Russia’s Muslim leaders greenlight polygamy

The decision has sparked criticism from lawmakers and the Russian Orthodox Church

Russia’s top Islamic authority will allow Muslim men to enter into multiple religious marriages and have up to four wives. The Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) said Friday that the new fatwa was issued following the body’s meeting earlier this week.

The decision aligns with Islamic traditions but contradicts Russian civil law, which prohibits polygamy.