Pakistani actor and influential social commentator, Hamza Ali Abbasi, recently participated in a podcast where he openly discussed relationships and the complex issue of infidelity. He presented a strong moral and religious stance on the matter, asserting that “the habit of cheating doesn’t end even after four marriages.”
Abbasi expressed surprise when he hears a Muslim justifying multiple marriages by saying it’s better than engaging in extramarital affairs.
Marriage is Not a Substitute for Ending a Habit
Addressing the issue of infidelity (referred to as ‘cheating’ or ‘wandering outside’), the actor argued that the habit persists because individuals do not enter marriage with the correct intention—that it should be a replacement for illicit activities. According to him:
“Marriage is a lifelong commitment. If a person has the habit of cheating and their sole purpose for marrying is to avoid it, they will revert to the same behavior after one month, six months, or a year because the wife will become old news after a year.”
He stressed that those who argue marriage is the solution to avoiding extramarital relationships should first aim to “eradicate that habit.” As this habit is generally observed in men, he believes they must adhere to Islamic teachings and refrain from it entirely.
Religious View: A Major Sin with Eternal Consequences
Hamza Ali Abbasi placed the habit squarely within a religious context, labeling it as “one of the major sins (Kaba’ir),” for which the penalty is “eternal hellfire.” He emphasized that this sin should not be linked to marriage:
“Even if a person remains unmarried their entire life, they are still commanded to abstain from cheating.”
Islamic Context on Polygyny
He also acknowledged that God has permitted men to have up to four marriages, but clarified that this is only allowed under “certain specific conditions.” He cited the accompanying Islamic instruction: that one should “ideally only marry one” because it is difficult to maintain justice among more than one spouse.
He concluded that there is “no place for cheating in Islam,” and all Muslims must refrain from this sin under all circumstances.
