The Temporary (Muta) Marriage is prohibited in Islam

Temporary Marriage Allowed?

The following narration was added by me, Osama Abdallah:

Narrated Saburah ibn Ma'bad al-Juhani: "The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) prohibited temporary marriage with women. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Book 11, Number 2068)"

The allowance or not of temporary marriage (Arabic mut’a) is one of the most controversial issues in Islam.

Before discussing the issue on its merits, it is necessary to discuss the differences between mut’a and "permanent" marriage. [All emphases in quoted materials have been added.]

"Fixed-Term/Temporary/Pleasure Marriage are different names for the Arabic word of ‘Mut'a’ which is a contract between a man and woman, much in the same way the Long-Term/Permanent/Conventional Marriage is. THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE TEMPORARY MARRIAGE LONGS ONLY FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME, AND MAN AND WOMAN WILL SEPARATE FROM EACH OTHER AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE WITHOUT DIVORCE."

Shia Encyclopedia, Chapter 6, http://al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter6a/1.html.

Fixed-Term/Temporary/Pleasure/Mut'a Marriage is a contract between a man and woman, much in the same way the Long-Term/Conventional Marriage is. The same vows are exchanged by the partners or their authorized representatives in both cases, including stating the dowry. If a fixed period of time (like one year, four years of college, etc...) is not clearly specified then the marriage reverts to a long-term marriage and separation can only happen by death or by divorce. In this case, all the rules of the regular marriage apply.

"IF A PERIOD IS SPECIFIED, THEN AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE, THEY MUST EITHER EXTEND IT TO ANOTHER SPECIFIED TIME OR THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEPARATE WITHOUT DIVORCE, and the woman must count the ‘Iddah’ before which she cannot marry any one else."

Shia Encyclopedia, Chapter 6, http://al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter6a/1.html.

Does the Quran authorize mut’a?

The scholars who answer "Yes" base their opinion on Quran 4:24. This verse is reproduced in context with surrounding ayahs:

004.019

O ye who believe! YE ARE FORBIDDEN TO INHERIT WOMEN AGAINST THEIR WILL. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.

004.020

But if ye decide to take one wife in place of another, EVEN IF YE HAD GIVEN THE LATTER A WHOLE TREASURE FOR DOWER, TAKE NOT THE LEAST BIT OF IT BACK: Would ye take it by slander and manifest wrong?

004.021

And how could ye take it when ye have gone in unto each other, and they have Taken from you a solemn covenant?

004.022

AND MARRY NOT WOMEN WHOM YOUR FATHERS MARRIED,- except what is past: It was shameful and odious,- an abominable custom indeed.

004.023

PROHIBITED TO YOU (FOR MARRIAGE) ARE:- Your mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, Mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; foster-mothers (Who gave you suck), foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in,- no prohibition if ye have not gone in;- (Those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful;-

004.024

ALSO (PROHIBITED ARE) WOMEN ALREADY MARRIED, except those whom your right hands possess [these are prisoners of war from jihad - Yusef Ali] : THUS HATH ALLAH ORDAINED (PROHIBITIONS) AGAINST YOU: EXCEPT FOR THESE, ALL OTHERS ARE LAWFUL, PROVIDED YE SEEK (THEM IN MARRIAGE) WITH GIFTS FROM YOUR PROPERTY, - DESIRING CHASTITY, NOT LUST, seeing that ye derive benefit from them, GIVE THEM THEIR DOWERS (AT LEAST) AS PRESCRIBED; BUT IF, AFTER A DOWER IS PRESCRIBED, AGREE MUTUALLY (TO VARY IT), THERE IS NO BLAME ON YOU, and Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.

004.025

If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess [these are prisoners of war from jihad - Yusef Ali]: And Allah hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: WED THEM WITH THE LEAVE OF THEIR OWNERS, AND GIVE THEM THEIR DOWERS, ACCORDING TO WHAT IS REASONABLE: THEY SHOULD BE CHASTE, NOT LUSTFUL, NOR TAKING PARAMOURS: WHEN THEY ARE TAKEN IN WEDLOCK, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

004.026

Allah doth wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and (He doth wish to) turn to you (In Mercy): And Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.

