Like I mentioned in my previous entry, Muslim men are allowed to have up to 4 wives at one time. Although this may seem ludricous to many, polygamy isn't just about men being able to satisfy their lust by having a different woman to bed every night. There are rules to follow when a man decides to take on a new wife. Of late, in Malaysia, the issue of polygamy has created quite an uproar. Activists believe that it goes against women's rights, and that it encourages extra-marital affairs. Now, I myself do not totally agree with the idea of polygamy. I think it's gross for people to have lots of sexual partners, (especially when they're already married!!) and I find it hard to believe that you can be in real love with different people at the same time. And also, in this day and age, when we have so deviated from the teachings of our religion, a man would probably be cheating on his wife first before telling her that he wants to marry another--if he even decides to tell her. I think that cheating is gross, too. Having said all this, although I myself would probably not stand for it in my own marraige, I do accept polygamy, in the true sense of the word. Men who decide to be polygamous should follow all the rules stated by our religion. Firstly, he must get the consent of his first wife. And once he has married, he must be fair to all his wives, and also all the children that he has with his wives. This man should also be able to afford having more than one family. And he must give his love, attention, and whatever else equally to all his families. The reason I'm writing all this is because I think that people have a misconception about polygamy. The women's rights activists here don't seem to discuss the religious aspect of polygamy. They just think it's plain wrong, and I admit, when it is driven by lust(which does not last!), it is wrong. I guess these activists have gotten all hot and bothered about it because many men go about polygamy the wrong way. (The aforementioned cheating.) I just don't understand why they don't mention that there is a correct and acceptable way to practice polygamy. I myself am on the fence about this whole subject. On the one hand, I think that there are acceptable ways to do it, and given the fact that it is allowed in my religion, there should be nothing wrong with it. But on the other hand, I don't think I would want to share my husband with anyone else, even if he did it the right way. And there is a right way to marry another. To explain that would be too long, though, so I won't. I guess I think that if couples need to practice polygamy, following all the rules, it's fine. It's just not for me. And for all those cheating husbands who are driven by lust to take another wife, up yours!