🖇️ Mut’ah: Exploring the Concept of Temporary Marriage in Islam
Definition and Meaning
Mut’ah (المتعة) is a private and verbal marriage contract between a man and an unmarried woman for a specified period. Predominantly practiced among Twelver Shi’a Muslims, especially in Iran, it allows marriage for a fixed duration and endows both parties with agreed-upon rights and responsibilities. The objective of Mut’ah is typically for sexual enjoyment rather than procreation.
Etymology and Linguistic Roots
The Arabic term “Mut’ah” (متعة) translates to “pleasure” or “enjoyment”:
- Root: Derived from the Arabic root “م-ت-ع” (m-t-ʿ), correlating with enjoyment or benefit.
Historical Background
Pre-Islamic Arab tribes practiced various forms of temporary marriage, including Mut’ah. It was later integrated and adapted into early Islamic culture. Historically and theologically, Mut’ah has been a domain of contention between Sunni and Shi’a jurisprudence.
Key Historical Facts and Dates
- Early Islamic Era: The practice is documented during Prophet Muhammad’s time.
- 635 AD: The second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, declared Mut’ah forbidden in Sunni Islam.
- Continuance: Despite Umar’s prohibition, Twelver Shi’a scholars continued to practice it, believing it to be sanctioned by divine law.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Shi’a Islam: Mut’ah is permissible, conditional upon mutual consent, a specified time, and agreed mahr (marital gift).
- Sunni Islam: Temporary marriage is generally prohibited and viewed as contradictory to the eternal nature of marital bonds preached in Islam.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Misyar: A type of marriage in some Sunni communities with fewer responsibilities.
- Nikah al-Mut’ah: Often used interchangeably with Mut’ah.
Antonyms:
- Nikah: Permanent marriage contract in Islam.
- Talaq: Islamic practice of divorce (typically in permanent marriages).
Related Terms with Definitions
- Iddah (العدة): Waiting period a woman must observe before remarrying.
- Mahr (المهر): Mandatory gift from husband to wife in an Islamic marriage.
- Twelver Shi’a: A major sect of Shi’a Islam.
Exciting Facts
- Purpose Specificity: Mut’ah marriages can last from minutes to years based on the agreed duration.
- Debate and Controversy: It has been a polarizing topic among Muslims, often eliciting diverse theological and ethical opinions.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ayatollah Khomeini: “Mut’ah is a divine ordinance, not adultery or fornication. It is a lawful and moral agreement between consenting adults.”
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- Temporary Marriage in Islamic Law by Sachiko Murata.
- Marriage and Morals in Islam by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi.
- Scholarly articles on the contemporary practice of Mut’ah in Iranian society.
Inspirational Thought
“Mut’ah illustrates the adaptable nature of Islamic jurisprudence yet emphasizes the importance of ethics and consensus in evolving cultural practices.”
Farewell Thought: “Understanding Mut’ah not only exposes the multiplicity within Islamic jurisprudence but also reminds us of the profound cultural tapestries within the Muslim world.”
Best Wishes,
Hassan Al-Qadir
🙏🕋
