Russian SAM revokes fatwa on permissibility of polygamy among Muslims

The Russian General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) has made a submission to the Chairman of the Russia Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) on the need to eliminate violations of the law in connection with the fatwa on the permissibility of polygamy. Citing this submission and the reaction of the public, the SAM has revoked the fatwa. This was reported by Shamil Alyautdinov, the Chairman of the SAM's Council, in his Telegram channel.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 19, the Ulems' Council of the Russian SAM issued a fatwa which states that polygamy among Muslim men in Russia is permissible; a Muslim can be in a religious marriage with four women provided his fair and equal treatment of all the wives.

Ramzan Kadyrov has repeatedly spoken out in support of polygamy.

In its submission to the SAM Chairman, the Russian GPO has stated that the fatwa permitting polygamy contradicts the law and the principles of the state family policy in strengthening the traditional Russian moral values, the RIA "Novosti" has reported.

The GPO has noted that the Family Code of the Russian Federation does not allow citizens' marriage if one of them is already in another registered marriage; while religious organizations can act in accordance with their internal regulations only if they do not contradict the legislation.

In July 2017, information was spread in Chechnya that the republic leader had issued a decree on the creation of a commission in the Muftiate (the local SAM) to form a tolerant attitude towards polygamy; and officials are required to enter into second and third marriages. The Muftiate and the Chechen Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) refuted this information.