MIDDLE EAST – Egyptโs leading imam drew criticism from other Islamic clerics for denouncing polygamy as โan injustice to women and childrenโ that the Quran restricts.
Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of the Al-Azhar, argued that Muslims have misinterpreted the Quranโs verses about polygamy as blanket permission to marry multiple wives when in fact the Quran restricts polygamy to certain situations and requires that each wife be treated equally. Other Muslim clerics, however, argued for polygamy as a solution to female celibacy.
โThose who say that marriage must be polygamous are all wrong. We have to read the (Quranic) verse in full,โ al-Tayeb said, according to The Associated Press.
The grand imam argued that the Quran states โif there is not fairness it is forbidden to have more than one wife,โ and that current practices of polygamy stem from โa lack of understanding of the Quran and the tradition of the Prophetโ and are โoften an injustice to women and children.โ
โWomen represent half of society. If we donโt care for them itโs like walking on one foot only,โ he added.
Sameh Hamouda, an imam from Alexandria, challenged al-Tayebโs comments on polygamy, saying the practice is necessary to provide Muslim women an alternative to lifetime celibacy.
โPolygamy is the social solution for (female) celibacy which has been horribly exacerbated,โ Hamouda said, according to AP.
Al-Azhar clarified al-Tayebโs statements Saturday, saying that the grand imam was not advocating a ban on polygamy.
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