Regarding Some Muslim Social Norms... My first question/concern is on the idea of polygamy. Do Muslims believe in having multiple wives? And if so, is it stated in the Qur'an that this is not only acceptable but standard behavior of Muslims? My second question/concern is, do Muslims share their wives with other friends who are Muslim for pleasure purposes? Is this typical behavior of a Muslim husband? And if so, again is it stated in the Qur'an that this is acceptable? I am concerned with these issues because I feel I have found the person I want to marry. However, He is Muslim and I was baptized a Catholic, therefore, I am concerned with these issues. Although I agree with the Muslim's belief in God, the Angels and the Prophets, the Day of Judgment and The Will of God, I am not too familiar with the Qur'an just yet and am concerned with these issues because I do not believe in polygamy or the idea of sharing wives, (being baptized a Catholic), and could never marry anyone who did. Please help me in understanding these issues a little more clearly and in making an important decision. Thank you very much! Reply Polygamy is more of a socio-cultural rather than a religious issue. There are certain societies where polygamy is an accepted social norm, while in others it is not. Moreover, polygamy is not a part of the Muslim belief, it may be termed as an acceptable social norm in places like Saudi Arabia and some other Arabian regions, but it cannot be termed as an element of Muslim belief. As far as the reference of polygamy in the Qur'an is concerned, the Qur'an has neither encouraged nor condemned polygamy, per se. The Qur'an has only referred to this standard and acceptable practice of the Arabs, of the time of the revelation of the Qur'an, while prompting Muslims to take care of the orphans in the society. In the particular context of stimulating Muslims on taking care of the orphans in the society, the Qur'an has directed them that if by marrying the mothers of these orphans, they would be in a better position to support and take care of these orphans, then they may marry their mothers. Thus, in fact, the Qur'an has only referred to an already existing social norm of the society in which it was revealed, in the context of a socio-moral issue. Polygamy, per se, is not an issue discussed by the Qur'an. As far as your second question is concerned, Islam is an advocate of piety, Hayaa [1] and chastity. Islam is miles away from approving any such abhorrent practice as you have mentioned in your question. It considers such acts to be fornication and recommends severe punishments for them. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad Home Page [1] Hayaa , over here refers to: "the suppression of sexual behavior within certain limits and the avoidance of instigating sexual attraction beyond those limits". According to the Qur'an, Hayaa is one of the primary values, which, besides a few other values, provides the basis for not only moral behavior, but also a sound society.