This, however, does not imply that a man must give up the option of plural marriage for fear of such problems, for polygyny is legally sanctioned when a man is able to shoulder it in terms of physical strength, financial capacity, and equitable treatment. In that case he is encouraged to marry more than one wife so that offspring multiply and the Muslim community grows. But if he fears that he will not be fair, Allah Most High has said: “If you fear that you will not deal justly, then (marry) only one, or those whom your right hands possess; that is more likely that you will not commit injustice” (Q 4:3).

In conclusion, it is unlawful for anyone to describe a woman to a man who is not her maḥram unless a Sharīʿah-approved reason exists. Among the forbidden practices that fall under this ruling is what some foolish people do: they boast before their friends and colleagues, saying, “My wife is beautiful,” and then parade her features—“her face is such-and-such, her eyes are such-and-such, her mouth is such-and-such,” and the like. This is prohibited, for the Prophet ﷺ forbade it. Allah is the One who grants success.