In Islam, a mutah marriage, also known as a temporary marriage or a pleasure marriage, is a type of marriage that is contracted for a specified period of time and dissolves automatically upon the expiration of that period. This type of marriage is not recognized by all schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and it is generally considered to be controversial within the Islamic community.
According to some interpretations of the Qur'an, mutah marriage was permitted during the early years of Islam as a means of providing support and protection for widows and orphans. However, the Prophet Muhammad eventually prohibited mutah marriage due to the abuse and misuse of this institution by some members of the community.
There are several verses in the Qur'an that are believed to relate to mutah marriage. For example, Surah 4:24 states, "And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess." Some scholars interpret this verse as allowing for the possibility of mutah marriage with female captives, although this interpretation is not universally accepted.
In addition to the Qur'anic verses, there are also hadiths, or sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, that relate to mutah marriage. One such hadith states that the Prophet Muhammad said, "A woman may be married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. Choose the one who is religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e., may you prosper)." This hadith is often used to argue that mutah marriage was intended to provide a way for men to marry women for a temporary period of time for the purpose of satisfying their sexual desires in a halal (permissible) manner.
Despite the existence of these Qur'anic verses and hadiths, there is considerable disagreement among Islamic scholars about the permissibility of mutah marriage. Some scholars argue that mutah marriage is permissible in certain circumstances, such as when a man is traveling and does not have access to a permanent wife. Other scholars argue that mutah marriage is completely forbidden in Islam, citing the Prophet Muhammad's prohibition of the practice and the potential for abuse and exploitation.
In conclusion, the issue of mutah marriage in Islam is a complex and controversial one. While some scholars argue that mutah marriage is permissible in certain circumstances, others argue that it is completely forbidden. Ultimately, the decision about whether to enter into a mutah marriage is a personal one that must be made in accordance with an individual's understanding of Islam and the guidance of a qualified Islamic scholar.
