Mut'ah — The Limited Marriage
Question
In a recent discussion with friends, it was mentioned that a marriage known as "MutÂ’ah" was permitted at the Prophet's time. It was later prohibited by the second or third caliph. Similarly, an addition to the call to prayer for Fajr was made in the words "As-salat kahrun mina al nawm." Please comment.
Answer
What has been mentioned in your discussion is incorrect. Mut'ah in the context of marital relationship means a marriage intended for a specified period of time. This is declared at the time the contract is made. The prospective husband mentions to his prospective wife that they are marrying for a year or a longer or shorter period, and she agrees to that. When the period is over, their marriage is dissolved automatically. This is not acceptable in Islam. It was the Prophet who declared that it is forbidden. He made this declaration on his return from the expedition to Tabuk, at the head of a large army. The confusion arises from the fact that there are reports that one or two companions of the Prophet had such a limited marriage when they were with the army on the way to Tabuk. This might have been so, but the express prohibition was made on the return journey. Even if these reports were true, they
signify nothing more than a new restriction forbidding something that had been practiced in the past. There are numerous examples of such things.
As for the addition to the call to prayer, it was made at the time of the Prophet. It is true that when the Athan, i.e. call to prayer, was learned, it did not include such words which means "Prayer is better than sleep;" The words of the Athan were taught to Bilal and he started practicing them. The following day, when he made the call to Fajr prayer, he added these words. The Prophet smiled and approved. Since then, these words are part of the call to Fajr prayer. As you see, the Prophet has sanctioned this addition which takes effect as a part of the Athan.
Islam in Perspective
AB
"For to us will be their return; then it will be for us to call them to account." (Holy Quran 88:25-26)
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{Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.}
(Holy Quran-16:125)
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."} (Holy Quran-41:33)
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "By Allah, if Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of camels." [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, "Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all."
[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
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