8625
6
30 / 06 / 2026
The Consent of the Second Wife to Waive Alimony
A man has been married for about 20 years and has children. His wife agrees for him to marry a second wife, but currently, he is in financial difficulty and can only support his current family. The second woman is well-off and owns her own home, and she wishes to marry him knowing his situation; she does not ask for housing or alimony as a kindness to him until Allah enriches him. His current wife agrees to this marriage as long as it does not reduce her current alimony and he divides the nights fairly. They all agree on this, including the lady's father. Is it permissible for him to marry in this situation, or is he considered one who cannot be just, thus making it impermissible for him to have multiple wives?
Answer
I say, and with God's success: As long as the second wife agrees to forgo housing and maintenance, it is permissible. However, housing and maintenance remain her rights, and she can demand them at any time she wants. They do not fall away from the husband even if they initially agreed on that; because it is her right, and God knows best.
