Temporary Wives and Decent Prostitutes

The undertaking of a ‘temporary marriage’ within Islam is viewed by many as ambiguous loophole for an approved form of prostitution.

Temporary marriages are known as ‘Nikah Mut’ah’. Practised among some Muslims, this type of marriage contract has within it a fixed-time length that automatically terminates when the timespan of the contract expires. The fee for a Mut’ah marriage is paid for upfront or in some cases, half the fee is paid beforehand and the other half is paid if sexual pleasure was derived during the time sensitive marriage. This type of marriage is not sanctioned by the Islamic majority but is practiced because the Mut’ah marriage contract is referenced in the Quran (Q. 4:24), and also appears in Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad).

“We used to participate in the Holy battles led by Allah’ Apostle and we had nothing (no wives) with us. So we said, -“Shall we get ourselves castrated?” He forbade us that and then allowed us to marry women with a temporary contract”. (Bukhari 62:13o).

There is evidence in hadith that Prophet Muhammad allowed his men to use temporary marriage contracts to enjoy the benefits of married life contracted to last for a short period of time. The Hadith also suggests that the practice was later forbidden.

Mut’ah Temporary Marriages are practised today by some Muslims. Given that the term ‘temporary marriage’ has a double meaning and is itself an innuendo for prostitution, Sunni Muslims believe it is a practice suitable only for the ancient times of Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims generally approve of the practice because of its appearance in the Quran and Hadith.