004.027

Allah doth wish to Turn to you, BUT THE WISH OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW THEIR LUSTS IS THAT YE SHOULD TURN AWAY (FROM HIM),- far, far away.

From these ayahs, it is apparent (1) A marriage contract must consist of more than an arrangement for satisfaction of lusts (Quran 4:24, 25, and 27); and (2) Quran 4:24 merely states that "all others are lawful," i.e. one may marry any partner to whom marriage is not otherwise prohibited in the Quran. It does not say mut’a is alright, and the ayah’s discussion of the dowery does not imply the legality of mut’a but merely recites the universal rule that the dowery contracted for cannot be reduced except by mutual agreement. See also Quran 4:19.

Moreover, any argument based on Quran 4:24 fails to address the fundamental incompatibility of mut’a with Quranic criteria for divorce. While Islam does not require OBJECTIVE proof of some fault such as "mental cruelty" or "adultery" as a precondition for divorce, the Quran makes it clear that there must be some BONA FIDE "disagreement," "incompatibility" or "conflict" between the spouses:

004.035

If ye fear a BREACH BETWEEN THEM TWAIN, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: For Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.

004.128

If a wife fears CRUELTY OR DESERTION ON HER HUSBAND'S PART, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best; even though men's souls are swayed by greed. But if ye do good and practise self-restraint, Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

004.129

Ye are NEVER ABLE TO BE FAIR AND JUST AS BETWEEN WOMEN, even if it is your ardent desire: But turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practise self-restraint, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

004.130

BUT IF THEY DISAGREE (AND MUST PART), Allah will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty: for Allah is He that careth for all and is Wise.

In mut’a the marriage does not end due to bona fide disagreement between spouses but, rather, precisely BECAUSE they have AGREED IN ADVANCE it should end!

While the Quran itself does NOT authorize mut’a, the hadith literature on the subject is, at best, hopelessly CONTRADICTORY and fall in FOUR CATEGORIES:

1. COMPARE the following ahadith ALLOWING mut’a:

Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 139:

Narrated Abdullah:

We used to participate in the holy wars carried on by the Prophet and we had no women (wives) with us. So we said (to the Prophet ). "Shall we castrate ourselves?" But the Prophet forbade us to do that and thenceforth HE ALLOWED US TO MARRY A WOMAN (TEMPORARILY) BY GIVING HER EVEN A GARMENT, and then he recited: "O you who believe! Do not make unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you."

Abu Dawood, Book 11, Number 2105:

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If anyone gives as a dower to his wife two handfuls of flour or dates he has made her lawful for him.

AbuDawud said: This tradition has been narrated by AbdurRahman ibn Mahdi, from Salih ibn Ruman, from AbuzZubayr on the authority of Jabir as his own statement (not going back to the Prophet). It has also been transmitted by AbuAsim from Salih ibn Ruman , from AbuzZubayr on the authority of Jabir who said: DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE APOSTLE OF ALLAH (PEACE_BE_UPON_HIM) WE USED TO CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE FOR A HANDFUL OF GRAIN.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3243:

Abdullah (b. Mas'ud) reported: We were on an expedition with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and we had no women with us. We said: Should we not have ourselves castrated? He (the Holy Prophet) forbade us to do so HE THEN GRANTED US PERMISSION THAT WE SHOULD CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE FOR A STIPULATED PERIOD GIVING HER A GARMENT, and 'Abdullah then recited this verse: 'Those who believe do not make unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you, and do not transgress. Allah does not like trangressers" (al-Qur'an, v. 87).

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3244:

This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Jarir with the same chain of transmitters and he also recited this (above-mentioned verse) to us, but he did not say that 'Abdullah recited it.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3245:

This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Isma'il with the same chain of transmitters (and the words are):" We were young, so we said: Allah's Messenger, should we not have ourselves castrated? But he (the narrator) did not say; We were on an expedition."

