POLYGYNY AND THE DYNAMICS OF FAMILY INSTABILITY: AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Polygyny, which is permitted in Islam under strict ethical conditions, remains one of the most
debated aspects of Muslim family law. Although it is intended to serve important socio-moral
purposes, it is often associated with family instability in contemporary discourse. This paper
examines the causes of instability in polygynous households from an Islamic perspective and
proposes possible solutions. The paper adopts historical, descriptive, and analytical research
methods. The historical method traces the development of polygyny in Islam, while the descriptive
method explains the nature and practice of polygynous marriages. The analytical method evaluates
the extent to which instability affects polygynous homes and assesses these challenges through the
lens of Islamic teachings. The paper reveals that instability is not inherent in the institution of
polygyny; rather, it results from the failure to uphold the Islamic principles of justice, fairness, and
responsibility. It concludes by recommending premarital counseling and gender-sensitive
education as essential measures for promoting stability and harmony in polygynous homes.
Keywords: Polygyny; Islam; Justice; Instability; Harmony