The Ruling on Plural Marriage and Its Conditions

Question:
May Allah reward you with good and bless you. Abu Ibrahim sent a message saying: Honorable Shaykh, when does a man resort to plural marriage? What is the ruling on plural marriage in our present time? And was there plural marriage in the time of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Answer:
Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said: Therefore, the one who is able to be just among his wives in spending, housing, clothing, and lodging has the right to take multiple wives, as Allah has permitted for him. But the one who is not able to be just, or who does not trust himself to avoid injustice in these matters and does not establish justice, is not permitted to take multiple wives, because this would be an injustice to the women. If you fear that you will not be able to be just, then [take] one. Polygamy occurred during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) had nine wives; this is one of his special characteristics (peace and blessings be upon him). As for us, we are allowed four wives, as stated in the Noble Qur'an. In the pre-Islamic age of ignorance, they would take multiple wives without limit, so Islam came and limited polygamy to four wives, on the condition of being just among the women. Yes.