What is the solution between the first and second wife?

The questioner : The questioner says: I want the ruling of the Shari'ah. I married my first wife and had four children, one of whom passed away. However, problems arose between us, which led me to marry another woman on top of her. Now, my first wife wants to return to me so that I divorce the second. I am inclined toward my first wife because of the children, and I married the second one only nine months ago; she has not given birth yet, and she is young. I am confused about this matter.

The Shaykh : Confused.

The questioner : For the sake of Allah, give us the solution, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : What I see for you, since you desire to return to your first wife and you do not dislike this new wife either, is to keep both wives. There is no blame on a man if he has multiple wives; indeed, Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "The best of this Ummah are those who have the most women." If you are able to manage their affairs and be just between them, then having multiple wives is not a defect; rather, it is praiseworthy if there is benefit in it. My opinion for you is to keep both wives. If you see that it is not possible to house them in one residence, let each one have her own residence. However, if they are together in one residence, that is better.