This unprecedented move marks a significant development in the practice of Islamic law in Russia.
Marrakech – Russia’s leading Islamic authority has issued a landmark ruling allowing men to have multiple wives under specific circumstances, according to a report by state-run news agency RIA Novosti on Thursday.
The announcement was made by Mufti Ildar Alyautdinov, deputy chairman of the Ulama Council of Russia’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims and Moscow’s head Mufti.
The ruling permits religious polygamy in cases where the wife is unable to conceive due to health issues, has reached the end of her reproductive age, or for other “objective reasons,” such as sexual incompatibility.
It also applies if the wife “does not want to have children.”
Mufti Alyautdinov emphasized that men who choose to marry multiple wives must adhere to strict requirements.
A husband is required to “provide equal material support to all wives, provide each of them with separate housing,” and “spend equal time with all of his spouses.”
He added, “If these conditions are not met, then a man is not allowed to enter into a polygamous marriage.”
At the same time, the Mufti noted that transparency is essential in such marriages. He stated it would be “unacceptable” for a husband to not inform his wife about other women he has married.
“If the second wife was not informed of a prior marriage and is not ready to put up with it, then she has the right to end the marriage,” the Mufti explained.
Russian law prohibits marriage between more than two people, making this ruling purely religious in nature.
Alyautdinov acknowledged this, saying: “The rights of a woman who is only in a religious marriage are not legally secured. Our theological ruling will help her take the necessary steps to preserve her rights.”
