Permission for Nikah with One up to Four Wives

Question

Our Indian government has enforced a law that no person may keep more than one wife at the same time. Is it binding on us Indian Muslims to act upon it, whereas according to the Islamic Shari‘a a person may keep four wives at one time?

Answer

The Shari‘a has permitted a man, according to his capacity, up to four women, and no one can revoke this permission. However, a person who cannot maintain equal treatment has not been given permission for more than one by the Shari‘a itself; rather, it has enjoined him to suffice with one and be content with her.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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