Permission of Second Marriage

Permission of Second Marriage in Pakistan    is governed by both Islamic principles and statutory laws. Among the various rights and obligations that arise out of marriage, the issue of dowry —commonly referred to as jahez in cultural terms and mahr (dower) in Islamic law—is one of the most debated subjects. When a man enters into a second marriage, questions often arise about whether this subsequent union has any impact on the dowry rights of either his first wife or the second. Understanding the impact requires differentiating between two distinct concepts: Mahr (dower) , which is a mandatory right of a wife under Islamic law, and dowry (jahez) , which is a cultural practice of gifts given by the bride’s family. Both of these may become contested issues in situations of polygamy or second marriage. 1. Mahr (Dower) in Islamic and Pakistani Law Mahr, or dower, is an amount of money or property that the husband is obligated to give his wife at the time of marriage. It can...

In      Permission of Second Marriage in Pakistan    are permitted under Islamic law but are regulated under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 , particularly Section 6. This section mandates that a man must obtain written permission from his first wife and the Arbitration Council before contracting a second marriage. When men bypass this legal requirement and enter into unapproved second marriages , it creates a host of social, emotional, legal, and economic problems —not only for the families involved but also for society at large. 1. Family Breakdown and Domestic Conflict One of the most immediate consequences of unapproved second marriages is domestic strife . The first wife, often unaware or misled, experiences betrayal and emotional trauma upon discovering the new marriage. This leads to marital discord , arguments, mistrust, and often results in separation or divorce. Children from the first marriage are deeply affected by the sudden breakdown of t...