
Emir of Zazzau Urges Muslim Men to Marry One Wife
On March 26, 2025, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, advised Muslim men facing financial challenges to consider limiting themselves to one wife to better provide for and nurture responsible families.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 30th annual Ramadan lecture organized by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir expressed concern over the negative impact of polygamy, noting that many family leaders are failing to fulfill their obligations.
He emphasized that while Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, this right does not necessarily mean that every man is financially capable of supporting multiple families. He cited examples from his palace, where some men have over 50 children, questioning how they can adequately care for such a large number of dependents.
The Emir also called for changes in the Islamiyya education system to better incorporate teachings on the rights of girls, believing that this shift could lead to more progressive communities.
In Islamic teachings, polygyny is permissible when justice between wives is guaranteed. However, scholars have noted that if a man fears he cannot deal justly with multiple wives, he should marry only one. This perspective aligns with the Emir’s advice, highlighting the importance of financial and emotional capability in fulfilling marital responsibilities