (Ameen)<br />

The topic today is Polygamy: A Reality Check<br />

for Incoming Wives How Do You Prepare <strong>the</strong><br />

Mindset for Polygamy?<br />

Preparation <strong>of</strong> mindset for Polygamy cut<br />

across gender <strong>and</strong> position. What do I mean<br />

by this?<br />

a. The Husb<strong>and</strong><br />

b. The Existing wife<br />

c. The Incoming wife<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 14


d. The Children<br />

e. The Relations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three above<br />

All <strong>the</strong> aforementioned are stakeholders <strong>and</strong><br />

must prepare <strong>the</strong>ir mind in a positive way for<br />

Polygamy to thrive<br />

How should a woman prepare for an<br />

unknown journey that is an Institution <strong>and</strong><br />

has a Constitution?<br />

How?<br />

• The Institution is Marriage University<br />

<strong>of</strong> Life technology The<br />

Minhaj/Constitution is <strong>the</strong> Qur'an<br />

• Duration is Life time except Allah<br />

decides o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />

• Prerequisites: Sanity, Islam, Physical<br />

maturity, Sexual appetite, Financial<br />

skills <strong>and</strong> capacity<br />

• Cut-Off Point: 50<br />

• Lecturers: But Who are your teachers?<br />

Who should be your teachers?<br />

Recall my Gr<strong>and</strong>-Aunt telling us during my<br />

first nikkah night "Baba Tailor (her pet name<br />

for me) be mindful <strong>of</strong> unpaid teachers with<br />

unsolicited advises"<br />

For every eligible Muslim, it is important to<br />

create time to ask yourself;<br />

• What do I want in a marriage?<br />

• What likely qualities do I desire in my<br />

would-be partner?<br />

• Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se qualities can I<br />

compromise on?<br />

• Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se qualities are NO bending<br />

areas for me?<br />

• As a single sister or a single again, sit<br />

yourself down before proposals start<br />

coming your way.<br />

• Write down 10things/qualities that you<br />

would like in your would-be partner<br />

• Rearrange it from most important to<br />

least important<br />

• Let <strong>the</strong> Qur'an <strong>and</strong> Sunnah be your guide<br />

in <strong>the</strong> qualities <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> rearrangement<br />

• Start praying for Allah's assistance <strong>and</strong> a<br />

mind to accept <strong>and</strong> be contented with<br />

Allah's choice.<br />

• If a suitor has 7 or 8 <strong>of</strong> your listed items<br />

<strong>and</strong> your heart is at ease after istikharah<br />

<strong>and</strong> due diligence, <strong>the</strong>n baibe, go for it<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 15


Again, to our question: How do you prepare?<br />

1. It is Allah's injunction. If it is harmful,<br />

Allah will not put it forward for humanity.<br />

Let your mind be clear about this<br />

2. Educate yourself in a positive way, aiming<br />

solely to move closer to Allah <strong>and</strong> better<br />

underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen<br />

3. Let everyone <strong>of</strong> us put ourselves in <strong>the</strong><br />

shoe <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aged single, divorcee <strong>and</strong><br />

widows<br />

9. Let everyone <strong>of</strong> us put ourselves in <strong>the</strong><br />

shoe <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aged single, divorcee <strong>and</strong><br />

widows<br />

10. Have it at <strong>the</strong> front <strong>of</strong> your mind that<br />

Nothing is yours <strong>and</strong> nothing will ever be.<br />

11. Every single thing is a trust, a privilege <strong>and</strong><br />

will be accounted for - status, spouse,<br />

children etc<br />

4. Have it at <strong>the</strong> front <strong>of</strong> your mind that<br />

Nothing is yours <strong>and</strong> nothing will ever be.<br />

5. Every single thing is a trust, a privilege <strong>and</strong><br />

will be accounted for - status, spouse,<br />

children etc<br />

6. Life is a stage, life is short, status changes<br />

12. Life is a stage, life is short, status changes<br />

13. Love your love, love liLlahi waRosul, love<br />

Jannah above Duniyah, love <strong>the</strong> Lord <strong>of</strong><br />

love Allah not <strong>the</strong> objects that He gift you<br />

14. Accept <strong>and</strong> be contented with Allah that<br />

Allah may marry you on ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> His gift<br />

(a sister) or marry His gift (Sister) on you<br />

7. It is Allah's injunction. If it is harmful,<br />

Allah will not put it forward for humanity.<br />

Let your mind be clear about this<br />

8. Educate yourself in a positive way, aiming<br />

solely to move closer to Allah <strong>and</strong> better<br />

underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen<br />

15. Prayer <strong>and</strong> patience: Pray for guidance,<br />

patience <strong>and</strong> ease, pray for justice <strong>and</strong><br />

risq. Practice self restraint, give <strong>and</strong> take<br />

with siblings, husb<strong>and</strong>, children <strong>and</strong><br />

neighbours.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 16


Make self restraint your second nature<br />

16. Finally put your trust in Allah if it is meant<br />

for you, nobody can will it away from you<br />

<strong>and</strong> if it is not your call nobody can force<br />

it on you<br />

What to Include in your Baggage as a<br />

Muslimah?<br />

• Aqeedatus-Salim Sound faith in Allah<br />

• An insatiable love for knowledge,<br />

acquire as much as possible from<br />

au<strong>the</strong>ntic sources using Qur'an as <strong>the</strong><br />

baseline<br />

• Amala solihan consistent concealed<br />

<strong>and</strong> open good deeds<br />

• Contentment<br />

• Patience<br />

• Humility<br />

• Tolerance<br />

• Perseverance<br />

• Objectivity <strong>and</strong> open mindedness<br />

• Self respect<br />

• Protection <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs halal interest<br />

• Smile <strong>and</strong> Silence<br />

Not all Peaches <strong>and</strong> Creams, Not all Pains<br />

<strong>and</strong> Miseries<br />

We have seen our mo<strong>the</strong>rs who underst<strong>and</strong><br />

very little <strong>of</strong> Islam but who had successful<br />

polygamy<br />

And we have seen Muslimahs "epitome <strong>of</strong><br />

Islam so to speak" who made <strong>the</strong>ir families<br />

<strong>and</strong> people around <strong>the</strong>m abhor<br />

polygamy, what will your story be? What will<br />

history present about you when you are<br />

gone? Every institution has its fall outs.<br />

• First, we are sisters in humanity <strong>the</strong>n we<br />

are sisters in faith before we became cowives<br />

• Some husb<strong>and</strong>s are doing it wrongly,<br />

perching sisters against each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

• Some co-wives are getting it wrong<br />

manipulating <strong>the</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> to injustice <strong>and</strong><br />

unfairness<br />

• Some sisters will ra<strong>the</strong>r be enemies <strong>and</strong><br />

will advocate <strong>the</strong> same for anyone that<br />

care to listen<br />

• Some are willing to be friends but are<br />

been rebuffed<br />

• Some polygamy has been pains all<br />

through<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 17


• Some polygamy has been gains with<br />

normal human factors<br />

• Some are nei<strong>the</strong>r here nor <strong>the</strong>re<br />

• Can <strong>the</strong>se be better??<br />

• Who should take <strong>the</strong> lead??<br />

• Take a step back<br />

• Ask yourself why are we inflicting so much<br />

pain on each o<strong>the</strong>r?<br />

• Is it because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dirham or <strong>the</strong> Dick or<br />

<strong>the</strong> Dickson???<br />

• Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se three were you born<br />

with??<br />

• Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se three will follow you to<br />

<strong>the</strong> grave??<br />

• Be <strong>the</strong> first to extend <strong>the</strong> h<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

fellowship<br />

• Protect <strong>the</strong> knot <strong>of</strong> kinship from your end<br />

• Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se three will assist you with<br />

your accountability???<br />

Step back<br />

Breath,<br />

Exhale <strong>the</strong> pain<br />

Embrace <strong>the</strong> gain<br />

• Protect your Jannah account<br />

• Patience is never ever too much<br />

• Love moderately <strong>and</strong> avoid clinging<br />

desperately, only Allah is worth clinging<br />

to.<br />

• Don't make your sister cry out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

emotional, physical or psychological<br />

abuse that you are meting out to her. Be<br />

<strong>the</strong> cause <strong>of</strong> her smile.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 18


