Lecture Notes on Polygamy and Religious Teachings

Introduction

• Question raised about the Islamic teaching of a man having four wives.
• Context provided by Shaikh Ahmed Didat in his lecture "Christ in Islam" in Melbourne, Australia.

Question on Polygamy

• A female questioner raised concerns about polygamy sounding sexist.
• Polygamy perceived as degrading to women.
• The speaker indicated this topic was slightly off-subject but agreed to address it.

Common Misconception

• Westerners often ask about the number of wives a person from Saudi Arabia has.
• Example of a friend, Kareem Billadin, who addresses this question in America.

Societal Context

• In the U.S., there are 7.8 million more women than men.
• If every man married, 7.8 million women would remain unmarried.
  • Factors affecting marriage among men, such as cold feet and personal insecurities.
• The speaker describes how some men find excuses to avoid marriage.

The Case for Polygamy

• Polygamy is presented as a solution to the demographic imbalance.
• Islam permits marrying women by twos, threes, or fours, provided justice can be maintained.
• The Quran is unique in its allowance and guideline of marrying only one if justice cannot be achieved.

Islamic Teachings

• The Quran explicitly states the possibility of having multiple wives.
• The emphasis on justice and fairness among multiple wives is crucial.

Discussion on Biblical Authority and Submission

• Acknowledgment of the speaker's knowledge of the Bible.
• The concept of submission to the authority of God as presented in both the Quran and the Bible.
• Discussion around Jesus' teachings, law, and commandments.

Contradictions in Beliefs

• Addressing the belief that the law of the Old Testament is no longer valid.
• Discussion of Jesus’ teachings regarding commandments and the law.
• The concept of Jesus as the authority on love and righteousness.

The Spirit of Truth

• Reference to the Holy Spirit guiding believers into truth.
• The speaker suggests that Muhammad fulfills this role as the Spirit of Truth according to the Bible.

Conclusion

• The speaker challenges prejudices and encourages audience members to analyze teachings objectively.
• Emphasis on judging by the fruits of the teachings, such as sobriety and reduced racism in Muslim communities.
• Encouragement to explore and understand Islamic principles and their societal impacts.