تعدد ازواج پر برصغیر کے عقلیت پسند مفسرین کی قرآنی تعبیرات کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

A REVIEW OF THE QUR'ANIC INTERPRETATIONS OF THE SUBCONTINENT'S RATIONALIST COMMENTATORS ON POLYGAMY

Abstract

The interpretation of polygamy in Islam has been a subject of debate among various schools of thought, particularly between rationalist and traditionalist scholars. Rationalist exegists approach the concept of polygamy by emphasizing ethical, social, and contextual factors rather than adhering strictly to literalist interpretations. They argue that the Quranic permission for polygamy (Surah An-Nisa: 3) is conditional and primarily aimed at addressing social justice concerns, particularly for orphans and widows, rather than promoting unrestricted multiple marriages.

Rationalist scholars often stress the Quranic injunction of justice among wives (Surah An-Nisa: 129), highlighting that practical application of absolute justice is nearly impossible. This perspective leads them to consider monogamy as the default marital system, with polygamy as an exception rather than a norm. They also contextualize polygamy in light of modern social dynamics, arguing that its practice should align with contemporary ethical and legal standards. 

This paper explores how rationalist mufasreen interpret polygamy differently from traditionalist scholars, examining their methodologies, historical contexts, and contemporary implications. By analyzing key exegeses and scholarly opinions, the study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of polygamy in Islam from a rationalist perspective.