• Wives gang up against husb<strong>and</strong>, wife<br />

gang up with children to disrespect<br />

husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> co-wife. Even husb<strong>and</strong><br />

gang up with a wife against ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

wife. Don't be a party to negative<br />

caucuses in your marital homes.<br />

• Keep children away from your<br />

wrangling. The misdeed you taught<br />

<strong>the</strong>m will haunt you in later years.<br />

• Don't ruin <strong>the</strong>ir kinship before it even<br />

commences.<br />

• Let your conscience be clear that you<br />

have tried<br />

• You have <strong>the</strong> privilege to choose who<br />

your kith (friends) are, however Allah<br />

chose your Kin for you. Your co-wife is<br />

your Kin by virtue <strong>of</strong> marriage but may<br />

not necessarily be your kith. Let not<br />

<strong>the</strong> knot <strong>of</strong> kinship loose from your<br />

own end.<br />

• When dispute ensue <strong>and</strong> it definitely<br />

will,<br />

• Walk WIN - WIN<br />

• Talk <strong>and</strong> walk empathy not only for<br />

yourself but for your co-wife <strong>and</strong><br />

hubby<br />

What Polygamy is not?<br />

• It is not a replacement <strong>the</strong>ory in<br />

practice<br />

• It is not rivalry<br />

• It is not a competition<br />

• It is not <strong>the</strong> breaking <strong>of</strong> existing<br />

marriage or family ties<br />

• It is not a call for war<br />

• It is not slavery<br />

• It is not status symbol<br />

• It is not a love triangle<br />

• It is not <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> love, trust or space<br />

in his heart<br />

• It is not coercion (o le si le, Iyawo sara -<br />

"because nobody wants to marry her",<br />

" she is a gift")<br />

• It is not a favour because marriage for<br />

every marriageable sister is a right<br />

• It is not a signal <strong>of</strong><br />

defectiveness/deficiency<br />

• Don't be insecure<br />

• Don't be intimidated or intimidating<br />

• Don't be arrogant<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 19


• Chose Sanity<br />

• Be yourself, don't be uptight<br />

• Remember some chose polygamy<br />

• Polygamy has chosen some<br />

• Some were "forced" into polygamy<br />

The moment you are in it, relate with<br />

compassion "Ma la yarham la yurham -<br />

whoever does not show mercy, will not be<br />

shown mercy<br />

Reality <strong>of</strong> our time is that some <strong>of</strong> us will<br />

live <strong>the</strong> Polygamy life. For <strong>the</strong> single again<br />

sisters, reality <strong>and</strong> researches has shown<br />

that most single male including single<br />

again male are disinclined <strong>and</strong> discouraged<br />

to marry <strong>the</strong> single again sisters (widows<br />

<strong>and</strong> divorced sisters)<br />

Having said this much, I now come back to<br />

our definition <strong>of</strong> Polygamy albeit <strong>Polygyny</strong><br />

Polygamy is a humble call by Allah to obey<br />

His injunction <strong>of</strong> sharing <strong>the</strong> time, love <strong>and</strong><br />

o<strong>the</strong>r resources <strong>of</strong> a male slave <strong>of</strong> Allah by<br />

His female servants in order to sanitise <strong>the</strong><br />

society <strong>of</strong> self-inflicted social ills. I st<strong>and</strong> to<br />

be contested <strong>and</strong> corrected<br />

How to Change <strong>the</strong> Narrative <strong>of</strong> Polygamy<br />

as an Incoming Wife<br />

• Make sure you are introduced prior to<br />

nikkah day. Calm your fear, she won't<br />

eat you up; request that it should be<br />

h<strong>and</strong>led by mature minded conscious<br />

Muslims that way possibility <strong>of</strong> fracas is<br />

minimised<br />

What <strong>the</strong>n do we as a society prefer?<br />

• Prostitution<br />

• Artificial Celibacy<br />

• Sodomy<br />

• (Allah's wise option) Polygamy??<br />

• for our single again sisters, what do we<br />

want??<br />

• Since you have little choice <strong>of</strong> who your<br />

Kin is <strong>and</strong> you do not want to cut <strong>the</strong><br />

knot/tie <strong>of</strong> kinship, if you aim at<br />

friendship <strong>and</strong> it is not working out <strong>the</strong>n<br />

aim at neighbourliness if that too does<br />

not work out <strong>the</strong>n<br />

• Choose your battlefield - Jannah<br />

(Paradise) or Jahanam (Hellfire). This<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 20


will give you clear vision <strong>of</strong> what your<br />

battles should be.<br />

• Battles that will lead to hell fire, you<br />

down tool <strong>and</strong> turn back but battle that<br />

will lead to Paradise, you kit up <strong>and</strong><br />

participate<br />

Battles that leads to sanity <strong>and</strong> serenity in<br />

<strong>the</strong> marriage, you join arms while battle<br />

that leads to insanity, senility you<br />

• ran away from. As <strong>of</strong>ten as possible<br />

sheath your sword <strong>and</strong> dialogue<br />

• Minimise <strong>the</strong> incidence <strong>of</strong> Ego trip:<br />

i. Age<br />

ii. Beauty<br />

iii. Job status<br />

iv. Family status<br />

v. Social status<br />

vi. Articulation<br />

vii. Wealth<br />

viii. Fertility etc<br />

None <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> above are by your cheer<br />

hardwork.<br />

They are privileges <strong>and</strong> trust <strong>and</strong> should<br />

not be flaunted!!<br />

• Be patience.<br />

• Talk well <strong>of</strong> you co-wife even if she is<br />

nasty. Protect her image <strong>and</strong> her<br />

marriage from your own end<br />

• Seek clarification don't make<br />

assumptions<br />

• Don't raise your expectations.<br />

• Don't use experience <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs to build<br />

your home<br />

• Be accommodating but don't encourage<br />

abuse<br />

• Avoid negative teachers, naysayers,<br />

disgruntled mentors.<br />

• Peach your tent with Allah, His Rosul,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Companions<br />

• Make sure your end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> marriage is<br />

solid but, in <strong>the</strong> process, do not<br />

undermine <strong>the</strong> marriage <strong>of</strong> your co-wife<br />

• In protecting your right, do not usurp<br />

her right.<br />

• Be at peace with <strong>and</strong> protect <strong>the</strong><br />

interest <strong>of</strong><br />

- Yourself<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 21


- Husb<strong>and</strong><br />

- Co-wife<br />

- Children<br />

- Relations<br />

From my end, polygamy will work in-sha-<br />

Allah<br />

What about you?<br />

Inna adhi tadhkirah faman shaa a tahadha<br />

ila Robbihi sebila<br />

May Allah forgive you <strong>and</strong> I for wrong<br />

presentation <strong>and</strong> interpretation ameen<br />

Subhanna Robbika Robbil izati amma<br />

yasifun wasalamun alal-mursalim<br />

walhamdulillahi Rabbil Al-Ameen<br />

To all single by nature (widows <strong>and</strong><br />

divorcees) on board, I say hold on tightly<br />

to Allah, you will smile again soon <strong>and</strong> it<br />

will be from your heart in-sha-Allah<br />

https://movingon.com.ng<br />

www.facebook.com/MyWLife<br />

https://t.me/movingon<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 22


َ<br />

ُ<br />

ّ<br />

ِ<br />

THE TRUTH ABOUT CONSCIOUS INCOMING<br />

WIVES BY SISTER QUDRAH BINT ZA'AFARAN<br />

ADELASE<br />

A talk delivered on <strong>Dispelling</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Fear</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>Myth</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>Polygyny</strong>......... And Realities<br />

