Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited Al-Mut'a marriage and the eating of donkey's meat in the year of the Khaibar battle.

Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 5523

Commentary on the Prohibition of Mut'a Marriage

Mut'a marriage refers to temporary marriage contracted for a specified period in exchange for a specified dowry. The prohibition occurred during the Battle of Khaibar in the 7th year after Hijrah. This prohibition establishes that temporary marriage is unlawful in Islamic law, as it contradicts the permanent nature of marriage intended by Shari'ah for establishing families and preserving lineage.

Scholars explain that Mut'a was initially permitted during times of necessity, particularly during travel and military campaigns, but was subsequently abrogated and made permanently forbidden. The consensus of the ummah holds that Mut'a marriage remains prohibited until the Day of Judgment.

Commentary on the Prohibition of Donkey Meat

The prohibition of domesticated donkey meat was revealed during the Battle of Khaibar. Scholars differ regarding the reason for this prohibition - some hold it is due to the impurity of donkeys, while others maintain it was a specific ruling that has since been abrogated for non-domesticated wild donkeys.

The majority position holds that the meat of domesticated donkeys remains prohibited based on this hadith and other authentic narrations. This ruling applies specifically to edible domesticated donkeys, while wild donkeys (as mentioned in Surah al-Ma'idah) are permissible to consume according to most scholars.

Wisdom Behind These Prohibitions

The simultaneous revelation of these two prohibitions demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic legislation, addressing both matters of worship (marriage) and daily life (food consumption). This teaches Muslims that Islam provides guidance for all aspects of human existence.

The timing during the Battle of Khaibar indicates that even during military campaigns and difficult circumstances, the Shari'ah maintains its moral and legal standards, ensuring that Muslims uphold divine commandments in all situations.