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3246:

Jabir b. 'Abdullah and Salama b. al-Akwa' said: There came to us the proclaimer of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) HAS GRANTED YOU PERMISSION TO BENEFIT YOURSELVES, i. e., TO CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3247:

Salama b. al. Akwa' and Jabir b. Abdullah reported: ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) CAME TO US AND PERMITTED US TO CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3248:

Ibn Uraij reported: 'Ati' reported that Jibir b. Abdullah came to perform 'Umra, and we came to his abode, and the people asked him about different things, and then they made a mention of temporary marriage, whereupon he said: YES, WE HAD BEEN BENEFITING OURSELVES BY THIS TEMPORARY MARRIAGE DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE HOLY PROPHET (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) AND DURING THE TIME OF ABU BAKR AND 'UMAR.

2. WITH ahadith claiming that mut’a was PROHIBITED by THE PROPHET
(pbuh) except for the Companions:

Muslim, Book 007, Number 2817:

Abu Dharr (Allah be pleased with him) said that Tamattu' in Ha was A SPECIAL (CONCESSION) 1694 FOR THE COMPANIONS OF MUHAMMAD (may peace be upon him).

Muslim, Book 007, Number 2819:

Abu Dharr (Allah be pleased with him) said: TWO ARE THE MUT'AS WHICH WERE NOT PERMISSIBLE BUT ONLY FOR US, I. E. TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN and Tamattu' in Hajj.

3. WITH ahadith claiming THE PROPHET (pbuh) PROHIBITED mut’a for
EVERYONE:

Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 527:

Narrated 'Ali bin Abi Talib:

On the day of Khaibar, ALLAH'S APOSTLE FORBADE THE MUT'A (I.E. TEMPORARY MARRIAGE) and the eating of donkey-meat.

Muslim, Book 21, Number 4763:

'Ali b. Abi Talib reported that ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) FORBADE ON THE DAY OF KHAIBAR TEMPORARY MARRIAGE (MUTA') WITH WOMEN and the eating of the flesh of domestic asses

Abu Dawood, Book 11, Number 2068:

Narrated Saburah ibn Ma'bad al-Juhani:

The APOSTLE OF ALLAH (PEACE_BE_UPON_HIM) PROHIBITED TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3251:

Iyas b. Salama reported on the authority of his father that ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) GAVE SANCTION FOR CONTRACTING TEMPORARY MARRIAGE FOR THREE NIGHTS IN THE YEAR OF AUTAS 1847 AND THEN FORBADE IT.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3252:

Sabra Juhanni reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) permitted temporary marriage for us. So I and another person went out and saw a woman of Bana 'Amir, who was like a young long-necked she-camel. We presented ourselves to her (for contracting temporary marriage), whereupon she said: What dower would you give me? I said: My cloak. And my companion also said: My cloak. And the cloak of-my companion was superior to my cloak, but I was younger than he. So when she looked at the cloak of my companion she liked it, and when she cast a glance at me I looked more attractive to her. She then said: Well, you and your cloak are sufficient for me. I remained with her for three nights, and then ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) SAID: HE WHO HAS ANY SUCH WOMAN WITH WHOM HE HAD CONTRACTED TEMPORARY MARRIAGE, HE SHOULD LET HER OFF.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3253:

Rabi' b. Sabra reported that his father went on an expedition with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) during the Victory of Mecca, and we stayed there for fifteen days (i. e. for thirteen full days and a day and a night), and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) permitted us to contract temporary marriage with women. So I and another person of my tribe went out, and I was more handsome than he, whereas he was almost ugly. Each one of us had a cloaks, My cloak was worn out, whereas the cloak of my cousin was quite new. As we reached the lower or the upper side of Mecca, we came across a young woman like a young smart long-necked she-camel. We said: Is it possible that one of us may contract temporary marriage with you? She said: What will you give me as a dower? Each one of us spread his cloak. She began to cast a glance on both the persons. My companion also looked at her when she was casting a glance at her side and he said: This cloak of his is worn out, whereas my cloak is quite new. She, however, said twice or thrice: There is no harm in (accepting) this cloak (the old one). SO I CONTRACTED TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH HER, AND I DID NOT COME OUT (OF THIS) UNTIL ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) DECLARED IT FORBIDDEN.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3255:

Sabra al-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father that while he was with ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HM) HE SAID: O PEOPLE, I HAD PERMITTED YOU TO CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN, BUT ALLAH HAS FORBIDDEN IT (NOW) UNTIL THE DAY OF RESURRECTION. So he who has any (woman with this type of marriage contract) he should let her off, and do not take back anything you have given to then (as dower).