Telegram platform on 12th July, 2018<br />

ال مْ‏ دَ‏ ‏ْحَ‏<br />

نَح ْ م َ د ُ هُ‏<br />

و َ نَسْ‏ تَعِ‏ ينُهُ‏<br />

ونستغفره ونعوذ باهلل من<br />

إِن لِلِ‏<br />

ر شور أنفسنا ومن سيئات أعمالنا م ْ يَه دِ‏ ‏ِه الِل فَ‏ ل مُ‏ ضِ‏ ل<br />

َ ‏َهُ‏ ‏َنْ‏ ‏َهَ‏<br />

‏َهُ‏<br />

‏َش أ إِل إِل الِل و<br />

ل و<br />

ي ‏ُضْ‏ لِ‏ لْ‏ فَ‏ ل َ ه ادِ‏ يَ‏<br />

ل َ و مَ‏ نْ‏<br />

‏َهُ‏<br />

‏َن مُ‏ ح عَ‏ ب ُ ‏ْد هُ‏ َ و َ ر سُ‏ ولُهُ‏<br />

ل َ وأ<br />

شرَ‏<br />

َ ْ ح َ د هُ‏<br />

ُ ّ<br />

ُ ّ<br />

َ ً مدا<br />

َ<br />

ل<br />

َ نْ‏<br />

َ أ ْ َ هد<br />

َ<br />

‏ِيك<br />

As-Salaam alaykum waRahmatullahi<br />

waBarakatuhu<br />

We seek Allah's guidance in all our<br />

endeavors<br />

َ<br />

ل<br />

Pls mark <strong>the</strong> word Willingly<br />

And mark <strong>the</strong> word Married<br />

And mark <strong>the</strong> word Due diligence<br />

Willingly implies that she knows to some<br />

minimal extent what she is getting into<br />

Married implies she knows he is a package<br />

with a baggage. She is willing to live with<br />

that baggage to <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> her human<br />

capacity Allah being on her side<br />

Due Diligence implies you have made<br />

findings at least a little bit about <strong>the</strong> private<br />

him not <strong>the</strong> minbar or public figure him.<br />

Our topic this today<br />

The Truth about Conscious Incoming Wives<br />

Who is <strong>the</strong> Incoming Wife?<br />

Of course, this should be after a proper<br />

istikharah<br />

The lady who has willingly accepted <strong>the</strong><br />

proposal <strong>of</strong> a married gentleman with <strong>the</strong><br />

consent <strong>of</strong> her wali.<br />

Hopefully herself <strong>and</strong> her Wali or anyone<br />

she so appointed (deem fit) would have<br />

done due diligence on characters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

gentleman<br />

Istikharah <strong>and</strong> prayer should be a part <strong>of</strong> her<br />

life <strong>the</strong> moment she feels she is ready for<br />

marriage life, well ahead <strong>of</strong> any proposal.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 23


Then when proposal comes she repeats her<br />

istikharah with ikhlas<br />

It will be nice <strong>and</strong> setting <strong>the</strong> ground for<br />

positive relationship if she is introduced<br />

formerly to <strong>the</strong> Existing wife(s) <strong>and</strong> children<br />

prior to nikkah<br />

Sometimes, out <strong>of</strong> fear <strong>of</strong> unknown<br />

What will her (existing wife or children)<br />

reaction be?<br />

• Or pretext that she is my good friend<br />

• We tend to run from <strong>the</strong> Introduction.<br />

• Pls be introduced<br />

• She won't eat you up<br />

• Let it be h<strong>and</strong>led by matured islamically<br />

conscious <strong>and</strong> experienced adults<br />

It will take <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong> Allah <strong>and</strong> maturity on<br />

<strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> man or both <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m not to<br />

compare her with <strong>the</strong> existing wife.<br />

Special Appeal<br />

For Single Again Sisters<br />

There is no basis for comparing your ex/late<br />

with your new husb<strong>and</strong><br />

• Why?<br />

• You married your ex as a young adult<br />

• Full <strong>of</strong> energy,<br />

• Both <strong>of</strong> you were naive/inexperience<br />

• Lots <strong>of</strong> expectations<br />

• You had ample opportunity to<br />

experiment<br />

Her Realities<br />

1. The existing wife(s) <strong>and</strong>/or children may<br />

not accept her<br />

2. She needs to build her marriage with x-<br />

factors<br />

Now you are experienced, your exuberance<br />

has mellowed <strong>and</strong> your age or health may<br />

not be as before. Same goes for your new<br />

husb<strong>and</strong>. Aside all <strong>the</strong>se, <strong>the</strong> two men are<br />

different - upbringing, maturity, exposure,<br />

source <strong>of</strong> livelihood, sense <strong>of</strong> responsibilities<br />

etc.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 24


There is also no reason for him to compare<br />

you with <strong>the</strong> wife at home. You are two<br />

separate individuals<br />

with different skill sets, aspirations etc<br />

Hence be nice to yourself<br />

Her Realities<br />

3. No period <strong>of</strong> exclusivity<br />

4. She will have to build trust with her<br />

husb<strong>and</strong>, co-wife <strong>and</strong> relations on 3sides<br />

5. Anxiety might set in if living in different<br />

States or countries. <strong>Fear</strong> <strong>of</strong> safe trip, time<br />

allocation etc<br />

6. May have to live in <strong>the</strong> shadow <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cowife,<br />

if husb<strong>and</strong> does not do it right<br />

7. May foot her own bill if she allows herself<br />

to be a victim <strong>of</strong> innocence/"pentagon"<br />

8. She may have to redefine friendship <strong>and</strong><br />

affiliates yet family may choose to st<strong>and</strong><br />

as foes<br />

9. Some are victimize/maltreated by existing<br />

wife<br />

Her Struggles <strong>and</strong> Pains<br />

• Building a viable marital relationship with<br />

her husb<strong>and</strong><br />

• A desire for a cordial relationship with<br />

co-wife <strong>and</strong> children.<br />

• She yearns for acceptance from co-wife,<br />

children, relations even friends<br />

• It tears at her heart if rebuffed by<br />

existing wife or disrespected by<br />

children or any o<strong>the</strong>r family member<br />

It tears her heart if her children lead<br />

to her being viewed as an<br />

incompetent mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />

• It tears her heart if she is expected to be<br />

<strong>the</strong> one to mellow even in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong><br />

oppression all in <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> "respect<br />

your senior", as a result sane incoming<br />

wife add truckloads <strong>of</strong> patience to her<br />

luggage<br />

• She is afraid that any negative reaction<br />

might undermine <strong>the</strong> marriage <strong>of</strong> her cowife<br />

or hers hence patience is her<br />

second name<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 25


• But <strong>the</strong>n patience has its reward<br />

Is it this?<br />

A typical pain for a Single Again<br />

Is it that??<br />

Is withdrawal <strong>of</strong> proposal even before she<br />

respond Yes or No<br />

My sister, be kind to yourself. He was not<br />

destined to marry you<br />

• OMG!!! Does that hurt!???<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r pain<br />

• It hurts like ...........<br />

• It is interpreted as Rejection<br />

You call a single sister (because she looks like<br />

a prospect) <strong>and</strong> ask her to stay clear <strong>of</strong> your<br />

husb<strong>and</strong> or start forming attitude because<br />

she is a friend <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family or Mr. Chairman.<br />

She questioned herself, will I be rude to a<br />

Of course, scholars opined that she should<br />

not expect any explanation for <strong>the</strong><br />

withdrawal. But human mind<br />

man that has not trespass any limit??<br />

My sister, chill!!<br />

will play a thous<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> one tricks on her<br />

Is it her?<br />

Is it <strong>the</strong> wife at home<br />

If you chase <strong>the</strong>m apart for a thous<strong>and</strong> years<br />

if <strong>the</strong>y are meant to marry each o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y<br />

will meet at <strong>the</strong> right junction <strong>and</strong> marry.<br />

Sisi, be calm. She is just been human <strong>and</strong><br />

"protecting" her territory that should not<br />

cause enmity or fracas. If he is your<br />

destination, you will get <strong>the</strong>re<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 26


The Need for <strong>the</strong> Existing Wife <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Society to Underst<strong>and</strong> Her<br />

Can first wife really underst<strong>and</strong>??<br />

Is <strong>the</strong> society not confused??<br />

You complain that sex is painful <strong>and</strong> try to<br />

avoid it as much as is possible, what are<br />

your alternatives??<br />

What are his alternatives??<br />

• Incoming Wife seeks<br />

• Legitimacy,<br />

Again I ask<br />

✓ Can first wife really underst<strong>and</strong>??<br />

✓ Is <strong>the</strong> society not confused??<br />

✓ Talking from <strong>the</strong> st<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

Widow/Divorced<br />

✓ You hug her <strong>and</strong> advise her to<br />

remarry but everyone's husb<strong>and</strong> is<br />

"busy", can she marry herself??<br />

From <strong>the</strong> point <strong>of</strong> a working woman,<br />

We want <strong>the</strong> men to stay away from<br />

promiscuity but it is <strong>of</strong>fer to him free <strong>of</strong><br />

charge (FOC), provocative dresses, You <strong>and</strong> I<br />

know that "lower your gaze" can be........<br />

What should he do??<br />

• Listening ears,<br />

• Leaning shoulder,<br />

• Companionship,<br />

• A crown for her head <strong>and</strong><br />

• Respect from men <strong>and</strong> mankind in<br />

general etc. Note men don't respect<br />

marriageable ladies who are single;<br />

this include our so call bro<strong>the</strong>rs too!!<br />

• Importantly, she wants obedience to<br />

Allah.<br />

• Some foot <strong>the</strong>ir own bills<br />

• Some pull <strong>the</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> out <strong>of</strong> murky<br />

waters<br />

• Some help him to be more patient <strong>and</strong><br />

accommodating<br />

• Some encourage him to mend his ways<br />

From a woman to a woman,<br />

<strong>and</strong> be closer to his Lord<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 27


