Mut’ah, commonly referred to as temporary marriage, has been a subject of theological debate and controversy in Islam. Some see it as a legitimate form of marriage that provides a legal framework for certain situations, while others criticize it as being too similar to prostitution due to its temporary and transactional nature. To understand this issue, we must explore the definitions, religious interpretations, and divergent views within Islam on Mut’ah.
Definition of Mut’ah
There are two types of marriages in Islam: permanent and temporary. The latter is called Mut’ah, which literally means pleasure or enjoyment. Mut’ah is also known as al-Nikah al-Muwaqqat (temporary marriage) or al-Nikah al-Munqati’ (discontinued marriage).
Mut’ah is unique because it involves a preset expiry date written into the marriage contract. Unlike a permanent marriage, which has no predefined end and only terminates with divorce or death, Mut’ah has a specified duration that both parties agree to when entering the union. This timeframe can range from a few hours to several years. A key requirement is that the man must provide a dower (mahr) to the woman, similar to permanent marriages, which serves as financial compensation.
Mut’ah in the Qur’an
Proponents of Mut’ah point to Surah An-Nisa (4:24), which some scholars interpret as referring to this form of temporary marriage. The verse speaks about lawful relationships, mentioning the phrase “istamta’tum”, derived from the same root as Mut’ah. Some scholars interpret this to mean temporary marriage, suggesting that the Qur’an implicitly allows Mut’ah.
“And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with gifts from your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [istamta’tum] of marriage from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation.” (Qur’an 4:24)
However, the mainstream Sunni interpretation of this verse views it as referring to permanent marriages. Sunni scholars argue that the use of the word “istamta’tum” in the Qur’an refers to the enjoyment within a lifelong marriage and not to a union of temporary nature.
Historical Context and Prohibition
Mut’ah was initially practiced in the early days of Islam. In a society where long-term commitments were not always practical, especially for travelers and soldiers, Mut’ah allowed individuals to enter into temporary unions with certain legal and financial protections. This arrangement helped avoid zina (illicit sexual relationships) while providing a religiously sanctioned structure for short-term partnerships.
However, the practice was later prohibited by the Prophet Muhammad, as documented in several hadith. These narrations, found in Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari, reveal that the Prophet forbade Mut’ah during the Battle of Khaybar. In one famous hadith, the Prophet stated:
“O people, I had permitted you to contract Mut’ah with women, but Allah has forbidden it until the Day of Resurrection.”
This hadith is often cited as clear evidence that Mut’ah was initially allowed but later permanently banned by the Prophet. Sunni scholars overwhelmingly agree that the prohibition of Mut’ah was directly enacted by the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime.
The Sunni and Shia Divide
While Sunni Islam holds that the Prophet himself prohibited Mut’ah, Shia Islam has a different perspective. Shia scholars argue that the practice was still valid during the Prophet’s lifetime and that it was only banned later by the second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab. Shia Muslims believe that since the Prophet allowed it, the practice of Mut’ah remains lawful.
For Shia Muslims, Mut’ah is not considered immoral or comparable to prostitution. Instead, it is viewed as a valid and legal form of marriage, especially in cases where permanent marriage is not feasible. The legal structure of Mut’ah, which includes a marriage contract, the provision of dower, and the stipulation of certain rights and duties, is considered to distinguish it from prostitution.
Is Mut’ah Comparable to Prostitution?
Critics of Mut’ah, particularly in Sunni circles, argue that the practice resembles prostitution due to its short-term nature and the emphasis on sexual enjoyment. They point out that since Mut’ah can last for just a few hours or days, it opens the door for people to engage in sexual relations under a temporary legal contract, which could be misused for purely transactional purposes.
The transactional nature of Mut’ah, where a woman receives compensation in exchange for a temporary relationship, has drawn comparisons to prostitution in both the modern and historical context. Critics argue that, unlike permanent marriage, Mut’ah lacks the long-term commitment and familial responsibilities expected in Islamic marriages.
However, Shia scholars counter this argument by pointing out the differences between Mut’ah and prostitution. In Mut’ah, the relationship is formalized through a legal contract, and the woman retains certain rights and protections, including the stipulation of a dower. The contract can also include other terms, such as inheritance rights, living arrangements, and more. These legal safeguards, they argue, set it apart from prostitution, which typically lacks legal or ethical oversight.
Modern Implications and Controversy
In the modern world, Mut’ah continues to spark debate. In Sunni Islam, the practice is largely condemned and considered forbidden, with most scholars equating it with illicit behavior. Many Sunnis see it as an outdated practice that was rightly abrogated by the Prophet Muhammad, and in modern societies, it is viewed as a potential loophole for those seeking to engage in prohibited sexual relationships under the guise of a temporary “marriage.”
Within Shia communities, however, Mut’ah is still practiced, though its prevalence varies by region and individual circumstances. It is seen as a solution for individuals who cannot marry permanently due to financial or personal constraints. For example, some Shia scholars promote Mut’ah as a safeguard for widows, travelers, or students who cannot enter into a long-term marriage. Yet, even within the Shia community, some individuals criticize the practice, particularly when it is exploited by men seeking short-term pleasure without responsibility.
Conclusion
The practice of Mut’ah, or temporary marriage, has sparked significant theological and moral debates within the Muslim world. Whether it is seen as a legitimate form of marriage or as a form of legalized prostitution largely depends on one’s religious interpretation. Sunni Muslims generally view Mut’ah as forbidden, based on hadith that suggest the Prophet Muhammad prohibited it. In contrast, Shia Muslims continue to see it as a valid marriage option, with certain legal protections and ethical considerations.
At the core of the debate is the question of intention and how Mut’ah is used: Is it a legitimate contract to prevent sinful behavior in temporary circumstances, or is it a loophole for exploiting women under the pretext of religious law? The answer to this question remains one of the major points of division between Sunni and Shia interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion from a Christian Perspective
From a Christian perspective, practices like Mut’ah (temporary marriage) would be considered strictly forbidden. In the Bible, any form of sexual relationship outside of the sacred bond of marriage is viewed as sinful. The Old Testament law, which is part of the Jewish tradition, treated sexual immorality very severely. Adultery and any form of prostitution were considered grave sins, punishable by death through stoning, reflecting the high moral standards of purity and faithfulness.
In Christianity, marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman meant to last a lifetime. Any sexual relationship outside of this covenant is seen as a violation of God’s commandments. Jesus Christ Himself emphasized this in His teachings, going beyond external actions to address inner thoughts and intentions. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
This teaching shows that even lustful thoughts are considered sinful, not just the physical act of adultery. Christianity holds that sexual purity is vital for both thought and behavior, with no room for temporary or transactional relationships like Mut’ah. Therefore, in the Christian tradition, all forms of sexual relationships outside of the lifelong commitment of marriage are strictly prohibited and considered sinful.