Temporary marriage, also known as mut'ah or sigheh, is a practice in Shia Islam in which a man and a woman enter into a marriage contract for a specific period of time. This type of marriage is different from traditional, permanent marriage (nikah) in that it is not intended to be a lifelong union. Instead, it is meant to be a temporary arrangement for a variety of purposes, including fulfilling sexual desires in a religiously-sanctioned way, providing companionship, or solving practical issues such as financial or social difficulties.
Temporary marriage has a long history in Shia Islam, with roots dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. It is mentioned in various hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet) as a way for travelers to have a lawful sexual relationship while away from their permanent spouses. It was also seen as a way to provide a socially-acceptable outlet for men and women to satisfy their natural desires, while at the same time preserving the sanctity of permanent marriage.
However, temporary marriage has been a controversial practice within Islam, and it is not accepted by all Muslim sects. Some view it as a way for men to exploit women and use them for sexual pleasure without committing to a permanent relationship. Others argue that it can be used as a way to manipulate and deceive women, or as a cover for prostitution.
Despite these criticisms, temporary marriage remains a controversial but accepted practice within Shia Islam. It is governed by specific rules and conditions, such as the need for a written contract, the requirement for a mahr (dowry) to be paid to the woman, and the need for both parties to be legally eligible to marry (i.e. not already married or closely related).
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in temporary marriage within Shia communities, as a way to address issues such as the high cost of permanent marriage, the increasing social pressure on young people to get married, and the difficulties faced by divorcees or widows in finding a permanent spouse. While temporary marriage may not be the solution for everyone, it can provide a viable option for those who may not be ready or able to commit to a permanent relationship, or who simply want a temporary arrangement for a specific purpose.
In conclusion, temporary marriage is a practice that has a long history within Shia Islam and is seen as a way to fulfill certain needs in a religiously-sanctioned way. While it has been controversial and is not accepted by all Muslims, it remains an option for those who are interested in pursuing it.
Can a Muslim Still Have a Temporary Marriage?
Then how can this verse be related to permanent marriage?! So, granted that the last phrase in the above tradition is genuine, then the freed slave of Abbas meant that if the qualified women for permanent marriage are scarce, then one may resort to temporary marriage till such time when he finds a qualified permanent partner, based on the above verdict of Ibn Abbas and some other companions. Some traditions showed that the annulment was determined on the day of Khaybar during the battle of Khaybar. What a destruction to society! In this case, however, the temporary marriage is less risky than the permanent marriage. He also notes that no other verse was revealed to abrogate it. This verse was revealed in Mecca before the hijra according to the consensus of the umma; then how could it annul temporary marriage, which was legislated in Medina some years after the hijra? Since adultery, or zina, is forbidden, here we see the birth of Mutah. And give unto the women whom ye marry free gift of their marriage portions. However, they differ as to when this occurred: It was permissible, but banned during the Battle of Khaybr.
Let's Talk About Mutah, or Temporary Marriage in Islam
The irony is that the author of al-Manār, who holds specific view vis-à-vis the Shīʿa, constantly repeats the famous poem composed to slander Ibn ʿAbbās. People who accept and perform mutah are just plain dumb and blinded by their desires. Sorry but this just seems ridiculous. Mutah is, as you point out, for those who cannot get sex, and that is the case in this day and age for many ordinary young Muslims! He would rather be the best to one wife, then fall short with having two, etc. And the same argument comes in again.
Mut`a: Temporary Marriage
All Muslims unanimously agree that permanent marriage with the People of the Book is allowed. Also, what about the issue of children? And the people of today, are not the Sahaba who were blessed to have the prophet in their presence to guide them. When used with correct knowledge and abiding by the rules, Mutah makes sense and can even be empowering for some. The continuous marriage and the marriage of mulk al-yameen …then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice between them , then marry only one or what your right hands possess and the marriage of the bondmaids was declared by this verse: And whoever among you has not within his power ampleness of means to marry free believing women, then he may marry of those whom your right hands possess from among your believing maidens. This goal is met in permanent marriage but not in temporary marriage, in which only sexual intercourse takes place.
