One of the topics that causes serious disagreements among Muslims is the issue of temporary marriage (mut‘ah).
For some, it is a religious practice that was permitted during the early period of Islam. For others, it is an example of how later interpretations may have added to religion something that is not found in the revelation itself.
However, before discussing historical debates, it is necessary to ask a simpler question:
Is there a basis in the Quran for a separate institution of temporary marriage?
If it is claimed that Allah established a special type of marriage that differs from ordinary marriage because it is contracted for a specific period and has different rules, such a claim must have a clear foundation.
The question is not only whether such a practice existed among people in the past.
The main question is:
Is this truly something established by Allah?
Where Does the Quran Mention Temporary Marriage?
The main verse usually cited by supporters of temporary marriage is:
“...and for whatever you have benefited from them (istamta‘tum), give them their due compensation as an obligation...”
(Quran 4:24)
It is precisely the word istamta‘tum that is often presented as evidence for the existence of temporary marriage.
However, an important question arises:
Does this word itself contain the meaning of temporary marriage?
The root of the word is connected with obtaining benefit, enjoyment, satisfaction, or making use of something. But by itself, it does not mean a fixed period, a temporary union, or a separate type of marriage.
In order to derive a complete religious institution from a single word, additional elements must be demonstrated within the text itself:
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where the specific temporary duration is mentioned;
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where the difference from ordinary marriage is described;
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where special rights and obligations are established;
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where the procedure for ending such a union is explained.
But none of these elements appear in the verse itself.
The Context of the Verse: Marriage or Temporary Agreement?
One of the main problems in interpreting the Quran is examining a single word separately from the overall structure of the text.
The Quran describes the relationship between men and women through responsibility, mutuality, and protection.
It says:
“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy...”
(Quran 30:21)
It also says:
“They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them.”
(Quran 2:187)
The Quranic image of marriage is connected not only with physical intimacy but also with a lasting relationship, support, and responsibility.
Therefore, the question arises:
If 4:24 truly establishes a separate temporary institution, why does the Quran nowhere else describe its rules separately?
Where Did the Claim Come From That This Was Specifically a Temporary Marriage Practice?
Sometimes one hears the argument:
“Temporary marriage existed among the people of that time.”
But another question immediately arises:
How do we know that this refers specifically to a religiously established temporary marriage rather than other forms of relationships that existed in society?
The mere existence of a certain practice among people does not automatically mean that it was part of religion.
Throughout history, many customs existed among societies before and during the emergence of Islam. But the purpose of revelation may not have been to confirm every existing custom, but rather to correct and transform existing practices.
Therefore, one cannot simply say:
“People practiced it — therefore it was permitted.”
It must first be proven that Allah Himself established it as a religious norm.
Can We Simply Say: “The Prophet Allowed It, Then Later Prohibited It”?
One common argument states:
“The Prophet initially allowed temporary marriage and later prohibited it.”
But this statement itself requires evidence.
If the Prophet established a religious rule, it is necessary to understand on what basis that rule was established.
The Quran says:
“I only follow what is revealed to me.”
(Quran 6:50)
The Prophet conveyed Allah’s guidance; he did not independently create a separate religious system outside revelation.
Therefore, claims that attribute religious permissions and prohibitions to the Prophet must be approached carefully.
The fact that a certain practice existed among people of his era does not automatically mean that the Prophet permitted or approved it.
If this was a religious institution, the question arises: why was it not clearly established in the Quran?
And if it was a widespread social practice, perhaps the Quran addressed it precisely in order to reform or limit existing relationships.
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When Desires Begin to Shape the Interpretation of the Text
The topic of temporary marriage is connected to a broader issue: sometimes people begin reading a religious text through the lens of their own desires.
This does not happen only in this particular matter.
For example, when descriptions of the reward in Paradise are reduced exclusively to physical desires, while ignoring the spiritual and moral meaning of the reward.
Or when polygamy is viewed only as a right for a man to have more women, while forgetting the justice, responsibility, and protection from injustice that the Quran itself emphasizes.
Such approaches often appear when a person selects a convenient part of the text and builds an entire system around it.
However, honest study of the Quran requires looking at the broader picture:
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the language;
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the context;
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the purpose of the verses;
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the overall system of values presented in the Book.
The question should not only be:
“Can I find a meaning of this word that supports what I want?”
Rather:
“Is this truly what the text intended to say?”
Conclusion
The issue of temporary marriage is, above all, a question of foundation.
If it is claimed that Allah established a separate form of marriage different from ordinary marriage, such a claim must have clear evidence.
However, the Quran contains no word meaning “temporary,” no specified duration, no separate system of rules, and no description of a distinct type of marital union.
There is a verse concerning marital relations and an established compensation, but transforming it into a separate institution of temporary marriage requires adding elements that the text itself does not contain.
Likewise, it is not sufficient simply to refer to historical practices among people or attribute them to the Prophet without clear evidence.
The Quran calls people not to follow desires and assumptions, but to seek truth through reflection and understanding.
Therefore, the central question remains the same:
Is this something the Quran itself says — or did people add to the text what they wanted to find within it?
