KUALA TERENGGANU: The Syariah High Court here yesterday postponed its decision on whether to allow a man to take a fourth wife even though his three current wives consented to it.

Judge Shaikh Ahmad Ismail ordered lorry driver Mohamed Nor Awang, 57, from Kampung Tok Fakir in Merchang, Marang and whose monthly income is RM1,500, to provide strong reasons for him to take another wife.

Shaikh Ahmad said the court feared that with such an income and already having three wives and 18 children aged between four and 34, he would be in no position to support another wife and treat all his wives equally.

“From the syarak point of view, the court cannot give Mohamed Nor the permission to marry yet another woman if the court has that fear.

“He is also getting old. But the court is using its discretion to give him the opportunity to submit strong reasons for him to take another wife.

“I find it rather strange because since becoming a (syariah) judge, this is the first time where all three wives not only allow their husband to marry another woman but are very supportive of it,” he said during the hearing of Mohamed Nor’s application.

Shaikh Ahmad who was always seen smiling during the hearing, repeatedly asked the three wives who were present in court, whether they allowed their husband to marry again.

The three, Wan Rukiah Mat Yusof, 52, Kalthom Dollah, 39, and Noraini Daud, 40, said they were all willing to share Mohamed Nor with prospective fourth wife, clerk Suzi Sulong, 34, from Jalan Sekolah Kebangsaan Chendering.

“I am puzzled why they are allowing their husband to marry again. Don’t they love him? Personally, I find it difficult to allow his application, considering his monthly income of RM1,500. How to support so many children?” said Shaikh Ahmad who fixed May 18 for Mohamed Nor to submit to the court, more convincing reasons for him to marry again.

The judge also ordered Mohamed Nor, who is scheduled to marry on May 23, to bring along his prospective fourth wife and her ‘wali’ (father/guardian to give away bride) and proof of his (Mohamed Nor’s) financial capability.

“If the prospective wife does not agree to the conditions laid down by the court, I will not allow Mohamed Nor to take another wife. But please don’t elope as more problems will crop up,” he cautioned.

Met outside the court, Noraini said she and her two ‘madu’ (the other wives)   agreed to Mohamed Nor marrying again to prevent anything undesirable from happening.

“Moreover, he has not neglected his responsibilities as a husband and father. He has been fair to all, and even the children are supportive of their father taking another wife,” she said. — Bernama