Kebenaran Poligami: court approval before marrying again

Kebenaran poligami is the written approval from the Syariah Court that a husband must obtain before he can validly marry a second, third, or fourth wife.

This application involves the court examining the husband’s financial capacity, the reason poligami is sought, and the existing wife’s views, since she has the right to be informed and heard before a decision is made. The court also assesses whether the husband can treat all wives fairly in terms of maintenance and treatment.

If the marriage goes ahead without this approval, the husband can face action, and the existing wife may be entitled to claim her mas kahwin or certain gifts as compensation.

To understand the effect on the existing wife, read poligami and a wife’s rights, or see poligami for the general concept.