Home Breakers!!!, NO<br />

The question is "was your marriage solid<br />

before her arrival onto <strong>the</strong> picture?"<br />

If Yes. I confidently put it to you that she<br />

cannot rival what you have achieve ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />

negative or positive.<br />

• You introduced him to marriage<br />

• You introduced him to his first legal<br />

intimacy<br />

• You introduced him to responsibility<br />

• You introduced him to fa<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />

(optional).<br />

enough <strong>of</strong> tears that just won't stop, enough <strong>of</strong><br />

thinking alone, talking to herself), give her<br />

children <strong>the</strong> opportunity to a male voice <strong>and</strong>/or<br />

a fa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

Don't be scared <strong>of</strong> her, she is just a woman like<br />

you seeking a safe legitimate h<strong>and</strong> to hold<br />

And if she proves to be troublesome<br />

1. Find out what are <strong>the</strong> issues. She may have<br />

been battered <strong>and</strong> don't know how to be better<br />

2. If <strong>the</strong> ground is smooth <strong>and</strong> you are not her<br />

grouse, help her out or look for someone to<br />

3. Give her time to adjust to her new life<br />

This is not a competition. She is just starting out<br />

with him, she will have to carve her niche. Don't<br />

feel insecure <strong>and</strong> don't make her task difficult<br />

4. If all positive efforts fail, Let us all join h<strong>and</strong> to<br />

put her on track with love.<br />

We are sisters, we are always at <strong>the</strong> receiving<br />

If No, Please work on your marriage<br />

end, we can't afford to wunjure each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Gold Diggers, ArRazaq will enrich man at His own<br />

time. Anything acquire falsely won't last.<br />

The Lord <strong>of</strong> recompense will reward her if her<br />

intent are all negative, just h<strong>and</strong> her over to Him<br />

Let's hold h<strong>and</strong>s, bear <strong>the</strong> scratching <strong>and</strong> propel<br />

each o<strong>the</strong>r to build a peaceful home here on<br />

earth <strong>and</strong> hopefully in Jannah<br />

Give her a chance to live a sane lively life<br />

Adapted<br />

(enough <strong>of</strong> cuddling pillows on cold nights,<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 28


َّ<br />

ن ن َ<br />

َ<br />

Your resolution must not falter, No argument<br />

must lead you astray...........<strong>the</strong> prosperity <strong>of</strong><br />

one is <strong>the</strong> prosperity <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r"<br />

George Orwell (Animal Farm)<br />

bro<strong>the</strong>r? But you abhor it; <strong>and</strong> be careful <strong>of</strong><br />

(your duty to) Allah, surely Allah is Oft-returning<br />

(to mercy), Merciful.<br />

(English – Shakir) via iQuran<br />

Surah Al-Hujraat, Verse 9:<br />

‏ْن ُ ‏َه مَ‏ ا إِ‏ فَ‏ ن بَغَ‏ تْ‏<br />

‏َي<br />

‏ُوا ف ْ ‏َص لِ‏ ُ حوا ب<br />

‏َل<br />

‏َت<br />

ْ نَ‏ نِي اق<br />

‏َانِ‏ مِ‏ ن ‏ْمُ‏ ؤ مِ‏<br />

َ وإِن ط<br />

‏َف ءَ‏ إِ‏ ‏َل ْ رِ‏ ِ اَّلل إِ‏ فَ‏ ن<br />

ي ِ ي تَبْغ حَ‏ تَى ٰ ت ِ ي<br />

إِ‏ حْ‏ د ُ مَ‏ ا ع اْل رَ‏ ْ ‏ُخْ‏ ٰ ى فَ‏ قَ‏ اتِلُوا ِ الَّتَ‏<br />

‏ُحِ‏ بُّ‏<br />

ي<br />

‏ْن ُ ‏َه مَ‏ ا بِال َ ‏ْع ْ د لِ‏ و ْ ‏َق سِ‏ ُ طوا إِ‏ نى<br />

‏َي<br />

‏َص ُ وا ب<br />

َ ف اءَ‏ تْ‏ فَ‏ أ<br />

ي<br />

نَ‏<br />

‏ْمُ‏ قْ‏ سِ‏ طِ‏<br />

ال<br />

ٰ أَم<br />

َ َّ<br />

اَّلل<br />

َ أ<br />

َ أ<br />

َ ال ْ ت<br />

َ ‏َل<br />

ْ لِح<br />

َ َ ائِفت<br />

َ اه<br />

Mr. Chairman, <strong>the</strong> Mutual friend wants peace<br />

even <strong>the</strong> most stubborn <strong>and</strong> egocentric among<br />

<strong>the</strong>m want peace<br />

Our children need smiling parents, serene home,<br />

it is doable, let's give <strong>the</strong>m one<br />

And if two parties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> believers quarrel, make<br />

peace between <strong>the</strong>m; but if one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m acts<br />

wrongfully towards <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, fight that which<br />

acts wrongfully until it returns to Allah's<br />

comm<strong>and</strong>; <strong>the</strong>n if it returns, make peace<br />

between <strong>the</strong>m with justice <strong>and</strong> act equitably;<br />

surely Allah loves those who act equitably.<br />

(English - Shakir) via iQuran<br />

Incoming wife want peace <strong>of</strong> mind, she does not<br />

want to keep walking on eggshell. If you can't be<br />

great friends, please be a tolerant neighbor or<br />

coworker<br />

#AccountabilityIsReal<br />

#CowifeAreKin<br />

Surah Al-Hujraat, Verse 12:<br />

َ<br />

ِّ إِ‏ ى ن ب ْ ‏َع ضَ‏ َّ الظ ِّ ن إِ‏ ث ٌ ‏ْم َ وَل<br />

‏ُلَ‏ لَحْ‏ مَ‏<br />

‏ْك<br />

‏َأ<br />

‏َن ي<br />

َ ُ د ُ ك ْ م أ أَح<br />

يَا أ َ َ آمن ْ ت ِّ َ ن َّ الظن<br />

ت ‏َجَ‏ سى<br />

‏َّذِ‏ ين<br />

‏َي َ ‏ُّها ال<br />

َ<br />

سُ‏ وا َ وَل<br />

‏ًا ف<br />

‏َنِبُوا َ ك ثِيً‏ ا م<br />

‏ُوا اج<br />

ي ‏َغْ‏ تَب ى ب عْ‏ ضُ‏ كُ‏ م بَعْ‏ ضً‏ ا أَيُحِ‏ بُّ‏<br />

َّ َ ى ن َّ َ اَّلل ت ى ‏َو ٌ اب ى ر حِ‏ يمٌ‏<br />

أَخِ‏ يهِ‏ م َ يْت َ َ ك ْ رِهت ‏ُمُ‏ ُ وه َ و ى ات ُ قوا اَّلل إِ‏<br />

O you who believe! avoid most <strong>of</strong> suspicion, for<br />

surely suspicion in some cases is a sin, <strong>and</strong> do<br />

not spy nor let some <strong>of</strong> you backbite o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Does one <strong>of</strong> you like to eat <strong>the</strong> flesh <strong>of</strong> his dead<br />

Wa qulli qolla adha astagfrillahi walakum<br />

All error <strong>the</strong>rein are mine. May Allah perfect our<br />

underst<strong>and</strong>ing ameen<br />

We welcome contributions <strong>and</strong> clarifications<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 29


A typical pain for a Single Again<br />

Is withdrawal <strong>of</strong> proposal even before she<br />

respond Yes or No<br />

OMG!!! Does that hurt!???<br />

It hurts like ...........<br />

It is interpreted as Rejection<br />

She questioned herself, will I be rude to a man<br />

that has not trespass any limit??<br />

My sister, chill!!<br />

If you chase <strong>the</strong>m apart for a thous<strong>and</strong> years if<br />

