146. Should a man have more than one wife?

The Bible teaches that God intended one man for one wife and one wife for one man. This monogamous relationship was God’s intention to demonstrate faithfulness and fidelity in marriage. God made mankind in His image. He made one man Adam and one woman Eve. He did not make Adam multiple wives. God is a jealous God and He wants us who are married to Him (we will eventually become His Bride) to have just one husband (He will eventually be our Bridegroom). We are to worship Him and Him alone. We must not worship or prostitute ourselves to any other gods.

The Qur’an teaches in surah 4 Al Nisa ayah 3: ‘If you feel that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them, then only one or a captive that your right hand possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.’ Mohammed was an orphan and he seems to have concern to avoid the exploitation of orphans. Mohammed had thirteen wives and of those thirteen he had nine wives in his house at the same time. We do not know how many orphans he fostered!!