Islam Discourages Polygamy and Divorce : a Reality, Not a Myth

The title of the book ”Islam Discourages Polygamy and DivorceA Reality, Not a Myth?’ is selfexplanatory. It is generally believed that Muslims are a polygamous community and Islam grants unfettered liberty for practicing polygamy. Fact of the matter is that prior to the manifestation of Islam, ancient Arabs as also NonArabs professing different religions could have as many wives as they liked. Thus Islamic injunction was really a restrictive measure. The right to have four wives granted by Islam is subject to the rider that if a person has more than one wife it is obligatory for him to treat each one equally. An absolute justice in matters like feelings of love, emotions and affection is impracticable. Many a Muslim country, keeping in view the Quranic injunction, have codified the personal law wherein the practice of polygamy has been either totally prohibited or severely restricted.