The ruling on having more than

Q 1: there is a man who is married to five wives; should he be stoned or not? What is the ruling on his children of the fifth wife; will they be considered illegitimate children or not?

A: The legal proofs indicate that no one other than the Prophet (peace be upon him) is permitted to marry more than four wives according to the majority of scholars. The only exception in this regard is the opinion of Shi`ah which should not be taken into account as long as it contradicts the opinion of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream). As for the ruling on a person who does so and the ruling on the children born by the fifth wife, it should be issued by the legal judge. He should issue the ruling according to Shari`ah and according to the knowledge, case and status of those who do so. (Part No. 18; Page No. 258) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.