What is the required time allocation for a newly married virgin wife versus a previously married wife upon initial marriage?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
When a man marries a new wife, he cuts short the rotation schedule and must remain with the new wife for seven days if she is a virgin (bikr), or three days if she is previously married (thayyib). This initial period is exclusive to her and is not compensated to the other wives. This ruling is supported by the tradition from Anas, which states that the established Sunnah is to stay seven days with a new virgin wife and three days with a new previously married wife before dividing time among the others. This ruling is also supported by a tradition from Umm Salamah regarding the Prophet's marriage to her, where he offered her three days exclusively or seven, with seven for all wives afterward.
Supporting text
An alternative opinion held by some scholars like Hammad and the companions of Ra'y states there is no special preference for the new wife in the division. If the husband stays with her for any duration, that time must be compensated to the other wives, just as if he stayed seven days with a previously married wife without permission.