Polygamy in Islamic Law and Algerian Family Law

Polygamy has been practiced since ancient times and was widespread in human societies. However, it was not regulated and had no specific limitations on the number of wives a man could marry. With the advent of Islamic law, polygamy was structured, its rules were refined, and strict conditions and limitations were imposed, including not having more than four wives, and being fair between wives. Arab family laws have addressed polygamy based on Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), with varying approaches some expanding its scope, others restricting it, and some prohibiting it altogether. The Algerian Family Law is among those that have regulated polygamy within a defined legal framework.