<strong>the</strong>y are meant to marry each o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y will<br />

meet at <strong>the</strong> right junction <strong>and</strong> marry<br />

Ofcourse scholars opined that she should not<br />

expect any explanation for <strong>the</strong> withdrawal. But<br />

human mind will play a thous<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> one tricks<br />

on her<br />

Is it her?<br />

Is it <strong>the</strong> wife at home<br />

Is it this?<br />

Is it that??<br />

Sisi, be calm. She is just been human <strong>and</strong><br />

"protecting" her territory that should not cause<br />

enmity or fracas. If he is your destination, you<br />

will get <strong>the</strong>re<br />

The first wife need to build her self esteem<br />

Generally, we all need to be humble. As I said on<br />

Monday, every status in life is a privilege<br />

My sister, be kind to yourself. He was not<br />

destined to marry you<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r pain<br />

You call a single sister (because she looks like a<br />

prospect) <strong>and</strong> ask her to stay clear <strong>of</strong> your<br />

husb<strong>and</strong> or start forming attitude because she is<br />

a friend <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family or Mr. Chairman<br />

As for <strong>the</strong> incoming wife, she should be calm <strong>and</strong><br />

humble.<br />

If she is vocal, she will have to tame herself so<br />

that if <strong>the</strong>y live toge<strong>the</strong>r or pass some time<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r she will have deaf ears to what is not<br />

her business or has not been invited to mediate<br />

in<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 30


If she is working <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r is mompreneur or<br />

full housewife, don't flaunt <strong>the</strong> fact that you can<br />

afford what you need <strong>and</strong> be doing "giragira"<br />

If she has better underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen she<br />

should be humble<br />

Totally = Humility<br />

You know` <strong>the</strong> funny thing; I dey do like person<br />

wey no dey talk ni. Na only me <strong>and</strong> my<br />

husb<strong>and</strong>/my personal person be gisting paddy.<br />

So if you meet me for real, <strong>and</strong> I am all quite pls<br />

don't be surprised ooo<br />

May Allah help us to build a better ummah that<br />

we <strong>and</strong> even <strong>the</strong> companions would be proud <strong>of</strong>f<br />

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Al-Ameen<br />

It's a pleasure<br />

May Allah guide <strong>the</strong> ummah <strong>of</strong> Muhammad<br />

(SAW) to portray <strong>the</strong> beauty <strong>of</strong> Isalm via best<br />

practices ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>ories on <strong>the</strong> minbar ameen<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 31


SINGLE AGAIN, GOING INTO POLYGYNY<br />

BY BARR. ABIMBOLA ABDULRAHAMAN<br />

LEKKI<br />

Salam Alaykum Sisters,<br />

Alhamdulahi Robbil Alamin. I would like to<br />

thank coach for this opportunity <strong>and</strong> I look<br />

forward to sharing <strong>and</strong> learning from all.<br />

Our topic is <strong>the</strong> Single Again, going into<br />

polygyny, apologies to coach, I adapted <strong>the</strong><br />

topic <strong>and</strong> prepared for singles as I noticed<br />

quite a number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m joined <strong>the</strong> link.<br />

There are 2 choices an individual will make<br />

in life, whose consequences will<br />

reverberate forever; who you marry or<br />

what job you engage in? Some who ask<br />

why? I sure we all know one or two people<br />

whose marital choices continue to haunt<br />

<strong>the</strong>m, particularly in a society like ours,<br />

where staying married is seen like an<br />

achievement. As for <strong>the</strong> jobs you take, <strong>and</strong><br />

what you do with it <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> opportunities<br />

that come, is tied to your livelihood.<br />

Many women find <strong>the</strong>mselves single again<br />

due to death, divorce, incapacitation,<br />

neglect, refusal to act or ab<strong>and</strong>onment by<br />

a spouse. Due to <strong>the</strong> patrilineal nature <strong>of</strong><br />

our society, <strong>the</strong>se women face social<br />

stigma, lack <strong>of</strong> support, lack <strong>of</strong> resources,<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten raising children with less finance<br />

(some are wealthy)<br />

Because society disparages <strong>the</strong>m, blames<br />

<strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong> failure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir marriage <strong>and</strong><br />

are <strong>of</strong>ten referred to as second rate,<br />

second h<strong>and</strong>, over <strong>the</strong> hill, after four etc.<br />

Because <strong>of</strong> emotional or sexual pressure<br />

(Bodi no be wood) many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m will begin<br />

new relationships, in <strong>the</strong> hopes that it<br />

would lead to marriage over grateful <strong>and</strong><br />

disadvantaged<br />

Such relationship <strong>of</strong> undue influence<br />

where one party has an obvious advantage<br />

over <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r never bodes well thus our<br />

single <strong>and</strong> single again sisters, need to ask<br />

<strong>the</strong> pertinent question where do I st<strong>and</strong>?<br />

The most important attribute <strong>of</strong> a single/<br />

single again is self- love, self- worth.<br />

Thinking highly <strong>of</strong> yourself, even when<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs do not, or circumstances dictate<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rwise.<br />

<strong>Polygyny</strong> itself is a challenge, how do you<br />

navigate? Our st<strong>and</strong>ard remains<br />

Muhammad Rasullahi, in his words, action<br />

<strong>and</strong> Deen. He married both single <strong>and</strong><br />

single again <strong>and</strong> managed to give every<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 32


woman her due. Going into polygyny, trust<br />

in Allah’s decree; discuss everything,<br />

meeting existing wife/wives,<br />

accommodation, maintenance, medicals.<br />

Am going to digress? People ask? 'Am<br />

single again, surely I can marry a single<br />

man or widower? Why chose polygyny<br />

with its obvious baggage? If that's what<br />

you want, <strong>the</strong>n strive for it. The inherent<br />

challenges are his family won't want you,<br />

your children will have to adapt to his<br />

family dynamics, third party side talks his<br />

inexperience (single man) versus your<br />

experience (previously married) etc.<br />

But <strong>the</strong>n you need to trust in Allah <strong>and</strong><br />

listen to your intuition. That sixth sense<br />

that tells you when something is wrong<br />

<strong>and</strong> it turns out to be so.<br />

For majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> single again that would<br />

end up polygynous, you need a wali (not<br />

your parents) preferably a male with eyes<br />

everywhere, that can seek what you are<br />

not seeing <strong>and</strong> ask <strong>the</strong> hard hitting<br />

questions.<br />

Where your previous relationship ended<br />

badly, probably abusive <strong>and</strong> you ended up<br />

hurt, please use NLP tools <strong>and</strong> emotional<br />

intelligence to deal with this or speak to a<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional counselor, you need to rid<br />

yourself <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> negatives <strong>and</strong> allow <strong>the</strong><br />

positive s to take root. For our singles, we<br />

want a spouse with a long list <strong>of</strong> this <strong>and</strong><br />

that? How many <strong>of</strong> those things do we<br />

possess? Also, we need to be careful <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

perils <strong>of</strong> social media An intending spouse<br />

goes through your pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>and</strong> sees lewd<br />

pictures or bad language, might be a joke,<br />

but <strong>the</strong>y leave a lasting impression. I will<br />

stop here. I pray Allah forgives me <strong>of</strong> my<br />

shortcomings. I pray <strong>the</strong> talk has been<br />

beneficial.<br />

I recommend <strong>the</strong> following books 'why<br />

Muslim marriages fail? By Dr. Suzy Ismail, '<br />

Before you say I do? By T. D. Jakes <strong>and</strong> ' His<br />

needs <strong>and</strong> Her Needs' cannot recall <strong>the</strong><br />

author but all books are online. Thank you<br />

for listening. I will take questions if any<br />

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS<br />

1. Istikhara, ask around <strong>and</strong> let him know<br />

you are asking. Chances are if he is not<br />

serious, he won't want you to know his<br />

past. Married ones get a trusted male to<br />

do <strong>the</strong> digging.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 33


