Re: how many wifes is a muslim allowed?
Its talking about women who are not under your guardianship. It couldn't possibly mean those who agreeable to marry you from those orphan girls over whom you have guardianship even though you are unjust to them. What kind of fairness would that be in the context of the verse where it is saying to be just to them and avoid marrying them with the intention of usurping their dower.
:) It may not be talking about the orphaned girls, but it is not talking about any woman outside guardianship either IMO. It may be referring to widows who have sought shelter in your house, or who have somewhow ended up becoming your responsibility.