If he wants to marry a second wife, does he have to give the first wife the same as he gave the second?
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Fatwa number ( 13339 )
Q: In our area in the south, there is a custom: when a man wants to marry a second wife, and he provides all the requirements of marriage, such as the bridal gift, furniture for the house, clothing, and everything necessary, small and large, he must provide his first wife with everything he provided to complete the marriage ceremony for the second wife, or its equivalent in cash. This, in itself, is considered two marriages at the same time, which causes exhaustion for the husband and a lot of debt. Is this considered a right of the first wife, or is it a bad religious innovation that should be abandoned as much as possible? This practice is called *wisaa*, and the wife's family, relatives, and neighbors are invited to it, and it is considered a second marriage for his first wife. I ask for your answer.
A: It is not obligatory for the husband, if he wants to marry a second woman, to pay what is called *wisaa*, which is paying a mahr and bridal gift to the first wife just as he paid to the second wife. However, if he treats his first wife well and gives her what pleases her, there is nothing wrong with that, and it is part of good conduct between spouses.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and his Companions.
Q: In our area in the south, there is a custom: when a man wants to marry a second wife, and he provides all the requirements of marriage, such as the bridal gift, furniture for the house, clothing, and everything necessary, small and large, he must provide his first wife with everything he provided to complete the marriage ceremony for the second wife, or its equivalent in cash. This, in itself, is considered two marriages at the same time, which causes exhaustion for the husband and a lot of debt. Is this considered a right of the first wife, or is it a bad religious innovation that should be abandoned as much as possible? This practice is called *wisaa*, and the wife's family, relatives, and neighbors are invited to it, and it is considered a second marriage for his first wife. I ask for your answer.
A: It is not obligatory for the husband, if he wants to marry a second woman, to pay what is called *wisaa*, which is paying a mahr and bridal gift to the first wife just as he paid to the second wife. However, if he treats his first wife well and gives her what pleases her, there is nothing wrong with that, and it is part of good conduct between spouses.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.