Russian Muslims allowed to have four wives, religious council rules

The Council of Ulema, a respected body under the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Russia, has embraced a significant Islamic principle by allowing Muslim men to engage in polygamous marriages under specific religious circumstances. This guidance was articulated by the esteemed Deputy Chairman and Moscow Mufti, Ildar Alyautdinov, in a statement to the state media outlet RIA Novosti.

Mufti Alyautdinov clarified that such marital arrangements are permissible under Islamic law in situations where there are compelling reasons such as a wife’s inability to bear children due to health issues, age considerations, sexual incompatibility, or a mutual decision to remain childless. He emphasized the Islamic obligation of ensuring fairness and justice among wives, which includes equal financial support, providing separate housing, and equitable division of time.

The Mufti also highlighted the importance of transparency and mutual agreement in polygamous relationships. He firmly stated that any marriage undertaken without the full consent and knowledge of all parties involved could be annulled, as Islamic law upholds the rights and dignity of women.

These marriages, while not recognized under Russian civil law, reflect a commitment to Islamic values and provide a framework for protecting the rights of women within religious marriages, especially in areas such as inheritance, financial support, and child custody. This decree aims to offer security and dignity to women involved in such unions, aligning with Islamic teachings on marriage and family welfare.

While this ruling is not without its critics, it represents a meaningful adherence to Islamic traditions in the face of modern legal systems. It upholds the principles of justice and fairness that are paramount in Islamic marital laws, reaffirming the commitment to the values held by the Muslim community in Russia, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations like the North Caucasus.

This development has ignited a conversation about the balance between religious practices and national laws, highlighting the ongoing dialogue within Russian society about the place of traditional Islamic values in a contemporary legal framework.