History of Concubinage in the Muslim world

Concubinage is an old practice in the Muslim world. It was a way for wealthy men to have relationships with more than one woman, usually without being married to them. The man was the head of the concubinage and was responsible for taking care of all of the women. The women were usually slaves who were brought into the household to serve the man and his regular wife. The man would have rights to the children that the concubines had with him, but the concubines had no legal rights and could be dismissed at any time. This practice is no longer accepted in many parts of the Muslim world.