THE PRACTICE OF TA^c ADDUD AL-ZAWJAH UNDER SHARIAH AND NEO-IJTIHAD CHALLENGES AMONG THE CONTEMPORARY MUSLIMS

The practice of Taaddud al-Zawjah (polygyny) among the contemporary Muslims has been criticized by some scholars of Islam in their juristic exercise of neo - Ijtihad despite the fact that the practice is permitted under Shariah. This study aims at having a critical look at the practice of Taaddud al-Zawjah in different Jahiliyyah societies, religious circle and under Shariah during the time of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the first generation of Muslims. Then, the study examines neo-Ijtihad legal exercise of some scholars of Islam and its influence on the contemporary Muslims.