FatwaFederal TerritoriesMarriage & Family
AL-KAFI #1174: GILIRAN BERMALAM ANTARA ISTERI-ISTERI
Is a polygamous husband obliged to observe overnight rotation among his wives, and may he postpone the second wife's turn if he feels unable?
Short answer
In principle, the overnight rotation among wives is only recommended, because it is the husband's right and he may choose not to carry it out.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi
- Topic
- Marriage & Family
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
In principle, the overnight rotation among wives is only recommended, because it is the husband's right and he may choose not to carry it out. However, once he has spent a night with one wife, whether by draw or another method, he must spend nights with his other wives as well in order to be just. The fatwa cites evidence on the duty of fairness and notes that matters beyond control, such as inclination of the heart, differ from matters within his ability, which must be treated equally.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Pada asasnya, hukum melakukan giliran bermalam dalam kalangan isteri adalah sunat sahaja dan bukan wajib.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “AL-KAFI #1174: GILIRAN BERMALAM ANTARA ISTERI-ISTERI”, 25 March 2019. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/al-kafi-li-al-fatawi/3236-al-kafi-1174-giliran-bermalam-antara-isteri-isteri. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/overnight-rotation-between-wives-polygamy/