2. It can be very emotional when it feels<br />

like you are getting to know someone <strong>and</strong><br />

later discover that <strong>the</strong>y are not totally<br />

ready to go all <strong>the</strong> way? Yes, it can, but<br />

better to find out early than when you are<br />

in deep.<br />

3. My copies are hard copies. However,<br />

Google can help with bookshops that stock<br />

in Lagos <strong>and</strong> Abuja.<br />

4. In addition to those beautiful points by<br />

barrister..... Single Again sister should also<br />

read on blended family (having children<br />

from previous marriage.... How to blend<br />

with new family).... So as to familiarize<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves with challenges that<br />

accompany that too, you can Google...<br />

Blended family in Islam, you may find<br />

related articles. You can also read<br />

conventional articles on blended family but<br />

ensure you sieve out any concept that is<br />

not Islamic.<br />

you' you are mad'. You become enraged<br />

<strong>and</strong> truly become mad. Suppose you ask<br />

yourself quietly' am I mad? And you know<br />

you are not, count 1-5 <strong>and</strong> blow him a kiss<br />

or wave at him. Observe <strong>the</strong> look on his<br />

face, confusion <strong>and</strong> bewilderment. You<br />

kept your emotions in check <strong>and</strong> that's <strong>the</strong><br />

goal.<br />

6. On not being ready to start a new<br />

relationship. May Allah ease your fears.<br />

How wonderful to know that you know<br />

you are not ready yet. People<br />

automatically assume you are ready. Take<br />

all <strong>the</strong> time you need. Allah’s timing is<br />

perfect.<br />

5. On becoming emotionally intelligent.<br />

Paid class by coach Tahir coming up.in <strong>the</strong><br />

meantime, read up. It's managing to<br />

control your emotions, so <strong>the</strong>y do not<br />

control you. When driving in Lagos, <strong>the</strong><br />

driver next to you winds down <strong>and</strong> says to<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 34


USING OUR PAINS... TO WORSHIP<br />

ALLAH BY MRS ZULFAH ABOLANLE<br />

ABDURAHAMAN LEKKI<br />

I seek refuge with Allah, <strong>the</strong> All- Hearing,<br />

<strong>the</strong> All- knowing from Shaytan, <strong>the</strong><br />

accursed.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> Allah, Most Beneficent, <strong>the</strong><br />

Most Merciful.<br />

All praise is due to Allah <strong>the</strong> Lord <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

worlds.<br />

The successful eventuality will be for <strong>the</strong><br />

pious <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>re will not be hostility (on <strong>the</strong><br />

day <strong>of</strong> Judgement) except for <strong>the</strong><br />

wrongdoers.<br />

May His peace <strong>and</strong> blessings be upon <strong>the</strong><br />

noblest <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> messengers,<br />

Muhammad(saw), his household <strong>and</strong><br />

companions in totality.<br />

I've been honoured by my amiable coach<br />

to share with you all ...this topic...Using<br />

our Pains... To worship Allah.<br />

May Allah help us to underst<strong>and</strong>, meditate,<br />

internalize, reflect <strong>and</strong> most importantly<br />

live by it.<br />

I will say... this very topic summarises all<br />

<strong>the</strong> previous topics we have dealt with<br />

because whatever we would have heard,<br />

learnt <strong>and</strong> gained in this platform is for<br />

gaining Allah's pleasure, in <strong>the</strong> realm <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Qur'an <strong>and</strong> Sunnah.<br />

I want to ask us....<br />

Do we believe our home is not this<br />

ephemeral world?<br />

And that we are here to attain our real<br />

home.... Jannah? ....<br />

If it'so as we yearn for it,<br />

<strong>the</strong>n it worths all efforts to focus <strong>and</strong> work<br />

towards attaining it.<br />

I greet all my sisters with <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong><br />

greeting by saying ...<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 35


Assalaam alaikum warahmatullahi<br />

wabarakaatuhu.<br />

grief, distress, misery, hurt, unhappiness<br />

etc.<br />

Glory be to Allah(swt) who has, in infinite<br />

mercy, grace, blessings <strong>and</strong> kindness,<br />

guided us to <strong>the</strong> path <strong>of</strong> Al-Islam, without<br />

which we would not have known Him as<br />

our Lord, identify ourselves or even<br />

appreciate <strong>the</strong> very purpose <strong>of</strong> our<br />

existence. (Qur'an 51:56).,<br />

(Qur'an 51:57-58).<br />

Since our final abode is Jannah.. <strong>and</strong> in<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r to attain it ...Allah has tie down all<br />

our activities to our accountability on <strong>the</strong><br />

day <strong>of</strong> accountability.<br />

May we all be among <strong>the</strong> successful ones.<br />

Do we underst<strong>and</strong> that 'unfavourable<br />

trials' can lead one to pains? Therefore, if<br />

one experiences favourable trials ... <strong>the</strong>se<br />

can lead to <strong>the</strong> opposite.... right?<br />

What are pains:<br />

• Are unfavourable or unpleasant<br />

feelings or emotions<br />

• Are negative emotions/vibes<br />

• Are unsuitable feelings that one<br />

dislikes to experience.<br />

Our life purpose is to worship Allah <strong>and</strong><br />

this extends beyond observing salat, sawn,<br />

zakat, sadakah, which are direct<br />

relationship with our Creator<br />

What is <strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong> Pain?<br />

Dictionary meanings/ synonymous<br />

Pain is unpleasant sensation, sufferings,<br />

affliction, torture discomfort, sorrow,<br />

Our life purpose also extends to how we<br />

relate to o<strong>the</strong>r creatures... our dealings<br />

with our fellow human beings ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y<br />

are close to us like family, friends,<br />

neighbors, colleagues or <strong>the</strong>y are not.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 36


Even to how we deal with animals.<br />

And with <strong>the</strong> little knowledge I have about<br />

Islam.... No one has ever been guaranteed<br />

that one particular act <strong>of</strong> worship will gain<br />

him/her Al-Jannah.<br />

And in o<strong>the</strong>r to attain His Garden.... <strong>the</strong>n it<br />

comes with conditions <strong>of</strong> trials <strong>and</strong> price <strong>of</strong><br />

pains <strong>and</strong> sufferings.<br />

Conditions <strong>and</strong> situations that lead to<br />

pains.<br />

And that brings me to quote Allah's word...<br />

Which says...<br />

"Or do you think that you shall enter <strong>the</strong><br />

Garden without such (trials) as came to<br />

those who passed away before you?<br />

They encountered sufferings <strong>and</strong><br />

adversity, <strong>and</strong> were so shaken in spirit,<br />

that even <strong>the</strong> messenger <strong>and</strong> those <strong>of</strong><br />

faith who were with him cried. ' when will<br />

<strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> Allah come?<br />

❗️Allah's Decree: Allah says in Qur'an 85:16<br />

"I do whatever I like at any time".<br />

It has been in Allah's will <strong>and</strong> plan to put us<br />

in any situation ei<strong>the</strong>r such situation is<br />

favourable or unfavourable to us.<br />

❗️ Allah tests us with our health, wealth,<br />

spouse, children <strong>and</strong> any worldly<br />

possession.<br />

Ah! Verily, <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> Allah is (always)<br />

near".<br />

Qur'an 2:214.<br />

He tests our faith with those we place so<br />

much reverence, love, faith, value <strong>and</strong><br />

trust in.<br />

So, if our life purpose is to worship Allah...<br />

Then Allah has promised us His beautiful<br />

<strong>and</strong> blissful Garden (which our real home)<br />

We may have done this through <strong>the</strong><br />

following<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 37


⚡️Ill-faith <strong>of</strong> marriage foundation<br />

⚡️Total reliance on your husb<strong>and</strong> or<br />

anybody<br />

⚡️ Your personal sacrifice for <strong>the</strong><br />

maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> home ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />

emotionally, economically for <strong>the</strong> children<br />

<strong>and</strong> him.<br />

⚡️Too much attachment to your husb<strong>and</strong>,<br />

children <strong>and</strong> wealth.<br />

Allah can test us in regard to our marriage<br />

in <strong>the</strong> following ways.<br />

• Death <strong>of</strong> Husb<strong>and</strong> or children.<br />

• Barrenness<br />

⚡️Having high expectations from your<br />

husb<strong>and</strong><br />

⚡️ 'Unconsciously' idolize your love for<br />

your husb<strong>and</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r things in particular.<br />

• Poverty<br />

• Sickness<br />

• Divorce<br />

• <strong>Polygyny</strong>.......etc.<br />

⚡️Having <strong>the</strong> mind-set that your husb<strong>and</strong><br />

solely belong to you, that you 'own' him<br />

<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>refore can't trade him for anything<br />

come what may.<br />

When you are tested this<br />

way.......acceptance is key, your struggling<br />

<strong>and</strong> fighting <strong>the</strong> decree <strong>of</strong> Allah... This<br />

brings you more pains.<br />

⚡️Total dependency on your husb<strong>and</strong>...<br />

'after all he loves me now


Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se aforementioned cause us<br />

pains during trial period like transition<br />

from monogamy to polygyny, from single<br />

again to re-marry etc<br />

a thing which is good for you, <strong>and</strong> that<br />

you love a thing which is bad for you. But<br />

Allah knoweth, <strong>and</strong> you know not".<br />

Qur'an 2:216<br />

Irrespective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> position we might be in<br />

our marriages causes <strong>of</strong> our pains <strong>and</strong><br />

sufferings differ<br />

There might be those things, persons <strong>and</strong><br />

conditions you extremely craved for that<br />

are detrimental to your spiritual journey,<br />

growth <strong>and</strong> success...<br />

Allah says... "Certainly, your efforts <strong>and</strong><br />

deeds are diverse."<br />

Qur'an 92:4<br />

Now let's move to <strong>the</strong> next level<br />

Using our pains to attain Allah's pleasure<br />

<strong>and</strong> gain Jannah<br />

1. The spiritual wisdom <strong>and</strong> benefits<br />

behind your pains.<br />

Therefore, Allah who knows <strong>and</strong> loves you<br />

more than you love yourself has place<br />

upon you those things, persons or<br />

conditions that you hate so much... to<br />

bring you back to Him as His beloved<br />

servants.<br />

He has place those 'negatives' factors to<br />

guide you back to Him<br />

Allah says in <strong>the</strong> Holy Qur'an<br />

"It may be that you dislike a thing <strong>and</strong><br />

Allah brings through it a great deal <strong>of</strong><br />

good" Qur'an 4:19<br />

"Fighting is prescribed for you, <strong>and</strong> you<br />

dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike<br />

To awaken you from <strong>the</strong> slumber <strong>of</strong> being<br />

irresponsible to your primary life purpose.<br />

Just a reminder <strong>of</strong> -ibn Sahl.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 39


Which goes thus:<br />

"Trial is a wake-up call from <strong>the</strong> forgetful<br />

one, a means to achieve rewards for <strong>the</strong><br />

patient <strong>and</strong> a reminder <strong>of</strong> blessings for<br />

everyone."<br />

They are blessings in disguises.<br />

submission to Him without complaining<br />

nor compromising.<br />

We said pains are negative feelings, but<br />

<strong>the</strong>y are positive in spiritual realm for your<br />

own advantages, both in this world <strong>and</strong><br />

hereafter.<br />

It's when you sincerely 'accept' ...'submit'<br />

2. Pains as test <strong>of</strong> faith in total submission<br />

to <strong>the</strong> wills, decrees <strong>and</strong> plans <strong>of</strong> Allah.<br />

to Allah for He has power over you....<br />

Or what can an insignificant spec do to <strong>the</strong><br />

Almighty.?? Nothing!!!<br />

Allah says ..."Do people think that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

will be left alone because <strong>the</strong>y say "We<br />

believe', <strong>and</strong> will not be tested. And Allah<br />

will certainly make known(<strong>the</strong> truth <strong>of</strong>)<br />

those who are true <strong>and</strong> certainly make<br />

known (<strong>the</strong> falsehood <strong>of</strong>) those who are<br />

liars". (Qur'an 29:2-3)<br />

You are to submit without complaining<br />

that....:


Which goes thus:<br />

"Trial is a wake-up call from <strong>the</strong> forgetful<br />

one, a means to achieve rewards for <strong>the</strong><br />

patient <strong>and</strong> a reminder <strong>of</strong> blessings for<br />

everyone."<br />

They are blessings in disguises.<br />

submission to Him without complaining<br />

nor compromising.<br />

We said pains are negative feelings, but<br />

<strong>the</strong>y are positive in spiritual realm for your<br />

own advantages, both in this world <strong>and</strong><br />

hereafter.<br />

It's when you sincerely 'accept' ...'submit'<br />

2. Pains as test <strong>of</strong> faith in total submission<br />

to <strong>the</strong> wills, decrees <strong>and</strong> plans <strong>of</strong> Allah.<br />

to Allah for He has power over you....<br />

Or what can an insignificant spec do to <strong>the</strong><br />

Almighty.?? Nothing!!!<br />

Allah says ..."Do people think that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

will be left alone because <strong>the</strong>y say "We<br />

believe', <strong>and</strong> will not be tested. And Allah<br />

will certainly make known(<strong>the</strong> truth <strong>of</strong>)<br />

those who are true <strong>and</strong> certainly make<br />

known (<strong>the</strong> falsehood <strong>of</strong>) those who are<br />

liars". (Qur'an 29:2-3)<br />

You are to submit without complaining<br />

that....:


And could anyone tell us what are <strong>the</strong><br />

spiritual implications <strong>of</strong> this ingratitude<br />

<strong>and</strong> unpleasant actions towards your<br />

Creator.... The Lord <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World???<br />

My dear sisters, for you to be submissive<br />

to Allah <strong>and</strong> to be among His beloved ones<br />

....you are to stop complaining about your<br />

pains, sufferings, afflictions, sorrow <strong>and</strong><br />

grief to people.<br />

For you to have complained.... so much<br />

about your Lord... to every Tom, Dick <strong>and</strong><br />

Harry.<br />

And, also murmuring, blaming, feeling pity<br />

<strong>and</strong> unworthy <strong>of</strong> yourself...... grumbling<br />

<strong>and</strong> scowling negatively about your<br />

Creator....<br />

The implication is that...<br />

Stop blaming <strong>the</strong> 'object <strong>of</strong> your trials'<br />

(husb<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> co-wives).<br />

But face <strong>the</strong> 'Creator <strong>of</strong> your trials'.. pray<br />

to Him, beg Him, ....be on your mursalah,<br />

pray vividly to help you ... go on sujjud<br />

<strong>and</strong> pour out your heart... tell Him how<br />

fearful, hurt, pained ... how weak,<br />

helpless, lost, broken <strong>and</strong> vulnerable you<br />

are.!<br />

• Your Lord is not compassionate<br />

towards you.<br />

• That He has disappointed you!<br />

• That He has failed you!<br />

• And He doesn't love you!<br />

In Sha Allah, by His Mercy... He will come<br />

to your rescue.<br />

Because He says "Verily, with every<br />

difficultly, <strong>the</strong>re is relief". (Qur'an 94:6)<br />

• That your Lord is fallible <strong>and</strong> people<br />

should get you ano<strong>the</strong>r God!<br />

3. By not associating any o<strong>the</strong>r gods or<br />

partners with Allah.<br />

Fa auzubillai Minna shaitani Ar-Rajiim<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 42


Ah! Ah! You'll be wondering why should I<br />

say that... After all we are not Kafiruun<br />

nah‍♀. Abi munafiquun<br />

Kalas! You are associating partners with<br />

Allah ... You know what! ................by<br />

loving your husb<strong>and</strong>s, children, wealth<br />

more than your love for Allah (awj).<br />

Walahi, Allah will not accept your 99.9% <strong>of</strong><br />

love, He will throw it back to you because<br />

He doesn't share His 'worship' with His<br />

creatures.<br />

Here:<br />

Love = worship<br />

You are so devoted to your husb<strong>and</strong>, you<br />

created almost all your time, energy <strong>and</strong><br />

worth to please him.... Please don't get me<br />

wrong... I'm not saying you shouldn't be a<br />

good wife to your husb<strong>and</strong><br />

You can't compromise your love for Him.<br />

He is Self-sufficient, All Powerful.<br />

He is <strong>the</strong> Almighty, The Dominion. He is<br />

free <strong>of</strong> wants <strong>and</strong> praises <strong>of</strong> His creatures.<br />

We all need Him.. He doesn't need us.<br />

Subhanallah wa ta'ala.<br />

But when you love <strong>the</strong> creature more than<br />

<strong>the</strong> Creator... That's a misplacement <strong>of</strong><br />

priority in term <strong>of</strong> your life purpose<br />

To <strong>the</strong> little underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> Islamic<br />

spirituality....<br />

Dear sisters, you should love Allah in<br />

totality <strong>and</strong> from His love, o<strong>the</strong>r loves<br />

spring from.<br />

Your love for your husb<strong>and</strong>s, children,<br />

parents etc.<br />

My Shaykh (htl) ... May Allah bless his soul.<br />

Amin<br />

He said... When your love for Allah is 99.9%<br />

<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> remaining 0.1% for His creatures..<br />

That is <strong>the</strong> reason 'sincerity <strong>of</strong> purpose'<br />

should be your watchword.... Your guiding<br />

light.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 43


Any act <strong>of</strong> worship you do through your<br />

husb<strong>and</strong>, your co-wives etc... must be on<br />

<strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>of</strong> sincerity. That is doing<br />