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3257:

'Abd al-Malik b. Rabi' b. Sabraal-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father who narrated it on the authority of his father (i e. 'Abd al-Malik's grandfather, Sabura al-juhanni): ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) PERMITTED US TO CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE IN THE YEAR OF VICTORY, AS WE ENTERED MECCA, AND WE DID COME OUT OF IT BUT HE FORBADE US TO DO IT.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3258:

Sabra b. Ma'bad reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) permitted his Companions to contract TEMPORARY MARRIAGE with women in the Year of Victory. So I and a friend of mine from Banu Sulaim went out, until we found a young woman of Banu Amir who was like a young she-camel having a long neck. We made proposal to her for contracting TEMPORARY MARRIAGE with us, and presented to her our cloaks (as dower). She began to look and found me more handsome than my friend, but found the cloak of my friend more beautiful than my cloak. She thought in her wind for a while, but then preferred me to my friend. So I remained with her for three (nights), and THEN ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) COMMANDED US TO PART WITH THEM (SUCH WOMEN).

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3259:

Rabi' b. Sabra reported on the authority of his father that ALLAH'S APOSTLE (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) PROHIBITED THE CONTRACTING OF TEMPORARY MARRIAGE.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3260:

Rabi' b. Sabra reported on the authority of his father that ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) FORBADE ON THE DAY OF VICTORY TO CONTRACT TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Rabi' b. Sabra that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) forbade to contract temporary marriage with women at the time of Victory, and that his father had contracted the marriage for two red cloaks.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3261:

'Urwa b. Zabair reported that 'Abdullah b. Zubair (Allah be pleased with him) stood up (and delivered an address) in Mecca saying: Allah has made blind the hearts of some people as He has deprived them of eyesight that they give religious verdict in favour of temporary marriage, while he was alluding to a person (Ibn 'Abbas). Ibn Abbas called him and said: You are an uncouth person, devoid of sense. BY MY LIFE, MUT'A WAS PRACTISED DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE LEADER OF THE PIOUS (HE MEANT ALLAH'S MESSENGER, MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM), and Ibn Zubair said to him: just do it yourselves, and by Allah, if you do that I will stone you with your stones. Ibn Shihab said. Khalid b. Muhajir b. Saifullah informed me: While I was sitting in the company of a person, a person came to him and he asked for a religious verdict about Mut'a and he permitted him to do it. Ibn Abu 'Amrah al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) said to him: Be gentle. IT WAS PERMITTED IN THE EARLY DAYS OF ISLAM, (for one) who was driven to it under the stress of necessity just as (the eating of) carrion and the blood and flesh of swine and then Allah intensified (the commands of) His religion and prohibited it (altogether). Ibn Shihab reported: Rabi' b. Sabra told me that his father (Sabra) said: I contracted temporary marriage with a woman of Banu 'Amir for two cloaks DURING THE LIFETIME OF ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) ; THEN HE FORBADE US TO DO MUT'A. Ibn Shihab said: I heard Rabi' b. Sabra narrating it to Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz and I was sitting there.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3262:

Sabra al-Juhanni reported on the authority of his father: ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) PROHIBITED THE CONTRACTING OF TEMPORARY MARRIAGE AND SAID: BEHOLD, IT IS FORBIDDEN FROM THIS VERY DAY OF YOURS TO THE DAY OF RESURRECTION, and he who has given something (as a dower) should not take it back.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3263:

'Ali b. AbiTalib reported that ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) PROHIBITED ON THE DAY OF KHAIBAR THE CONTRACTING OF TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN and the eating of the flesh of domestic asses.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3265:

