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Modern Interpretations and Practice
Most modern Muslims view the practice of polygyny as allowed, but unusual and not recommended. The practice of polygyny is often viewed in its historical context, as the marriage was the only way for a woman to be provided for during the time of the Prophet. Many countries today either outlaw the practice of polygyny or place restrictions on it.

Countries that Ban Polygyny
Turkey was the first country to legally ban polygyny in 1926. This decision was not based on religious reasons, rather it was an entirely secular ban. Tunisia was the next country to ban polygyny through legislation passed in 1956 and restated in 1964. Unlike Turkey, Tunisia banned polygyny on religious grounds, citing two main reasons. First, the Quran limited the practice of polygyny, thus it did not support the practice and clearly intended for the practice to be eliminated over time. Second, the Quran demands equal treatment of all wives in a polygynous marriage, which is impossible, thus making the practice illegal. Finally, Israel banned polygyny as well by 1978.

Countries that Restrict Polygyny
The following countries restrict the practice of polygyny:
 * Egypt (1920)
 * Sudan (1929)
 * India (1939)
 * Algeria
 * Jordan (1951)
 * Syria (1953)
 * Morocco (1958)
 * Bangladesh
 * Iraq (1959)
 * Pakistan (1961)
 * Iran (1967, 1975)
 * Malaysia
 * Kuwait
 * Lebanon
 * Southern Yemen (1974)

Some countries, including India, Iran, Iraq, Bangladesh, Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, and Kuwait, allow women to include a clause prohibiting polygyny in marriage contracts. Other countries, such as Iran and Pakistan, require that a man get permission to take a second wife from his first wife, and then show the court proof of his first wife's consent. Finally, countries such as Malaysia state that a man must get permission from both his wife and from the governmental religious authority in order to take a second.

Although many countries have laws restricting or banning polygyny, it is still practiced illegally. It is difficult to enforce anti-polygyny laws and restrictions in countries with large rural populations. Furthermore, illegal polygyny often occurs in countries with poor social services as women rely on husbands to support them in these situations.

One way that polygyny is still legally practiced today is through the practice of mut'a, a temporary contractual relationship based on the mutual consent of a man and a woman. Throughout the contracted time, the woman must remain exclusively faithful to the man, and in return he must provide for her financially. Although this practice is technically legal, it is very highly disputed.