The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Russia has abolished polygamy after criticism from the Prosecutor General's Office
The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Russia has withdrawn a fatwa allowing polygamy. This decision was made after the Prosecutor General's Office submitted a corresponding submission. This was reported by the chairman of the council of ulemas (scholars and theologians) Shamil Alyautdinov.
According to him, the SAM "sees no point in engaging in polemics" and is withdrawing the fatwa. He also explained this by "the reaction of the Russian public."
On December 19, the deputy chairman of the SAM Council of Ulema, the mufti of Moscow Ildar Alyautdinov announced the decision to allow polygamy in Russian Muslims, provided that the husband treats his wives equally, in particular, with equal attention and financial support. The discussion was about the possibility of a man simultaneously entering into a second, third or even fourth religious marriage. Chairman of the Russian Muslim Spiritual Directorate Ravil Gainutdin stated that the theological fatwa allowing polygamy does not violate secular legislation and is aimed at protecting wives and children.
"We are not talking about a civil marriage registered with the civil registry office, but about a religious marriage, which is an internal matter of the Muslim community and, as a form of worship, is fully regulated only by the internal regulations of religion," Gainutdin emphasized.
However, on December 23, the Prosecutor General's Office submitted a representation to the chairman of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate. The decision is related to the fact that the adopted fatwa "contradicts the current legislation and the principles of state family policy in the field of preserving and strengthening traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." The State Duma also had a negative attitude towards polygamy.
"Today, there is no reason to assert that an exception can be made for someone in Russia and polygamy can be introduced. This is a disrespectful attitude towards Russian women," said deputy Vitaly Milonov.