Muhammad b. 'Ali narrated on the authority of his father 'Ali that ALLAH'S APOSTLE (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) ON THE DAY OF KHAIBAR PROHIBITED FOR EVER THE CONTRACTING OF TEMPORARY MARRIAGE and eating of the flesh of the domestic asses.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3266:

'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) heard that Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) gave some relaxation in connection with the contracting of TEMPORARY MARRIAGE, whereupon he said: Don't be hasty (in your religious verdict), Ibn 'Abbas, for ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) ON THE DAY OF KHAIBAR PROHIBITED FOR EVER THE DOING OF IT-And eating of the flesh of domestic asses.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3267:

'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) said to Ibn 'Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) that ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) ON THE DAY OF KHAIBAR FORBADE FOREVER THE CONTRACTING OF TEMPORARY MARRIAGE and the eating of the flesh of domestic asses.

Muslim, Book 021, Number 4763:

'Ali b. Abi Talib reported that ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) FORBADE ON THE DAY OF KHAIBAR TEMPORARY MARRIAGE (MUTA') with women and the eating of the flesh of domestic asses.

4. WITH ahadith claiming that mut’a was FIRST PROHIBITED by UMAR:

Muslim, Book 007, Number 2874:

Abd Nadra reported: While I was in the company of Jibir, a person came and said: There is difference of opinion amomg Ibn Abbas and Ibn Zubair about two Mut'as (benefits, Tamattul in Hajj and TEMPORARY MARRIAGE WITH WOMEN), whereupon Jibir said: WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS DURING THE LIFETIME OF ALLAH'S MESSENGER (WAY PEACE BE UPON HIM), AND THEN 'UMAR FORBADE US TO DO SO, and we never resorted to them.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3249:

Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported: WE CONTRACTED TEMPORARY MARRIAGE GIVING A HANDFUL OF (TALES OR FLOUR) AS A DOWER DURING THE LIFETIME OF ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) AND DURING THE TIME OF ABU BAKR UNTIL 'UMAR FORBADE IT in the case of 'Amr b. Huraith.

Muslim, Book 008, Number 3250:

Abu Nadra reported: While I was in the company of Jabir b. Abdullah, a person came to him and said that Ibn 'Abbas and Ibn Zubair differed on the two types of Mut'as (Tamattu' of Hajj 1846 and TAMATTU' WITH WOMEN), whereupon Jabir said: WE USED TO DO THESE TWO DURING THE LIFETIME OF ALLAH'S MESSENGER (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM). UMAR THEN FORBADE US TO DO THEM, AND SO WE DID NOT REVERT TO THEM.

Against this backdrop of conflicting ahadith, it should not be surprising that there are Sunni - as well as Shia - scholars who APPROVE mut’a.

"THERE IS NO IJMA' IN THE SUBJECT OF MUT'A. Most of the companions and their disciples did not agree with its prohibition by Umar. But only some of them
dared to raise their voice.

"THERE IS NO IJMA' IN THIS ISSUE AMONG THE SUNNI SCHOLARS EITHER. I have mentioned the name of some the Sunni scholars in the previous parts who believe Mut'a is permitted. Moreover Shia scholars are another reason for
breaking this Ijma'."

Shia Encyclopedia, Chapter 6, http://al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter6a/1.html.

From www.answering-christianity.com/muta_forbidden_with_shias.htm:

1- Careless divorce will bring sin upon you:

Marriage with the intention of divorce (just for only sexual enjoyment) is forbidden in the Glorious Quran. Allah Almighty said that careless and irresponsible divorce will bring sin upon you:

"You bear no sin if you divorce your wives AS LONG AS YOU HAVE NOT (ma-lam مالم) had a sexual contact with them, .... (The Noble Quran, 2:236)"

If the marriage has not been consummated yet (no sexual intercourse yet; still in a fianc�e-like relationship but through a legal and legit marriage), then the couple can break up; divorce. But after sexual intercourse is done between the bride and groom, they are now a husband and wife. So while they are still a bride and groom, they can divorce without issue.

