Polygamy Inc.

For Malaysian company Global Ikhwan, the rare and controversial practice of polygamy is integral to their way of life.

- Marta Kasztelan

Driving through the streets of the commuter town of Rawang, 30 kilometres north of Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, Azlina Jamaluddin is more than eager to challenge any criticism of polygamous marriage.

A born-again Muslim and self-proclaimed “working woman”, the 48-year-old dentist ascribes her professional success and personal growth to polygamy.

“I can work, I have more time for myself and I don’t need to take care of my children all the time, as the other wives share the child rearing responsibilities with me,” she shares.

Azlina wasn’t always supportive of the practice, however – like many people in Malaysia. Although legal, polygamy is still largely frowned upon in the country. She only considered asking her husband to take another wife after she was introduced to the religious teachings of Global Ikhwan – the “Islamic business” she has been working for since 2001.

Contrary to the commonly held belief that it is mostly men who pursue polygamous relationships, she was the spouse convincing her husband to seek out a second wife. He now also works for the same company as Azlina, and has three wives, having adopted the new lifestyle.

“Initially, he wouldn’t have married another woman. He’s just not that kind of guy,” the manager of one of the company’s health clinics explains. Azlina admits that in the early days, she too had doubts about where her newfound faith had brought her. But her love for God and religion took priority over her weariness.

“My friends and my mother told me, ‘You are going to join this movement and your husband will marry another woman.’ It worried me for a while. I didn’t know which way to go. I wasn’t in the movement at full blast. But I really loved God and I loved the movement.”