What the Bible Says…
In Jerusalem David took more wives… (1 Chronicles 14:3).
He (Solomon) had seven hundred wives (1 kings 11:3).
What the Qur'an Says…
If you fear that shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, then 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, or slaves that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice. And give the women on marriage their dowry (money given by the husband to his wife) with a good heart. (Qur'an, 4:3,4).
Commentary…
The Bible does not prohibit polygamy and most of the Old Testament Prophets were polygamous. Criticizing polygamy implies criticizing those Messengers, and this should not be acceptable to any true Jew, Christian or Muslim.
Unlike the Bible, the Qur'an limits polygamy to a maximum of four wives provided that the husband deals with them justly. If not, then only one wife is allowed. Therefore, polygamy is not one of the pillars of Islam but a restricted permission! The Qur'an did not invent polygamy but limited it.
Islam allows polygamy not merely for the satisfaction of desires but as a solution to certain social problems. It is very clear that if the number of women in any society is equal to the number of men, then every man will marry one woman and as result, no man can marry more than one woman. However, if the number of women is more than that of men, then polygamy is without doubt better than leaving some women without husbands which may result in fornication, prostitution, homosexuality, diseases, and illegitimate children. Therefore, many women, who could not get married, find in polygamy the right way to satisfy their emotions and enjoy the pleasure of having family and children.
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