Polygamy: Reality and Perspective
Polygamy in Syria is legally permitted according to Islamic law, which allows a man to marry more than one woman, provided he treats them equally.
This practice is linked to the traditions and religious beliefs of Syrian society. In addition to religious aspects, there are social and economic factors that may influence the acceptance of polygamy, such as economic status, the need for family support, and the gender demographic balance, especially under difficult circumstances like wars and conflicts.
It’s important to note that views on polygamy can vary among individuals and communities, with ongoing discussions on this topic in Syria and other societies where polygamy is permitted.
Current State of Polygamy:
Before the revolution and war, polygamy in Syria was less common compared to after the war. In 2010, the rate of polygamy in Damascus was about 5%. However, after the outbreak of the Syrian war and the resulting social and economic changes, this rate significantly increased during the war.
Many Syrian women faced difficult circumstances due to the loss of husbands or their migration, leading to an increase in polygamy. By 2015, the polygamy rate in Damascus reached about 30% according to some statistics, with a noted increase in marriages involving women who lost their husbands or faced difficult living conditions.
After the war, women faced tough choices, finding themselves deciding between remaining unmarried or accepting to be a second or third wife. This led to new legislation attempting to restrict taking a third wife. However, the phenomenon still sparks much debate and diverse opinions in Syrian society.
It’s noteworthy that the Kurdish Administration in northern Syria has banned polygamy, reflecting the diversity in legal and social situations within the country and showing how the war has affected marital relations and social conditions in Syria.
In-Depth on the Issue:
Women’s opinions in Syria on polygamy are diverse and reflect a variety of social and cultural positions. Some women express their displeasure with this practice, especially when it’s seen as a solution to social or economic problems. Some journalistic reports indicate a widespread dissatisfaction among women and the general public towards the idea of polygamy, expressed through social media and media reports. On the other hand, some women see polygamy as a solution to some of the situations caused by war and economic crises, but this view is not without controversy. There are reports that some women suffer from injustice and lack of fairness in such relationships, where it is difficult for a man to treat his wives equally.
The topic of polygamy in Syria continues to provoke ongoing debates and reflects the challenges faced by women in Syrian society, especially under current circumstances.
There is no specific information on the female-to-male ratio in northern Syria, but it can be concluded from observations and experiences that there are significant challenges facing women in northern Syria, including a low percentage of employed females and low levels of education and cultural awareness. The Syrian civil war has led to major demographic changes, including the loss of many men, leading to an increase in the proportion of households headed by women.
Civil Stance on Polygamy:
The civil stance on polygamy varies greatly based on culture, local laws, and religious beliefs. In some cultures, polygamy is allowed, while in others, it may be banned or restricted. For example, in some Islamic countries like Egypt and Morocco, polygamy is allowed but under legal and religious conditions.
In other countries, like Iraq and Tunisia, polygamy is prohibited.
Even in cultures that allow polygamy, there can be significant differences in opinion among individuals about whether this practice is acceptable.
Conclusion:
The reality of polygamy is complex.
The religion in northern Syria, Islam, accepts the idea of polygamy; therefore, it will be difficult to reject the idea of polygamy as a concept and law. Except for the autonomous administration areas, the law in all Syrian regions permits and legitimizes polygamy.
Thus, we recommend the following at the Family Office:
- Focus on marrying single young men and women and prioritize it.
- The practice of polygamy does not seem prevalent in northern Syria, possibly due to economic conditions, but also due to the high level of civil awareness among the Syrian people and women’s rights.
- Avoid conflict with the concept of polygamy and work to raise awareness about women’s rights and their fundamental right to accept or reject polygamy, in addition to their economic, family, and domestic rights.
- Polygamy is considered a social solution for some issues we have observed and experienced, such as a brother marrying his deceased brother’s wife to care for her children after losing or distancing their family or due to their poverty.
Wheeba Al-Masri
Family Affairs Office
Research and Studies Department
Articles
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)
