Muta'h marriages

18-5-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

Among Sunni jurisprudents there is a discussion concerning whether or not the marriage of Muta'h is the same as 'temporary marriage'. Most of them have agreed that they are synonymous. [9] In some works a special term is applied to women who participate in Muta'h: Musta'jara, or 'rented woman'. Muta'h is considered a kind of 'rental' because in general a man's basic aim in this kind of marriage is the sexual enjoyment of a woman, and in return for his enjoyment the woman receives a certain amount of money or property. In defining 'rental' the jurisprudents say: 'It is to gain possession of a benefit in exchange for a specified sum'. [10] This definition applies equally to temporary marriage. In this connection a number of Hadith have been recorded in which the word Musta'jara is employed. [11]

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

The word 'Wages' mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith in the context of Nikah (marriage) means Mahar (bridal money) which is a compulsory part of a valid marriage. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {…give them their Mahr as prescribed …} [4:24].
The verse proves that everyone who has enjoyed his wife by having sex or other kind of relations should pay her Maher. Because the word is mentioned in the context of valid marriage and it does not have any connection to the Muta'h marriage (temporary) which is forbidden forever.
For more details, please read the Fatwa: 82221.
Allah knows best.