What is the ruling on combining the first and second wives?

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 compelled me to marry another woman in addition to her. Now, my first wife wants to return to me so that I divorce the second. I am separating from my first wife while the children and the second wife are present, and I married the second wife only nine months ago, and she has not given birth yet. She is young in age, and I am confused about this matter.

The Shaykh : Confused.

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

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 with you. 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 a 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 have her own residence. However, if they are together in one residence, that is better.