Taken From The Fatawaa of our Shaykh, Allaama Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdul Azeez bin Abdullaah Bin Baaz Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

The question: Is the foundation of marriage polygymy or is it having one wife?

The answer: The foundation in the Sharia is polygyny for he who has the capability to do so, and will not oppress them. This is due to the many benefits of polygyny, protecting ones private parts, protection for the one who marries women and is good to them. The increase of offspring by which the Ummah is increased thereby an increase of those who worship Allaah alone. The evidence which shows this is the saying of Allaah Ta ala: < > [Soorah an-Nisa:3]

Also, because the Messenger sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam married more than one wife and Allaah Subhanahu said: <> [Soorah Ahzab:21] The Messenger sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam mentioned when some of the companions said: As For me then I will not eat meat, another one said: As for me then I will pray and I will not sleep. Another one said as for me then I will fast and not open my fast.

Another one said: as for me then I will not marry women. So when this news reached the Prophet - sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – he addressed the people and praised and glorified Allaah then he said: “Indeed such and such news has reached me. However I fast and open my fast, pray and sleep. I eat meat and marry women. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.’ This is a great statement from the Prophet sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam which includes having one wife and polygyny. Allaah is The One who gives the capability. [al-Balaag magazine no.1015, 19 Rabi al-Awal 1410 A.H.]