What is the no co-wife clause in a Mauritanian marriage contract?
Polygamy is legal in Mauritania, but the personal status code gives a woman the right to stipulate that her husband takes no other wife, written into the contract as "la sabiqa wa la lahiqa" (none before, none after). If the husband breaks the condition, the wife may seek separation.
Once the families agree on the mahr and the conditions, the marriage is concluded and officially registered, and registration is what protects the condition itself and the children's rights. Zawjni does not conclude marriages or give legal advice.
Secret marriage in Mauritania: why we advise against it
A recurring Mauritanian search is "secret marriage", meaning a marriage concluded away from the family and without registration. It leaves the wife and children without official protection if there is a dispute, a divorce or a death.
Zawjni is for introductions toward a public, registered marriage. Contact starts with a message inside the site, there is no phone field, you can add your wali to your account from settings, and you can report any member who asks for a secret marriage.
Before you write your profile
State your city (Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Rosso...) and your marital status. If the no co-wife clause matters to you, say so in your bio from the start so nobody is surprised at the engagement.