SAMIR KHAN, MAPUSA
THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Polygamy among Indian Muslims must end (March, 28, 2018). The editorial deserves applause for discussing at length the noble aim of the Quranic injunctions on the second marriage and the support it brings to widows and orphans. Polygamy is practised not only by Muslims but by the people following other faiths also. As per government’s 1961 census, 5.8 per cent of Hindus were polygamous, as compared to 5.7 per cent of Muslims. Polygamy among Buddhist men was 7.9 per cent, Jains 6.7 per cent and with 15.25 per cent the practice was highest among the Adivasis. The 2006 survey shows a significant decline in the practice of polygamy among Muslims (from 5.7 per cent to 2.55 per cent) and in Hindus (from 5.8 per cent to 1.77 per cent). The Quran permitted polygamy as a last resort with certain conditions as a solution to social welfare issues related to women and orphans during that time and in the years to come with its relevance in today’s time also. It ensured that illicit liaisons of men and women outside marriage were put to an end, morality restored and upheld and unprotected vulnerable women were decently married and given the dignified status of wife. Some argue that second marriage is injustice to the first wife. If that is so then what about the married men having illicit relationship with other women and visiting prostitutes? Isn’t this injustice towards his faithful wife? In the absence of a mechanism like polygamy, prostitution, live-in relationship and extramarital affairs will increase leading the society to be morally corrupt, and we are witnessing that. The overriding concern of Quran as regards polygamy is for the welfare and dignity of women and not for the convenience of men. Only two Muslim countries which were under dictatorial regime have banned it, while some have imposed restrictions on it. Polygamy is very much pragmatic. If it is banned then what is the alternative mechanism the government has in place to safeguard the dignity of women who are vulnerable, for the young widows of marriageable age with or without children, and for the men who want to go for second marriage?