The Holy Quran 4:3 — Surah An-Nisa

Arabic text

وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا۟ فِى ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُوا۟ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَـٰثَ وَرُبَـٰعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ فَوَٰحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا۟

Translation

If you fear that you will not be able to be just to the orphans (in your care and you also fear that you will be unable to be just between your eight, ten or more wives, as was common during the early days throughout the world), then marry two, three or four women with whom you are pleased (to have as your wives). (However) If you (still) fear that you will be unable to be just (between your wives in spending your money or time on them), then (marry) just one, or (suffice with) those (slave women) who are in your possession (without marrying). In this way it is unlikely that you will be unjust.

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

It is related in authentic hadiths that orphan girls were under the upbringing of their guardian, and such a girl, because of their kinship, would be a co-owner in that guardian's property and orchard. Then two situations would arise. Sometimes the guardian desired both her beauty and her wealth, so he would marry her for a small mahr (bridal gift)

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