A new website promises to help Muslims find a second wife.
Launched last month, www.secondspouse.co.uk is a worldwide marriage website, which says it is based on Islamic principles for practising Muslims all over the world.
Established in London by the founder, Safa, the website says it 'caters especially for Muslims who are either divorced or looking for a second wife within the realms of Islamic law as well as the law of the land in which you reside in'.
Safa explained the catalyst for creating this service. Speaking to Asian Image she said, “I set up this website following my own personal circumstances.
“There is still so much stigma attached to divorce within the Asian community.
“I believe the Second Spouse facility helps tackle the stigma.
“The website enables people to understand that you will mainly find divorcees looking to start again, whether that be to marry someone who is also a divorcee, single, widowed, other or to be a second wife. “It’s about thinking outside of the box and moving away from the norms of the culture.
“With divorce figures on the rise, Second Spouse allows divorced women to take charge of their lives and create a marriage within dynamics that suit them.
“It empowers women to dictate their choices.
“When contemplating marriage after a divorce, many women want the perks of that liaison without taking on a full-on relationship.
“Often women with children have a lot to juggle in their lives and simply don’t have the time to deal with a full-time husband who takes up so much time and commitment.”
Second Spouse aims to unite families through marriage by providing a platform for Muslims who are looking to get married. The website maintains the teachings of Islam throughout its facilities.
Safa explained she felt why this was a fundamental clause for the website. She said, “The website has been established according to the Quran and Sunnah.
“Khadijah who was the Prophet’s first wife, was a widow and at the time of their marriage she was 40 whilst he was 25. She was also a successful businesswoman.
“Marriage is certainly one of the most important chapters in a person’s life. Sometimes brothers and sisters shy away from asking others for marriage.
“After looking at the large number of people that are divorced or those who intend to seek a second wife, we thought this to be a mandatory service.
“Within Islamic law, men are allowed to marry more than once as long as they don’t abuse it.
“The website, however, lets women control this.
“For many women, being a second wife is like having a halal relationship without the baggage.
“You get the fun part of a relationship, the dinners and holidays and then you can have your own space too and carry on with your life as you please.
“Islam gives women a voice. It is our culture which denies this to women.
“The culture is what makes people narrow minded and allows men to suppress women.
“In Islam women have so many rights.
“Second Spouse reiterates what Allah has permitted.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here