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Syabas to Y Madjati for speaking up on the truth about how Muslims, particularly in Malaysia, have conveniently interpreted a message in the Quran to their benefit. She has correctly quoted one of the Prophet's (PBUH) and the Quran's intentions of allowing a Muslim to take up to four wives.

There may be more, but I know of three other circumstances under which a Muslim is permitted to take a subsequent wife - when the man is regularly away from home for a prolonged period, when his current wife is physically disabled, or when his current wife suffers from a fertility disorder and therefore cannot bear him a child.

I have yet to meet a friend or know of someone with two or more wives who satisfy any one of these conditions. Instead, they have come up with their own interpretation of circumstances and rights for taking on a second and subsequent wife, and these are most likely to satisfy their ego and lust.

Those responsible for drawing up the current Islamic Family Law bill must bear in mind that polygamy is not compulsory in Islam and should not be encouraged unless the man satisfies at least one of the prescribed circumstances. Otherwise the ones to suffer most will be the children - neglected, deprived of parental love, care and attention, and in some cases, of the value of money when it is used as a substitute for all that the children are deprived of.

There was a news report in a local Malay daily recently that highlighted the dark side of polygamy - a couple could not marry because the bride's parents were married in Narathiwat, Thailand 29 years ago and personnel from the Religious Department informed her they were doubtful of the authenticity of her parents' marriage certificate. Why should the daughter be made to suffer for the consequences of polygamy?

Islam will continue to be viewed from its negative aspects. And yet, there are many other teachings of Islam that have somehow been overlooked by those responsible for its implementation, such as the prohibition of incest and corruption which are rampant amongst Muslims here.

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