The Concept of Polygamy in Different Religions With Special Reference to Syed Ameer Ali's Book “ Spirit of Islam” (Part Three)

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 25 September 2025 Abstract: Syed Ameer Ali, in The Spirit of Islam, explores the historical and religious roots of polygamy. He explains that almost all ancient civilisations, including Hindus, Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others, practised polygamy in different forms. Islam, however, is unfairly criticised despite placing clear moral limits on it. Ameer Ali compares Islam’s balanced teachings with other religions using authentic sources, showing that Islam protects women’s dignity and rights. He avoids bias and promotes mutual respect among faiths. His work highlights how understanding different religions truthfully can build harmony, especially in a pluralistic society. His writing reflects deep study, fairness, and religious tolerance. Main Points: 1. Polygamy existed in nearly all ancient cultures and religions. 2. Islam limited polygamy with strict rules protecting women's rights. 3. Syed Ameer Ali studied religions with honesty and fairness. 4. e promoted interfaith respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence. 5. Historical context helps explain his defence of Islamic teachings. ----- Polygamy and Religions The concept of polygamy has existed among almost all nations, tribes, and civilisations of the world. What is surprising is that only Islam’s concept of polygamy is objected to, while other religions and cultures are often overlooked in this regard. Syed Ameer Ali, in his book "The Spirit of Islam", has discussed this topic in a very refined and scholarly manner. He writes: "Polygamy was an accepted institution among all the ancient Eastern nations. Since kings, who were often seen as having divine attributes, practised it, the custom became sacred in the eyes of the common people. Among Hindus, both polygyny (a man having multiple wives) and polyandry (a woman having multiple husbands) were practiced from ancient times. Like the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians, Hindu men could have numerous wives at the same time. Even today, a Brahmin of high caste may marry as many women as he wishes. Among the Israelites, even before the time of Moses, polygamy was a common practice. Moses did not abolish it, nor did he put any limit on the number of wives a man could marry. Later, the Jerusalem Talmud laid down the condition that a man could only marry as many women as he could financially support. Although some Rabbis were of the opinion that a man should not have more than four wives. Among the nations of Thrace, Lydia, and Phrygia, who lived in parts of Europe and Western Asia, polygamy became so excessive that no other nation could match them in this matter. In Athens, which was considered the most cultured and civilised among ancient nations, a wife was merely a possession — something to be bought and sold, or even transferred through a will. In fact, she was often seen as a burden, only necessary for running the household and bearing children. Athenian men were allowed to have countless wives. Demosthenes proudly mentions that in his society, there were three classes of women — two of which were for marriage and semi-marriage arrangements. In Sparta, men were generally not allowed to have more than one wife except in special circumstances. However, women were allowed to have multiple husbands simultaneously — and this practice was widely followed. In the early stages of the Roman Empire, the circumstances likely did not allow for legal recognition of polygamy. Regardless of the true history behind the story of the rape of the Sabine women, the mere existence of the story shows the reasons why Romans devised such primitive marriage laws. In the neighbouring states — especially among the Etruscans — polygamy was a norm, although some exceptions existed. The Romans came into contact with many such cultures during two centuries of warfare and conquest. The success and prosperity that followed introduced them to luxurious lifestyles. Gradually, the sanctity of marriage in Rome became a mere saying. Although polygamy was not legally permitted, after the Punic Wars and Rome's triumphs, women began to aspire for the same enjoyment and benefits of a successful empire. These desires were fulfilled by their husbands and lovers, driven by self-indulgence. With the support of state laws, concubinage (keeping mistresses) became an accepted and privileged institution. Women had open freedom, and their relationships with men were loose. Frequent exchanges of wives and casual relationships all pointed towards the practice of polygamy, even if it wasn't called by that name. Meanwhile, the early Christianity that began preaching on the shores of Galilee started to influence the world. Influenced by the Essenes, and believing that the Kingdom of Heaven was about to be established, they encouraged a negative view of married life, though they never explicitly forbade it." (The Spirit of Islam, pp. 358–361) Historical Perspective on Women’s Status In almost all ancient civilisations and religions, the social and religious status of women was extremely low and fragile — a fact which Syed Ameer Ali has highlighted in his book "The Spirit of Islam". Today, those who criticise Islam’s system of polygamy need to study world history with fairness and an open mind. Islam, in contrast, has laid down clear and honourable rules regarding women’s dignity, chastity, and protection. These elevate the status and value of women in society. As we have seen above, Syed Ameer Ali conducted an in-depth and broad study of not just Islam, but also of many other civilisations, religions, and cultures. This is why his book contains numerous references to sacred Hindu texts, Jewish and Christian scriptures, and even the Zoroastrian holy book Avesta. These references are strong evidence that Syed Ameer Ali not only studied other religions but also compared them to Islam with honesty and fairness. Contextual Relevance of “The Spirit of Islam” It’s important to note that Syed Ameer Ali wrote "The Spirit of Islam" during the British colonial era in India, a time when Christian missionaries were actively promoting Christianity in various cities. Naturally, this context influenced the author’s focus, which is why the book often compares Islam with Christianity, to convey the message that Islam is a religion of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. However, he also discussed other religions where relevant. While reading this book, one must keep in mind the social, political, and religious background of the time in which it was written. When an author writes something, they are certainly aware of the circumstances of their time and consider them carefully. Therefore, "The Spirit of Islam" not only introduces us to Islamic teachings and philosophy, but also provides insights into Islamic civilisation, and helps us understand the social systems and religious ideologies of other civilisations. In my view, this is Syed Ameer Ali’s distinct contribution — one that strengthens his thoughts and theories. The religious comparative discussions in this book are not only well-reasoned and credible but also deeply intellectual and thoughtful. Importantly, in all his references to other religions, Syed Ameer Ali avoids unfair criticism or bias. This is a rare and commendable quality in the field of religious studies — one that promotes harmony and strengthens international understanding in diverse and pluralistic societies. ----- Other Parts of the Article: Syed Ameer Ali: Views On The Hindu Worship And The Caste System (Part One) Syed Ameer Ali’s Views on The Concept of Worship in Hinduism, Zoroastrians, Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Part Two) ----- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/polygamy-religions-reference-ameer-ali-spirit-part-three/d/136974 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism