The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia (DUM) has officially sanctioned polygamy for male Muslims residing within the country. Announced on December 19, the ruling allows men to enter up to four religious marriages, conditioned on equitable treatment among all wives.
During the announcement, Ildar Alyautdinov, the Deputy Chairman of the DUM and the Mufti of Moscow, elaborated on the reasons behind the allowance for multiple marriages. He explained, "It is permitted if the first wife is unable to bear children due to health issues, reaches the end of her reproductive age, experiences sexual incompatibility, or explicitly does not wish to have children." These statements were reported by RIA Novosti.
Alyautdinov emphasized the importance of fairness and equality among wives, which must manifest through equal financial support, separate housing for each, and equal time spent with each wife, as agreed upon. "If these conditions are not met, the man will be prohibited from entering polygamous marriages," he stated.
The religious guidance notes additional responsibilities for men seeking to marry again. Before initiating another marriage, the existing wife must be informed of the husband's intentions to remarry. Failure to do so grants her the right to demand the dissolution of the marriage contract (nikah). This reflects the administration's commitment to protecting women's rights, even if currently, Russian law recognizes only one civil marriage.
While this religious allowance adds a framework for those engaged in polygamous relationships, it underlines the legal ambiguity surrounding such unions within Russian law, which prohibits individuals from entering multiple registered marriages simultaneously. "Our fatwa will assist women who are only religiously married to secure their rights," noted Alyautdinov, highlighting the necessity of ensuring women's rights are safeguarded within these unique marital contexts.
The legal framework for marriage within Russia prohibits any individual who is already married from entering another official marriage {according to the Family Code}. Despite this, the official recognition of religious marriages introduces complexity, particularly for families striving for acknowledgment of their rights.
Critics have responded to the announcement with concern, citing potential conflicts with traditional values and constitutional mandates. Nina Ostanina, head of the State Duma's committee on family and children's affairs, expressed skepticism about the impact of such practices, questioning the fairness and equality it purportedly promotes. She posed challenging questions about the nature of polygamy and its alignment with gender equality as mandated by the Russian Constitution.
A significant part of the debate surrounding polygamy also touches on child welfare and societal values. Ostanina warned of the potential for economic and educational deprivation for the children within polygamous families, casting doubt on the long-term benefits of such arrangements.
This development follows prior calls from certain regional authorities, including those from Chechnya, advocating for the legalization of polygamy based on cultural practices. Certain figures within the Chechen leadership have previously argued for regulation of polygamous unions, reflecting similar sentiments echoed by Alyautdinov's statement.
Advocates for polygamy within the Russian Muslim community assert it serves as a response to both demographic challenges and social needs. They argue it can provide structured support for single mothers and their children, addressing societal gaps. Nonetheless, the fatwa issued by the DUM places significant responsibility on men to maintain equitability and compliance with stipulated conditions.
Despite the allowance for polygamous marriages, the underlying tension between religious practices and legal structures remains palpable within Russia. The need for clarification on how the DUM's guidelines would be enforced, and how women's rights would be protected remains unclear. The complexity of this issue is expected to spark continued discussions on marriage norms within the region, reflecting broader tensions between modern legal frameworks and traditional practices.
Whether this new religious direction will have tangible effects on the Muslim community's family structures and its wider societal acceptance remains uncertain. For now, the regulations provided by the DUM guide Muslims toward ethical polygamous practices, aiming to balance traditional beliefs with contemporary realities.