Muta marriage was a temporary marriage that destined for divorce, which Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is said to have allowed for Muslim men who fought in battles in distant lands. They were allowed to marry women there temporarily. Allah Almighty has thoroughly prohibited all forms of temporary marriages, and has stressed the holiness of permanent marriage in the Glorious Quran.

Was it legalized prostitution? Was it a form of pimping women and men for just sex? Absolutely not, because even with the Muta marriage, there was still the requirement of at least two witnesses testifying that the couple have married (announcing the marriage publiclyprotects everyone. Ex: Married women are not approached by other men as single women, and pregnant women are known to be pregnant wives, not pregnant harlots), the dowry payment upon the husband, and Muslim women still had to go through the Idda period after the divorce. So it was a legitimate full marriage but with the exception that it was destined for planned divorce (i.e., termination). Allah Almighty ultimately forbade intentional non-permanent marriages.

Again, here is what Allah Almighty Said regarding divorce in the Noble Quran. It almost always brings sin upon the regular married folks. However, if a man is engaged with a woman, and they had a marriage contract already done, with dowry payment, witnesses and announcing to all people in their community that they got married, but they have not yet consummated the marriage through sexual intercourse, then there is no sin upon them if they divorce, as long as they have not consummated the marriage:

‏2:236 لاجناح عليكم ان طلقتم النساء مالم تمسوهن او تفرضوا لهن فريضة ومتعوهن على الموسع قدره وعلى المقتر قدره متاعا بالمعروف حقا على المحسنين

"You bear no sin if you divorce your wives AS LONG AS YOU HAVE NOT (ma-lam مالم) had a sexual contact with them تمسوهن, and before settling (the amount of) the nuptial premium (for them). Yet, you should make provisions for them (even then); the affluent in keeping with his means, and the poor according to what he can afford. A fair provision is an obligation upon the pious. (The Noble Quran, 2:236)"

Ma-lam مالم in Arabic means "as long as you have not," which makes it a condition and a Law. The meaning of the word مالم as "as long as you have not" is very well-known in Arabic and the translation is also proven by ample English translations of this Noble Verse. So irresponsible divorce after the consummation of marriage (after sex) will bring sin upon the irresponsible and guilty one(s). The Noble Verse is crystal-clear about this.

2- The solemn holiness of marriage (ميثاقا غليظا):

Also, the covenant of marriage in the Glorious Quran Is a Mighty and Solemn Covenant ميثاقا غليظا (mee-thaa-qan gha-leetha). This exact phrase is mentioned three times (4:21, 4:154, 33:7) in the Glorious Quran for the following Covenants:

1- For the solemn covenant ميثاقا غليظا of marriage between the husband and wife.

2- For the solemn covenant ميثاقا غليظا between GOD Almighty and the Prophets.

3- For the solemn covenant ميثاقا غليظا between GOD Almighty and the Jews on the holiness of the Sabbath.

Again, please see Noble Verses 4:21, 4:154, 33:7. Divorce is allowed, but it is a detested lawful thing to Allah Almighty. Abusing it or misusing it will bring sin upon you.

X-Rated Pornography in the Bible.

Watch the video here. Sam Shamoun exposes the sex scandals of many inside his inner circle.

3- One wife is the most preferred to Allah Almighty:

Furthermore, Allah Almighty made it crystal clear that He best prefers for Muslim men to only marry one wife, each. Messing around with marrying multiple women is a slippery slope that could bring sin upon you:

Noble Verse 4:3 "If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice."

Marry one woman to prevent you from doing injustice. This is further supported also in the following Noble Verse:

Noble Verse 4:129 "Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women, even if it is your ardent desire: But turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practise self-restraint, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."

Polygamy is allowed by Allah Almighty, but like divorce, it too is a detested lawful thing to Allah Almighty. And most certainly, abusing it or misusing it will bring sin upon you.

X-Rated Pornography in the Bible.

Watch the video here. Sam Shamoun exposes the sex scandals of many inside his inner circle.

Like many innovations unfavorable to women, it can be traced directly to Judaism!

