O people, I had permitted you to contract temporary marriage with women, but Allah has forbidden it (now) until the Day of Resurrection. So he who has any (woman with this type of marriage contract) he should let her off, and do not take back anything you have given to them (as dower).
The Prohibition of Mut'ah Marriage
This narration from Sahih Muslim 1406 d establishes the definitive prohibition of temporary marriage (nikah al-mut'ah) in Islamic law. The Prophet Muhammad initially permitted this practice during certain journeys and military expeditions, but later received divine revelation abrogating this ruling.
Historical Context and Abrogation
Mut'ah marriage was initially permitted during the early Islamic period under specific circumstances of hardship, particularly during travel and military campaigns when prolonged separation from spouses occurred.
The prohibition came through divine revelation, making it a permanent ruling until the Day of Judgment, demonstrating how Islamic law can evolve through progressive revelation.
Legal Implications
The command to "let her off" indicates immediate dissolution of existing mut'ah contracts without requiring formal divorce procedures as in permanent marriage.
The prohibition against taking back dowry emphasizes the sanctity of what has been given in good faith, even when the contract itself becomes invalid.
Scholarly Consensus
Classical scholars from all major schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree on the prohibition of temporary marriage based on this and other authentic narrations.
The permanent nature of this prohibition ("until the Day of Resurrection") closes the door to any future permissibility under changing circumstances.