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Top 10 Countries where Polygamy is legal
Well, there you have it – the top 10 countries where one spouse just isn’t enough! If you’re looking to start your own polygamous family, you know where to book your next vacation!
Countries where Polygamy is legal: Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, is illegal in most countries worldwide. However, there are still a few places where it is legal and widely practiced. The reasons for allowing polygamy vary, from cultural and religious traditions to population imbalances and economic factors. In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries where polygamy is legal, and how it is perceived and practiced in each of these countries.
While controversial and often misunderstood, understanding the practice of polygamy in different cultures can provide insight into the diversity of human relationships and how societies structure their families.
Top 10 Countries where Polygamy is legal
1. Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, it’s allowed for men to have up to four wives according to the Quran. This practice is recognized and common, but not everyone follows the rules. All wives should be treated equally. Additionally, Afghans are allowed to have multiple spouses or concubines, without any limit on the number.
2. Algeria
Algeria is one of the top 10 countries where polygamy is legal. The Algerian Family Code permits Muslim men to have up to four wives, but they must obtain the approval of the first wife before marrying again. Polygamy is widely practiced in Algeria, especially in rural areas, despite some opposition from women’s rights groups.
However, there are restrictions on polygamy in Algeria. Men must have the financial means to support multiple wives and must provide each wife with equal treatment and support. The practice of polygamy is not recognized in Algeria’s secular legal system, only in Islamic law.
3. Pakistan
Polygamy is legal in Pakistan under certain conditions. Muslim men are allowed to marry up to four women if they can provide for them equally. However, the practice is not common among the general population, with less than 2% of married men reported to have multiple wives. Polygamy is also allowed for non-Muslims in Pakistan, but the practice is not recognized by the state.
Despite being legal, the practice of polygamy in Pakistan remains controversial, with some arguing that it perpetuates gender inequality and poses challenges to women’s rights and family dynamics.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a Muslim country where polygamy is legal under Islamic law. Men in the UAE are allowed to have up to four wives, but they must treat them all equally. While polygamy is legal, it is not widely practiced in the UAE due to cultural and financial factors. However, there are still some cases where men have more than one wife. The government of the UAE has made efforts to discourage the practice of polygamy and promote monogamous marriages. Despite this, polygamy remains legal in the UAE.
5. Cameroon
In Cameroon, having multiple wives is seen as a sign of wealth and social status, especially in rural areas. Unlike in other countries, there is no limit to the number of spouses a man can have.
However, the practice of polygamy is declining in the country due to economic and social factors.
6. Nigeria
In Nigeria, it is becoming increasingly common for women to accept their spouses having multiple wives. This practice is not new, but the rate of growth is concerning.
Despite modernization and education, the average Nigerian man’s cultural beliefs surrounding marriage have not changed. Even those who are highly educated and exposed to Western culture often maintain their Nigerian identity when it comes to marriage.
7. Iran
In Iran, Muslim men can legally have up to four wives, but only after obtaining court permission and ensuring equal treatment of all spouses. However, the practice of temporary marriage, where a man can take on additional wives without informing his original spouse, is also allowed under Shi’a Islam.
This practice can be financially harmful to women who rely solely on their husband’s income. Temporary marriages can last for a few hours to several years, and the children of these unions may face challenges accessing public services like education due to difficulties in verifying paternity.
8. Qatar
Getting married in Qatar is a relatively easy process compared to other procedures in the country. In the past, marriages in Qatar were often tribal, with families encouraging their offspring to marry cousins or other family members to strengthen their cohort. Under Sharia Law, Muslim men in Qatar can have up to four wives, as long as they can provide for them financially and treat them equally. However, this practice is becoming less common, as many people cannot afford it, and women are becoming more independent and refusing to accept such rules. Muslim women can now include a condition in their marriage contract prohibiting their husbands from marrying another woman. Additionally, women can choose to keep their original name after marriage.
9. Chad
In Chad, polygamy is a common practice among both Christians and Muslims, with about 39% of women living in polygamous marriages. The largest ethnic group in Chad is the Saras, who are primarily farmers, and there are over 200 ethnic and linguistic groups in the country. The official languages are Arabic and French, and the most widely practiced religions are Islam and Christianity.
Polygamy is legal in Chad and is automatically permitted unless the spouses explicitly state otherwise at the time of marriage. The International Christian Polygamy Society seeks to preach their interpretation of the Gospel to all people, including Muslims, in countries like Chad.
10. Bahrain
In Bahrain, Muslim men are allowed to marry up to four wives, but only with the court’s approval, and they must treat each wife equally. The second wife must also agree, and the court considers the husband’s financial situation and motives for wanting another wife. Non-Muslims follow their own laws and cannot engage in polygamous marriages. However, polygamy is not a common practice in Bahrain, and most marriages are monogamous.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Countries where Polygamy is legal:
1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Pakistan
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
5. Cameroon
6. Nigeria
7. Iran
8. Qatar
9. Chad
10. Bahrain
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