Hadith #10667

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who marries many women is engulfed by embarrassments.

This Hadith highlights the consequences and potential difficulties that may arise from engaging in multiple marriages. To fully understand the depth and wisdom of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (المناكح) "manakih" refers to marriages or spouses. It encompasses the act of entering into a marital relationship with multiple women. The word (غَشِيَتْهُ) "ghashiya" can be translated as "engulfed" or "overwhelmed." It signifies being surrounded or encompassed by something, in this case, (الفَضَائِحُ) "al-fada'ih", which means embarrassments or scandals.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:3),

And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].

This verse allows for polygamy under specific conditions, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness towards all wives. However, it also highlights the potential challenges that may arise when one engages in multiple marriages. Maintaining justice and fairness among multiple spouses is a tremendous responsibility that requires immense effort, emotional intelligence, and financial stability.

Moreover, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against injustice and favoritism in Surah An-Nisa (4:129),

You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them [by giving her more of your time and provision] so as to leave the other hanging [i.e., neither divorced nor married].

This verse highlights the inherent difficulty in treating multiple wives equally. It serves as a reminder that even with the best intentions, it is nearly impossible to achieve absolute justice among multiple spouses. This challenge can lead to emotional distress, conflicts, and potential embarrassments for the individual involved.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, provides us with a valuable insight into the consequences of engaging in multiple marriages. He highlights the potential for embarrassments and scandals that may arise from such relationships. These embarrassments can manifest in various forms, such as conflicts between wives, disputes over resources, emotional turmoil, and societal judgments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to carefully consider their intentions and capabilities before entering into multiple marriages. It encourages individuals to reflect on their ability to maintain justice, fairness, and emotional well-being within such relationships. It also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the emotional and psychological welfare of all parties involved.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the potential difficulties and embarrassments that may arise from engaging in multiple marriages. It aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of justice, fairness, and emotional well-being within marital relationships. Muslims should approach the institution of marriage with careful consideration, ensuring that they are capable of fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations that come with multiple spouses. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives.