Islam_in_Focus_text

down to a minimum many psychological, natural and emo-
tional complications of human life. It is a precautionary
measure to be applied in the best interest of ali parties con-
cerned. Yet it is no article of Faith in Islam nor is it an in-
junction; it is merely a permission from God, a solution of
some of the most difficult problems in human relations.
Muslims maintain that legal and conditional polygamy is
preferable to the other courses that many people take nowa-
days, people who pride themselves on nominal marriage and
superficial monogamy. The Muslim stand is this: under nor-
mal circumstances, monogamy is not only preferable but is
the rule. Otherwise, polygamy may be considered and ap-
plied if necessary.
To complete the discussion one has to examine the mar-
riages of Prophet Muhammad. These marriages are no prob-
lem for a Muslim who understands the ideal character of the
Prophet and the circumstances under which his marriages
were contracted. But quite often they stand as a stumbling
block for non-Muslims to understand the personality of the
Prophet, and cause irresponsible and premature conclusions,
which are not to the credit of Islam or the Prophet. Here we
shall not give any conclusions of our own or denounce the
conclusions of others. We shall present certain facts and let
the readers see for themselves.
i . The
institution of marriage as such enjoys a very high
status in Islam. It is highly commendable and essential for
the sound survival of society.