An Erroneous Idea Regarding Plurality

Question :

Some people say that marrying more than one wife is not permissible except for one who has orphans in his care, and he fears to do them injustice, so he marries the mother or one of the girls. And they cite as evidence the Words of Allah, Most High:
"And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four."

We request Your Eminence to explain the truth in this matter.

Answer:

This saying is invalid; the meaning of the Noble Verse is. that if any of you has a female orphan under his guardianship, and he fears that he will not give the same dowry that he would give to another, then he should look towards another, because they are many, and Allah has not restricted him.

The Verse proves that it is lawful to marry two, three, or four, because chastity will be more complete and it is a means of averting the eyes, and protecting the private parts (from illegal sexual intercourse)-and because it is the means of increasing the population, and protecting the modesty of women, and acting with benevolence towards them, and financially supporting them.

There is no doubt that a woman who has half of a husband, or a third or a quarter of him, is better off than one who has no husband. But (plurality is permissible) on condition that justice and fairness are observed in the matter, and that one has the ability to do it. But whoever feared that he would be unjust should content himself with one along, with the slaves that his right hand possesses. This is also proved and confirmed by the action of the Prophet, because when he died, he had nine wives and Allah, Most High has said:
"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much."

He made clear to his community that it is not permissible for any one of them to marry more than four, therefore it is known that following his model of behavior is by marrying four or less.

Anything more than that is a special dispensation for him may peace and blessings be upon him.

Source:
Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 5 Pages 354-355