<strong>the</strong>m for Allah's sake. For <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong><br />

pleasing Him because <strong>of</strong> your love for Him.<br />

And from loving Allah, to pleasing Him, you<br />

are able to love from <strong>the</strong> premises <strong>of</strong><br />

au<strong>the</strong>nticity not from desperation <strong>and</strong><br />

frustration<br />

Loving for Allah.... Hating for Allah. That is<br />

Islamic love.<br />

Ya Allah help us ...<br />

To love with Your Love, those people You<br />

want us to love, <strong>and</strong> hate with Your Hate<br />

those people You have permitted us to<br />

hate.<br />

And this is a Genuine Love whereby o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

loves spring from.<br />

usurpation, ingratitude <strong>and</strong> so on <strong>and</strong> so<br />

forth.<br />

Positively, pains help you to discover how<br />

fallible you are <strong>and</strong> guide you back to be<br />

better than who you were before.<br />

You would gain Allah's pleasure by<br />

rebuilding your relationships with your<br />

husb<strong>and</strong>, your co-wives, in-laws, family<br />

<strong>and</strong> friends, neighbors etc.<br />

Why are you deceiving yourself to be<br />

spiritually upright when your conscience is<br />

not clear to your fellow human beings???..<br />

When you harbour rancour, hatred <strong>and</strong><br />

animosity against people... your co-wives<br />

for instance just because she has come to<br />

share in that 'thing' that does not worth a<br />

kobo in trading with your Jannah!!<br />

Sisters, we need to reflect upon <strong>the</strong> life<br />

4. Pain: An harbinger <strong>of</strong> your fallibility<br />

Pains are harbinger <strong>of</strong> your weakness,<br />

atrocities, iniquities, indulgences,<br />

prodigality, arrogance, miserliness,<br />

story <strong>of</strong> early muslimah....<br />

They were men... <strong>and</strong> if I called <strong>the</strong>m<br />

men... <strong>the</strong>y were because <strong>the</strong> affairs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 44


hereafter were heavier in <strong>the</strong>ir hearts than<br />

this worlds'.<br />

Ya Allah help us!


• Diminishes self-blame<br />

• Nourishes self-control<br />

• Nourishes self-love <strong>and</strong> self-esteem.<br />

Just trust Him!


• Sabr is fulfilling <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

even when <strong>the</strong>y transgress against<br />

yours.<br />

• Sabr is crying about your heartache in<br />

front <strong>of</strong> Allah <strong>and</strong> no one else.<br />

• Sabr is believing wholeheartedly that<br />

Allah has beautiful things in store for<br />

you.<br />

• Sabr is crawling forward even when<br />

you want to stop.<br />

Like I used to heard this....<br />

If you know how much Allah cares for you,<br />

you will bow down in sujjud from morning<br />

till night <strong>of</strong> everything day <strong>of</strong> your life<br />

praising Him <strong>and</strong> thanking Him for His<br />

mercy over you.<br />

Allah loves you that's <strong>the</strong> reason He is<br />

testing you.... This is enough to be<br />

grateful to Him always.<br />

• Sabr is an active state <strong>of</strong> being, it is not<br />

a <strong>the</strong>ory to simply be discussed <strong>and</strong><br />

forgotten.<br />

May Allah count us among those who are<br />

grateful.<br />

And it is worth it. Every single second <strong>of</strong> it<br />

is so worth it because Allah loves <strong>the</strong><br />

patient.<br />

And it’s worth going through <strong>the</strong> worst <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> worst if it means that it will gain you<br />

Allah’s love.<br />

A beautiful patience


And today... I'm grateful to Allah<br />

As I learnt from a class <strong>of</strong> Emotional<br />

Intelligence<br />

And when I was at 'my lowest'


And whatever <strong>and</strong> wherever I have erred is<br />

from me<br />

May Allah forgive me <strong>of</strong> my shortcomings.<br />

May He make this an Hujjah for us but not<br />

against us.<br />

Ei<strong>the</strong>r pained or pleased,<br />

We seek His Jannah....we seek His<br />

pleasure.<br />

Subhanaka Allahumma wa bi hamdik<br />

Ash'adu an laa ilaha ila nta. A'stagfiruka<br />

wa'atubu ilek.<br />

Subhanaka Robbi i'zati amma yasfuhu<br />

wasalaamu ala limursaleen<br />

walihamdullilah Robbi A'alameen.<br />

WHY WE NEED TO PREPARE OUR<br />

MINDS FOR POLYGAMY BY DOC.<br />

NAFISA ABDUULLAHI ZUFU<br />

Assalam alaikum,<br />

Rabbi sharahli sadri, wa yassirli amri,<br />

wahlul ukdatan min lisani, yafkahu Kaluli.<br />

Amma baad, My dear sisters in Islam,<br />

Coach asked me to give a lecture on why<br />

we need to prepare our minds for<br />

polygamy.<br />

I would have loved it to be an interactive<br />

session but Allah willed o<strong>the</strong>rwise.<br />

Let's say <strong>the</strong> realisation that I was not<br />

ready for polygamy came five months into<br />

my marriage when i had a dream;<br />

In that dream my hubby got a new wife<br />

<strong>and</strong> I had to cook for <strong>the</strong>m for seven days.<br />

Mhmm it was not easy.<br />

I woke up sweating <strong>and</strong> my heart was<br />

beating like I had run for 1000km<br />

I woke up realising my thoughts that I<br />

wouldn't mind polygamy were just<br />

thoughts that in reality I wasn't prepared.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 49


I know began to see things in a different<br />

light.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> time I thought I understood <strong>the</strong><br />

plight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first wife.<br />

I thought <strong>the</strong> first wife was a victim <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> man was an oppressor.<br />

I thought my hubby marrying on me was a<br />

betrayal.<br />

I thought I would be a laughing stock<br />

because people would think I was<br />

incapable <strong>of</strong> taking care <strong>of</strong> my husb<strong>and</strong><br />

My greatest fear was that it means he<br />

doesn't love me anymore.<br />

Slowly with different life experiences <strong>and</strong><br />

in different fora I have come to realise I<br />

need to be prepared because:<br />

1. Polygamy can very well be a reality for<br />

me.<br />

2. Polygamy can be a reality for my sister<br />

3. Polygamy can be a reality for my<br />

daughter.<br />

4. Polygamy is a reality for my friends.<br />

5. Polygamy is a reality for my sister in<br />

law.<br />

And because it can be a reality for me <strong>and</strong><br />

my family <strong>and</strong> my friends I need to be<br />

prepared to live it like a Muslimah <strong>and</strong>/or<br />

to give sound advice to my friends <strong>and</strong><br />

family.<br />

Alhamdulillah in my quest to be prepared<br />

I've learnt <strong>and</strong> unlearnt <strong>and</strong> relearn some<br />

pertinent truths:<br />

1. Polygamy will be <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> my<br />

married life as I know it, but ISA it will<br />

be <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> more happy times.<br />

2. Polygamy doesn't mean my hubby is<br />

betraying me.<br />

3. Polygamy doesn't mean I am not up to<br />

<strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> holding my hubby<br />

4. Incoming wify may have her fears <strong>and</strong><br />

concerns <strong>and</strong> being underst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />

<strong>and</strong> patient with her will be a means <strong>of</strong><br />

Allah having mercy on me.<br />

5. Polygamy will not mean he doesn't<br />

love me anymore<br />

Most importantly I have learnt if <strong>the</strong> time<br />

comes I'll still hurt.<br />

I'll still be confused<br />

I'll still be worried but If I hold on to <strong>the</strong><br />

belief that this is a trial from Allah SWT<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 50


<strong>and</strong> I want to pass it will be easier to pass<br />

through that storm<br />

Sisters this is my journey so far;<br />

It is important to note that preparing for<br />

polygamy doesn't automatically turn your<br />

marriage polygamous but it does help u<br />

know how to help o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> how to help<br />

yourself if need arises<br />

I pray to Allah to grant us all happy families<br />

<strong>and</strong> that if polygamy is written for me May<br />

Allah grant me a sister that will help us<br />

all build our home in Jannah <strong>and</strong> may He<br />

grant hubby <strong>the</strong> ability to do justice<br />

Complied by: Hamdalah Sulaiman<br />

(techymom)<br />

Jazakumullah khairan fiddunya WA akhira.<br />

We all appreciate your presence, your<br />

support, your contributions.<br />

We pray that in this small way we have<br />

been able to impact <strong>the</strong> unmah positively.<br />

POSITIVE POLYGNY NETWORK 51

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!