I hate polygamy too.
It had existed before across religion, not just Muslims alone.
In the olden days Muslim religion made polygamy legal, because there were many wars, many soldiers died which left women and children abandoned and homeless. It was also the time when women were not allowed to study or step out of the house to fend for themselves, so only a man can be a provider, so it was allowed to protect women. But then it was misused with carnal intentions.
Hindus also practiced such polygamy even until the first half of last century, coz the in-laws in many families wouldn't tolerate daughters-in-law who doesn't bear children for the family.
I know of a couple of them ... Both are Hindus, their kids were mom's friends. Both wives lived in the same house.
Here in the western world also, there a few churches - some specific sect which allows polygamy. There was a CNN show about such a guy in Utah, there are many like him.
Viji