Does a man need permission from his first wife before he can take a second wife?
A man does not need permission from his first wife before taking on a second wife. That is the simple and technical answer. However, it would certainly be recommended that he share this with his first wife and prepare her for it. It is assumed that he wants to keep both wives. Therefore, should he spring it on her, this may cause the first wife to become extremely upset and ask for a divorce or at least cause other serious problems. A man must approach these matters wisely and try to make things as easy as possible. No doubt, most women would find difficulty in dealing with the matter, but if she were to understand that this is the law of Allaah (i.e. permissibility of taking on more than one wife) and so forth, it would become easier Inshaa Allaah.
