10-19-2007, 01:00 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-19-2007, 01:02 PM by SisterJennifer.)
Asalaamu alikum sister Poly,
I do have a few questions for you, trying to be as tactful as possible with regards to polygamy in USA.
In the circles in which I belong and in listening to various scholars, always I have heard the concensus is that a man living in the USA may NOT take more than one wife inside the USA. Reason being the muslim is to be a law abiding citizen, and weather you are born here or you immigrate you agree that one wife is all you will take.
I have seen and heard a few examples of people who are practicing this regardless.
May I ask what is your ethnic background?
Is your co-wife also in the USA? If so, how do you justify this practice in a land which does not allow rather than immigrating to one which permits us to practice this aspect of our deen?
Now assume a man has two wives. He cannot be legally married to both of them. Hopefully he is a working brother. Many insurance policies cover the wife and kids. Now what about the second wife? For example, she becomes pregnant, who will pay for the health care, the birth, etc.?
What about the child's doctor visits? Are they just supposed to use public systems? Or will her husband pay out of pocket which will be very costly? How can he ensure equality between them unless they either are both on public assistance, or the brother is very wealthy and able to afford the responsibility himself?
I guess that is enough for now. Jazak Allah kahirn sister for both your work and your contributions here. May Allah help us all to gain better knowledge and understanding of our deen. Ameen.
Love, Jennifer