Debunking Claims about Mutʿah in Islam: A Response to Critics
Critics like Christian Prince, Sam Shamoun, and David Wood often use the topic of Mutʿah (temporary marriage) in Islam as a tool to misrepresent Islamic teachings. This article seeks to clarify the misconceptions surrounding Mutʿah, debunk false claims, and provide a clear, scholarly understanding of the subject within the Islamic tradition.
What is Mutʿah?
Mutʿah refers to a form of temporary marriage that was practiced in the early period of Islam. In this arrangement, a man and a woman agreed to marry for a predetermined period, with the man providing a specified dowry to the woman. This practice was later prohibited by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as confirmed by authentic hadiths.
The Dowry in Islam: A Misunderstood Concept
What is Dowry (Mahr)?
In Islam, the dowry, or mahr, is a mandatory gift from the husband to the wife at the time of marriage. It is a symbol of respect, commitment, and responsibility, not a payment for sexual relations. The Quran states:
“And give the women (upon marriage) their due dowries graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:4)
Therefore, the dowry paid in the case of Mut’ah is the same as that of a traditional marriage.
Dowry in Other Cultures and Religions
The concept of dowry is not unique to Islam. It existed in pre-Islamic Arabia, as well as in Jewish and Christian traditions. For example:
- Judaism: In the Torah, a bride price was common (Exodus 22:16–17).
- Christianity: During medieval times, dowries were integral to Christian marriages, symbolizing financial security for the bride.
Thus, the Islamic mahr aligns with global historical traditions and cannot be equated with “payment for sex,” as critics claim.
Was Mutʿah Allowed in Islam?
The Early Permissibility of Mutʿah
Mutʿah was initially permitted in Islam under specific circumstances, particularly during times of war when Muslim soldiers were away from their families for extended periods. This was a practical solution to prevent fornication and protect the soldiers from violating Islamic principles. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“Mutʿah was permitted during the time of the Prophet, during the time of Abu Bakr, and part of the time of Umar.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1406a)
The Prohibition of Mutʿah
Later, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prohibited Mutʿah, making it clear that it was no longer allowed. In another hadith, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) narrated:
“The Messenger of Allah forbade Mutʿah marriage and the eating of donkey meat on the Day of Khaybar.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5115; Sahih Muslim, 1407)
The prohibition of Mutʿah was reiterated during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, who declared:
“The Messenger of Allah allowed Mutʿah during times of necessity and then prohibited it. I, too, prohibit it, and I will punish those who practice it.”
Addressing Claims of Abrogation in the Quran
Critics argue that the Quran never explicitly abrogated Mutʿah. However, this argument is flawed for two key reasons:
Mutʿah is Not Mentioned in the Quran The Quran does not explicitly mention Mutʿah as a practice. Critics often cite Surah An-Nisa (4:24), which discusses lawful marital relations, but this verse does not refer to temporary marriage. It addresses lawful marriage contracts and the rights of women within those marriages.
The Role of the Prophet’s Teachings Islamic law derives not only from the Quran but also from the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). When the Prophet prohibited Mutʿah, his decision became binding for Muslims, as his rulings are considered divinely guided:
“And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from.”
(Surah Al-Hashr 59:7)
Context of Mutʿah: Misuse and Wisdom Behind Its Prohibition
Initially, Mutʿah served a specific purpose to address the unique challenges faced by early Muslims. However, the Prophet (pbuh) foresaw the potential for misuse. Allowing Mutʿah could lead to exploitation, undermining the sanctity of marriage and creating social instability. Scholars agree that this wisdom was central to its prohibition.
What Do Scholars Say?
Islamic scholars across all major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafiʿi, Hanbali, and Jaʿfari) unanimously agree that Mutʿah is prohibited. Imam Al-Nawawi commented:
“The prohibition of Mutʿah is well-established and agreed upon. It was initially allowed and then abrogated. The prohibition is definitive, and its permissibility is no longer valid.”
(Sharh Sahih Muslim)
Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a contemporary scholar, elaborates:
“Mutʿah was a concession in extraordinary circumstances. Once the situation normalized, it was forbidden to preserve the dignity and stability of marriage in Islam.”
Conclusion
The claims made by Christian critics such as Christian Prince, Sam Shamoun, and David Wood about Mutʿah being equivalent to prostitution are baseless and rooted in a misunderstanding of Islamic teachings. Mutʿah was a temporary concession, later prohibited by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to prevent misuse and protect the sanctity of marriage.
The dowry in Islam is a symbol of respect and commitment, not payment for sexual relations, and this practice aligns with traditions across many religions and cultures. Furthermore, the prohibition of Mutʿah is well-documented in authentic hadiths and unanimously upheld by Islamic scholars.
Critics’ arguments lack scholarly grounding and fail to acknowledge the broader context of Islamic teachings. It is essential to approach such topics with an informed understanding, rather than relying on selective readings or misinterpretations.