The Ruling on Plural Marriage in Islam

Question:
There is a fierce war against plural marriage—meaning by the enemies of Islam—so we ask that this topic be given a dedicated lecture, and that its importance be highlighted, especially after the increase in women and trials?

Answer:
Plural marriage is prescribed, and Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) has clarified that in His great Book. He the Exalted said: [Surat al-Nisa: 3]. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had nine wives, and he passed away (peace and blessings be upon him) leaving them. In the law of those before us, it was more than that: in the law of the Torah, Sulayman had ninety women, and it is reported in some hadiths that he had one hundred women. So the law of the Torah had an expansion in this regard. Then Allah restricted the Ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to four; a man is not allowed to gather more than four: two, three, or four.
And plural marriage is a recommended practice (sunnah), if the believer is able to do so and it is facilitated for him; it is prescribed for him to marry two, three, or four according to his capacity; because of the great benefits in it: the multiplication of offspring, the increase of offspring, and the increase of the Ummah, about which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . And in this are benefits: the multiplication of those who worship Allah and obey Him.
And that is also one of the causes of chastity: lowering the gaze, and the chastity of the private parts; because some men are not chaste with just one woman; he needs more. And one woman may be afflicted with illness so that her husband is unable to satisfy his desire, or she may be afflicted with menstruation, or she may give birth and remain for a long period in post-natal bleeding during which it is not permissible for him to have intercourse with her, so he is in need of more and plural marriage.
For this reason, Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) prescribed plural marriage as a mercy for His servants; because they need it. Then women also need it, for the increase of women requires a remedy, and that is through plural marriage. For her being with a husband, even if he has others, is better for her than remaining without a husband, even if she is the second, third, or fourth wife. This is better for her and more beneficial; for the chastity of her private parts, the lowering of her gaze, the provision for her, and for the offspring that may result from it if Allah wills.
So plural marriage has many benefits for men, women, and the Ummah. No one dislikes it except an ignorant man or an ignorant woman; because it has many benefits, with the ability to do so. But with inability and fear of not being able to do so, it is as He the Exalted said: [Surat al-Nisa: 3]. But if Allah facilitates it for him and he has the ability, then plural marriage is prescribed for him if he is able to do so.