What Women Need to Know: Important Matters Before Marrying an Arab Muslim

Highlights

• A marriage that is legally valid under Muslim law in Thailand may only have one wife.
• In some countries, having more than one wife is legally permitted
• In some countries, marrying a foreigner requires state permission. 
• Even where the law allows a man to have more than one wife, in practice, many countries commonly still have only one wife.
• According to Islamic law, taking an additional wife (more than one) is a matter that requires careful regard for justice and the ability to care for each wife in every respect — physically, materially, and emotionally
• Having only one wife is considered safer from sin
• Those marrying a foreign Muslim man should study the relevant laws, for your own sake and your family’s

When you fall in love with a foreign Muslim man and marriage is on the horizon, organizing the ceremony according to religious principles is one matter, but equally important is having a marriage that is legally recognized, both in your partner’s home country and in Thailand. This is because it relates to recognition of your status as a wife, recognition of children’s status, and the handling of property and inheritance — matters that have a major bearing here.  A Nikah based on religious principles alone cannot address these matters — one key factor being the man’s existing marital status, which requirements differ from country to country.

Islamic principles establish that taking more than one wife is a matter requiring careful regard for justice and the ability to care for each wife in every respect. In fact, having only one wife is regarded in Islam as commendable, especially when considering the justice and responsibility required of a man should he decide to take more than one wife. This is because it is difficult for any human being to maintain fairness toward more than one wife, and mistakes made each day could add to the sins accumulating with every minute of his life.

In the Quran, Islam advises men to take good care of their wives, calling it a significant responsibility, and it emphasizes fairness and equality. Therefore, anyone considering marriage should study and understand the marriage laws of the country in which they intend to marry. Knowing this information will help you prepare and plan appropriately before marriage, and help you make the right decision for you and your family. We hope this article will be useful to everyone preparing for that important day.

In an era of rapidly changing society, knowledge of marriage laws in different countries is especially important for women intending to marry into Islam   with a partner from a predominantly Muslim country. The laws in these countries differ in detail, and are also tied to local values.

In some Muslim countries, such as Malaysia, Brunei, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates, a man who wishes to take a second wife must obtain additional consent, and must go through a more complex process.

Other countries, such as Algeria, Bahrain, Benin, Burundi, Comoros, Kuwait, Malawi, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, the Seychelles, Sudan, Uzbekistan, Mali, Mauritius, Qatar, Cyprus, and Somalia
permit a man to have up to 4 wives without needing additional consent.

Studies from various research institutions indicate that, even where the law permits a man to have more than one wife, in practice the majority of men in these countries  still have only one wife. For Muslims in Thailand, a legally valid marriage under Thai Muslim law may only have one wife, and in practice, most people continue to follow this rule.

If you want a wedding that is correct both according to religious principles and legally recognized, the first thing you should do is verify the man’s marital status through a state-issued certificate of singleness, known as an “Affirmation Of Marital Status,” “CERTIFICATE OF NO IMPEDIMENT,” or “Affidavit.” This document helps clarify the pre-marital status of either or both parties. 

One important caution: marrying a foreigner in some countries requires state permission. Knowing this information will help you prepare and plan appropriately before marriage. For a decision this important, checking and understanding the relevant laws is not something that should be overlooked. We encourage everyone to research thoroughly and make the best decision for themselves and their family.

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