Suspension of Polygamy in Arab Legislations: Benefits and Drawbacks - A Comparative Study

Abstract

This article delves into the contentious issue of polygamy within Arab legal frameworks, examining its substantial impact on family cohesion and the divergent legislative responses it elicits. The disparity in legislative approaches—ranging from permissive stances to stringent restrictions, and even criminalization—reflects broader societal and jurisprudential debates. These divergent stances have profound implications, as families face instability issues, such as polygamy through unofficial contracts, increased spinsterhood, and youth aversion to marriage, coupled with a rise in familial crimes, including cheating, adultery and prostitution, leading to more children born out of wedlock. This study underscores the critical necessity for harmonized legislative amendments across Arab jurisdictions to regulate polygamy and standardize judicial practices accordingly.