What is the required time a husband must spend with a newly married wife before dividing his time equally among his existing wives when traveling with both?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
If a man marries a new wife while already having one, and intends to travel with both, he must allocate seven days exclusively to the new wife if she is a virgin (bikr), or three days if she is previously married (thayyib). Following this initial allocation, he then divides his time equally between her and the existing wife. If he intends to travel with only one, he must cast lots (iqra'a) between them. The time spent traveling with the chosen wife fulfills her right concerning the travel division, as this division itself constitutes a right similar to the general division rights.
Supporting text
If the lot falls upon the existing wife, he travels with her, but upon returning, he must fulfill the right (time allocation) for the new wife, as this right became due before his departure and was not fulfilled.