In the Old Testament, seduction of a virgin not yet engaged to be married, was not a crime, but merely a BUSINESS TRANSACTION:

"16 If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, he must pay the bride price for her and marry her. 17 But if her father refuses to let him marry her, he must pay the father a sum of money equal to the bride price for a virgin."

Mut’a, similarly, degrades marriage to a business arrangement. This "Israeeleeat" doctrine has no place in Islam.

1- Muta is not "legalized prostitution".
2- Muta was even explicitly allowed in the Bible's OT!

I have run into several anti-Islam Christians that call Muta as a "legalized prostitution." They even got colorful with their accusations and brought up scenarios such as what if a Muslim comes up to a prostitute (a prostitute in the christian societies that is, because Islamic societies don't have public prostitutes) and offer her some money, like $20.00, to marry her for 1 hour and then divorces her, would that be allowed in Islam from the time it was allowed till it became discontinued?

Obviously, this scenario is possible for those who want to abuse the system and are desperate to find false cracks in it. But this definitely wasn't the intention and the reason of why muta was allowed.

By the way, the Bible's OT does allow divorce for any reason. The same scenario can be applied to the Bible as well, since technically, a man can walk up to a prostitute, marry her for 1 hour, and then divorce her.

The Islamic temporary marriage was allowed for simply preventing Muslim men from committing adultery and fornication with other women when they used to travel for months and years at distances of 100s and even 1000s of miles away from home to engage the enemy in battle fields. Temporary marriage was allowed for this purpose, and this purpose only. Once Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, established the Islamic State in Mecca, he forbade Muta completely.

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah and Salama bin Al-Akwa': "While we were in an army, Allah's Apostle came to us and said, "You have been allowed to do the Mut'a (marriage), so do it." Salama bin Al-Akwa' said: Allah's Apostle's said, "If a man and a woman agree (to marry temporarily), their marriage should last for three nights, and if they like to continue, they can do so; and if they want to separate, they can do so." I do not know whether that was only for us or for all the people in general. Abu Abdullah (Al-Bukhari) said: 'Ali made it clear that the Prophet said, "The Mut'a marriage has been cancelled (made unlawful)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah), Volume 7, Book 62, Number 52)"

Narrated Saburah ibn Ma'bad al-Juhani: "The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) prohibited temporary marriage with women. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Book 11, Number 2068)"

Allah Almighty in the Noble Quran did Command the Muslims to follow the Prophet's Commands:

"O ye who believe! Obey God, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to God and His Apostle, if ye do believe in God and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination. (The Noble Quran, 4:59)"

"When there comes to them some matter touching (Public) safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Apostle, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have Tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of God unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan. (The Noble Quran, 4:83)"

What these anti-Islamics don't know is that Muta originally came from their own Bible, with the exception that Islam had valid reasons for allowing it temporarily and then discontinuing it, and only making it today available under extreme circumstances, while the gospel of porn (the book of women's vaginas and breasts literally taste like "wine") just openly allows it for any reason.

As brother Abdul Haleem mentioned above, the following Biblical verses clearly prove this:

Exodus 22:16-17
16 If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife.
17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.

There is no doubt that these verses allow for muta between the man and even a virgin. Not only that, but the New Testament doesn't even nullify them.

While it is true that Jesus prohibited divorce between two spouses except for "marital unfaithfulness", but he clearly did allow polygamy in the polygamist society that he lived in through his "1 groom and his 10 virgin brides" parable.

A Christian man can still sleep with a woman and pay her the "bride-price." She would become his wife only and only if her father approves it. After that they certainly can't divorce except for "marital unfaithfulness" from either one. But the point is, according to Exodus 22:16-17, he can still take her to bed and not be violating anything. And if a woman is divorced, and he seduces her for muta, then her father doesn't even have to be involved. Not only that, but in the OT days, divorce was allowed between the two spouses. Again as I mentioned above:

Jeremiah 3:1
If a man divorces a woman and she marries someone else, he is not to take her back again, for that would surely corrupt the land. But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, says the LORD. Yet I am still calling you to come back to me.