The Qur'an (Koran) is the word of God, revealed through the Prophet Muhammad. However it is read and understoon by mortal men, limited in insights and intelligence. It is intended alike for the educated and the illiterate. How then, can anyone say what God meant by His Revelation?
The Qur'an can be understood in four different ways: 1) the popular, suitable for the common man, 2) the inner or hidden meaning, 3) the boundaries of what is permitted and what is prohibited, and 4) what is meant by God. The Qur'an must be read with head, heart and soul. It can never be wholly understood literally since the text goes beyond itself to a reality which cannot adequately be expressed in words and concepts.
One, single theme from the Qur'an is that of polygamy versus monogamy. Muhammad clearly intended monogamy for His followers as illustrated by the following two versus:
"...marry women of your choice, two or three or four. But if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them, then only one..." (4:3) Then, in the same chapter, Muhammad goes on to say, "And you cannot do justice between wives, even though you wish it". (4:129) Surely God knows better than we what man can and cannot do. This clearly implies a definite and overriding prohibition of polygamy.
It is on the basis of these verses from the Holy Qur'an that the government of Tunisia, a Moslem nation, has banned polygamy.
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Comments: 20
Great article!
The Koran seems to be a rather imprecise book in it's plans and admonitions. Like the Bible, it has given rise to many different beliefs by it's adherents. Neither Mohamed nor Jesus felt they could teach things openly and directly without repercussions from the faithful or total lack of understanding. I understand fully why Jesus had to couch his teachings in non-specific parables but my knowledge of the Koran is very limited.
There are examples of Polygamy found in their lives. There is no absolute denial for Polygamy in the Quran but only discouragement due to obvious reasons.