No wife or husband is willing to share their partner with someone else as marriage is considered to be an eternal bond meant to be shared only between two parties.
Given this premise, a woman in Terengganu has recently eyebrows to let her husband marry another woman who had been her friend for years.
Met friend at boutique
Speaking to Harian Metro about the incident, Shuhadah Jaafar said she first met her friend, Nor Azura Mohd Azmin, when she placed an order for clothes from her boutique.
From there, the two became fast friends and occasionally crossed paths with each other at events.
However, little did she expect that this “friend” would soon take up a major role in her married life.
‘I was devastated’
When Shuhadah’s husband, Muhammad Azizi Zakaria, told her that he had fallen in love with Nor Azura and wanted to marry her, the former understandably became distraught.
When I found out my husband had feelings for my friend and wanted to marry her, of course I was sad. After all, no wife wants to share her husband.
“After taking some time to think over the matter, I eventually gave in as my husband was honest about his feelings for my friend and wanted to have a relationship which had my consent,” she said.
Husband says 2nd marriage not driven by lust
Shuhadah added that her husband’s decision to marry her friend wasn’t one made out of lust, but was due to the fact that he ran a business with Nor Azura and wanted to do what he believed was right.
My husband and co-wife already had mutual feelings, so I gave my permission because matters of the heart are difficult.
“I was afraid that if I opposed it, something inappropriate might happen in the future. I also felt sorry for Nor Azura as she had gone through hard times previously,” she explained.
Shuhadah said she shared photos of the wedding online in order to prevent gossip, as well as set an example for men who wished to have a polygamous relationship.
“Be honest with your first wife. Don’t take your marriage for granted by marrying in secret or finding another woman across the border (in Thailand).
“I also hope people won’t label my co-wife as a ‘homewrecker’ as she has treated me and my child well.”
‘The feelings just came’
For his part, Muhammad Azizi said he was aware that both of his wives were friends and never intended to destroy their friendship.
“My feelings for Nor Azura was unplanned and it just came unexpectedly. At that time, I felt guilty and even tried to distance myself from her.
“But my heart was already attached, so I decided to be honest with my first wife, ask for her permission, and follow the proper channels,” he said.
Muhammad Azizi expressed gratefulness for Shuhadah’s understanding and support, adding that she allowed the second wedding to be held at their home instead of a mosque.
He also reiterated that he had declined suggestions to quietly marry another woman in Thailand, adding that he believed honesty and communication was the key to marriage.
“To all the men out there, don’t hide it if you want to marry again because it will only harm your relationship with your partner,” he advised.
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