1. Mut‘a is a temporary marriage contract between Muslim men and women that allows them to marry for a specified period of time. It is considered a religious obligation for a man who wants to satisfy his sexual needs.
This practice has been surrounded by various social stigmas that have made it difficult for many people to accept it.
2. One of the main stigmas surrounding mut‘a is the idea that it is promiscuous and immoral. People often believe that engaging in mut‘a means having multiple partners without being married, which goes against Islamic teachings about monogamy and marital fidelity. This belief leads to negative perceptions of those who participate in mut‘a, making it difficult for them to find partners or be accepted in society.
3. Another stigma surrounding mut‘a is the idea that it exploits vulnerable people. Some argue that poor or uneducated men take advantage of desperate women by offering them money or gifts in exchange for a temporary marriage, leading to an imbalance of power and abuse. This can also lead to trafficking and prostitution, as some women may feel they have no other option but to enter into these types of arrangements.
4. Mut‘a is also seen as a way for men to avoid responsibility and commitment. Many believe that men use mut‘a as a way to avoid the financial and emotional responsibilities of a traditional marriage, while still enjoying the benefits of a sexual relationship. This can create confusion and hurt feelings among potential partners who expect more from a long-term relationship.
There are religious stigmas surrounding mut‘a. Some Muslim scholars have argued that it goes against the Quran's teaching on marriage, which encourages monogamy and lifelong commitment. Others say that mut‘a undermines the sanctity of marriage and can lead to promiscuity and immorality. These views have made it difficult for many Muslims to accept mut‘a as a legitimate practice within their faith.
6. Despite these social stigmas, mut‘a remains a valid practice in Islamic law and has been used for centuries by both men and women seeking to satisfy their sexual needs without breaking religious teachings. While it may be controversial and misunderstood, it continues to play an important role in the lives of those who choose to participate in it.
What social stigmas surround mut‘a despite its religious legitimacy?
Societies have long frowned upon any kind of premarital sexual activity, so women's families generally refuse to allow their daughters to engage in such behavior. This leaves them with few alternatives other than marriage, even if they are not yet emotionally ready for it. Mut‘a allows young people to explore and enjoy each other before committing themselves to lifelong monogamy.