Question:

What is Mut’a? What are its rules and regulations? Is it an honorable act?

Answer:

Mut’a refers to an Islamic marriage which has a fixed term. It is like any other Islamic marriage, where the husband and wife exchange specific vows with the intention of marriage under God’s law. However, in addition to the usual marriage contract, the mut’a marriage has a fixed-term which is specified before the marriage contract is finalised.

Mut’a marriage was definitely endorsed by the Prophet (pbuh) and the Imams of the Ahlul Bayt (as).

Below are some of the basic conditions for mut’a marriage:

– The husband must be a Muslim.
– The wife must be a Muslim or one of the ‘Ahlul Kitab’.
– The wife must have her guardian’s (usually fathers’) permission unless she has been in a previous legitimate marriage which was consummated.
– The husband and wife must not be known adulterers, unless they have sincerely repented from this.
– The specific formula for mut’a marriage must be recited by the husband and wife or their representatives. A marriage-gift and the term of the marriage must be specified as part of the marriage contract and formula.

Answered by: Dr Ali Alsamail
Certified by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei