Polygamy in Islamic Law: A Study on Muslim Countries

Polygamy is permitted in Islamic law based on the allowance to marry more than one woman. In Muslim countries, the regulations regarding polygamy vary. In Indonesia, for instance, polygamy is strictly regulated, requiring court approval in addition to the wife’s consent. This contrasts with Saudi Arabia, where polygamy is widely accepted without binding legal restrictions from the state. Meanwhile, Turkey considers polygamy a criminal act and punishes those who engage in it. The country’s legal foundation is monogamy rather than polygamy, as Turkey interprets polygamy through a more liberal perspective. The Turkish government prohibits polygamy, taking into account the country’s social conditions and economic standards, leading to a legal approach that differs from Islamic law.