I think most Americans react negatively at first because monogamy is a strong cultural value in America. I personally don't think there is inherently anything wrong with having 2, 3 or 4 wives.
I do find it confusing that many Egyptian Muslims I have spoken with are quick to say that very few Egyptian Muslims have more than one wife today, as if there was something wrong with having more than one wife. If there is something wrong with having multiple wives why is it permitted in Islam? Do Muslims who react this way not represent the true Islam?
Egyptian Muslims have also told me that if a man has multiple wives he must treat them all "equally". This is a nice sentiment but I am not sure if it is possible in the real world.
I think most Americans react negatively at first because monogamy is a strong cultural value in America. I personally don't think there is inherently anything wrong with having 2, 3 or 4 wives.
ReplyDeleteI do find it confusing that many Egyptian Muslims I have spoken with are quick to say that very few Egyptian Muslims have more than one wife today, as if there was something wrong with having more than one wife. If there is something wrong with having multiple wives why is it permitted in Islam? Do Muslims who react this way not represent the true Islam?
Egyptian Muslims have also told me that if a man has multiple wives he must treat them all "equally". This is a nice sentiment but I am not sure if it is possible in the real world.