Reframing Polygamy: Positive Impacts on Marriage from the Perspective of First Wives in Malaysia

Nur Nadeera Faseeha binti Rozli; Zul-kifli  Hussin

doi:10.70742/ahlika.v2i1.175

Authors

Nur Nadeera Faseeha binti Rozli Jabatan Syariah, Fakulti Pengajian Islam, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, Bukit Chandan, 33000 Bandar DiRaja Kuala Kangsar, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Zul-kifli Hussin Pensyarah Jabatan Syariah, Fakulti Pengajian Islam, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, Bukit Chandan, 33000 Bandar DiRaja Kuala Kangsar, Perak Darul Ridzuan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70742/ahlika.v2i1.175

Keywords:

First Wife, Polygamy, Positive effects, Marital Experience

Abstract

Marriage is a fundamental requirement in Sharia, frequently emphasized in the Qur'an, with one of its objectives being to preserve lineage (maqasid hifz al-nasb), whether through monogamous or polygamous unions. While polygamy is often portrayed negatively in academic discourse, studies focusing on its positive impact—particularly from the perspective of first wives—are notably scarce. This study aims to explore the positive effects of polygamy as experienced by first wives in Malaysia. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Informants were selected using purposive snowball sampling. Thematic and content analysis techniques were used to interpret the findings. The study reveals three key positive effects: (1) a strengthened dependence on Allah SWT, (2) the softening of ego through interpersonal reflections, and (3) the husband's fulfillment of responsibilities, reflecting his qualification for polygamy..

Keyword: First Wife, Polygamy, Positive Effects, Marital Experience, Religious Perspective

Abstrak: Pernikahan merupakan salah satu ketentuan mendasar dalam syariat yang sering ditekankan dalam Al-Qur’an, dengan salah satu tujuannya adalah menjaga keturunan (maq??id ?if? al-nasab), baik melalui hubungan monogami maupun poligami. Meskipun poligami kerap digambarkan secara negatif dalam diskursus akademik, kajian yang menyoroti dampak positifnya—khususnya dari perspektif istri pertama—masih sangat terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi efek positif poligami sebagaimana dialami oleh para istri pertama di Malaysia. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kualitatif, dengan metode pengumpulan data berupa wawancara semi-terstruktur dan analisis dokumen. Pemilihan informan dilakukan melalui teknik snowball sampling secara purposif. Teknik analisis tematik dan analisis isi digunakan dalam pengolahan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tiga dampak positif utama: (1) meningkatnya ketergantungan spiritual kepada Allah SWT, (2) pelunakan ego melalui refleksi relasional, dan (3) pemenuhan tanggung jawab oleh suami sebagai indikator kelayakan dalam berpoligami.

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