Lahore: (Tassawar News) The prominent Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, celebrated for both his artistic endeavours and his vocal engagement with socio-religious discourse, has once again captivated public attention with his introspective commentary on morality, marriage, and personal faith. Speaking in a recent podcast, the actor offered a nuanced perspective on the sensitive issue of multiple marriages in Islam, strongly refuting the notion that matrimony serves as a guaranteed antidote to unethical conduct. His discussion meticulously interwoven religious insight with practical wisdom, emphasizing that true moral integrity originates from internal discipline and spiritual awareness, not from external marital structures.
Dissecting the Roots of Moral Transgression
Abbasi initiated his argument by challenging the prevalent assumption that the propensity towards unethical or immoral behaviour can be correlated with the number of a person’s wives. He asserted that the fundamental issue lies not in the marital status—whether a person has one wife or several—but rather in a deficit of self-discipline and spiritual awareness. The actor presented a compelling case for internal moral fortitude as the only effective barrier against transgression.
He argued that merely adding to one’s marital commitments does not automatically reform a person inclined towards moral weakness. He stated unequivocally:
“A person who indulges in wrong actions outside of marriage won’t change just because he has multiple wives. Even after four marriages, such a person’s habit will not end unless he controls his desires and strengthens his faith.”
This observation posits that the core of the problem is psychological and spiritual—a failure to control personal desires—rather than a deficiency in the provision of companionship. Abbasi was careful to clarify that while Islam grants permission for multiple marriages, this permission is strictly conditional and is “not a license for indulgence or moral weakness.” He stressed that genuine reform requires a deep internal commitment to spiritual principles.
The False Premise of Marriage as a Moral Panacea
A central tenet of Abbasi’s commentary was the strong rejection of the sociological idea that marriage, or indeed a series of marriages, could automatically extinguish a person’s inclination towards unethical behaviour. He meticulously explained that moral integrity is an attribute derived from spiritual strength and the fear of God (Taqwa), not simply a byproduct of external circumstances or contractual obligations.
He warned against the self-deception inherent in viewing matrimony as an easy solution to moral struggles:
“If a man thinks marriage will stop him from committing sin, he’s mistaken. After a year or two, even that novelty fades. Self-control and moral strength come from faith, not from the number of marriages.”
The actor’s view highlights the transient nature of the ‘novelty’ argument and redirects attention toward the enduring sources of morality, namely, faith and self-control. He further underlined the gravity of immoral actions outside of marriage in Islam, classifying them among the gravest sins, and stressed the necessity for sincere repentance to avoid spiritual downfall and severe consequences in the hereafter. His discourse elevates the discussion from mere social compliance to one of ultimate spiritual accountability.
Upholding Justice: Islam’s Conditional Stance on Plural Marriage
Abbasi also dedicated time to explaining the carefully balanced view of marriage in Islamic jurisprudence. While acknowledging the permission granted for men to marry more than once, he stressed that this permission is inextricably linked to formidable responsibility and justice. He explicitly quoted the foundational principle governing the practice:
“God has given permission for multiple marriages only if a man can maintain fairness and justice among his wives. Otherwise, the Quran advises marrying only one — and that is often the better choice.”
This citation of the Quranic principle serves to anchor his moral argument within established religious text, reminding his audience that the allowance for polygyny is bounded by stringent ethical prerequisites. In the absence of an absolute ability to maintain fairness and justice—a monumental responsibility that extends beyond mere financial support to emotional and equitable treatment—the sacred text implicitly guides adherents towards monogamy as the preferable, safer choice.
The actor concluded by reiterating his foundational thesis: moral discipline is ultimately a “matter of faith, not marital status.” His final assertion is that individuals who proactively develop self-control and spiritual awareness will naturally be steered away from immoral acts, independent of their marital configuration.
Conclusion: Personal Responsibility as the Moral Compass
Hamza Ali Abbasi’s bold and reflective commentary has successfully sparked widespread discussion, earning praise for its honesty and clarity on a religiously and socially sensitive issue. His approach, which integrates religious insight with pragmatic wisdom, serves as a powerful reminder that the efficacy of religious allowances, such as multiple marriages, is entirely contingent upon the moral integrity and spiritual maturity of the individual. By unequivocally separating the act of marriage from the internal virtue of self-control, Abbasi’s statements champion the enduring Islamic tenet that faith and morality are fundamentally personal responsibilities. The discourse firmly establishes that the true measure of moral discipline lies in one’s personal devotion and self-governance, rather than in the external framework of one’s marital status.
