Title: Where it is Illegal to take a Second Wife Question: As you know Islam allows polygamy provided that certain conditions are fulfilled. If a married Muslim is resident of Canada or USA, the law in these countries does not allow polygamy. Is there any way that a married Muslim being resident in one of these countries may still remarry? What does Islam advocate under these conditions? Please reply as soon as possible. Asad Latif Answer: Islam wants people to live as law abiding citizens of the state and does not, under any circumstances, promote or advocate anarchy and lawlessness. The only exception to this general rule is where a Muslim is forced into disobedience towards God and His messenger (pbuh). Keeping the foregoing principle in perspective, it should be clear that if the state law does not allow a person to marry more than one wife, then a Muslim must refrain from taking a second wife. Regards, Moiz Amjad January 2, 2002