'Ali b. AbiTalib reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited on the Day of Khaibar the contracting of temporary marriage with women and the eating of the flesh of domestic asses.
The Prohibition of Mut'ah Marriage
This narration from 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the permanent prohibition of temporary marriage (mut'ah) and the consumption of domestic donkey flesh. The timing on the Day of Khaibar signifies a crucial legislative moment in Islamic history.
Historical Context of the Prohibition
The Day of Khaibar marks a significant victory for the Muslims and coincided with important legal rulings. Scholars note that temporary marriage was initially permitted during early Islam under specific circumstances but was abrogated permanently at Khaibar, establishing the final ruling for all times.
Scholarly Understanding of Mut'ah
Classical scholars unanimously agree that mut'ah marriage involves a fixed-term contract with specified compensation, fundamentally differing from permanent marriage. The prohibition emphasizes Islam's commitment to stable family structures and clear lineage.
Imam al-Nawawi comments in his Sharh Sahih Muslim that this hadith provides decisive evidence for the impermissibility of temporary marriage, a position held by the majority of scholars across all madhahib.
Prohibition of Domestic Donkey Flesh
The simultaneous prohibition of domestic donkey meat indicates concerns about purity and health. Scholars explain that domestic donkeys were considered najis (impure) unlike wild donkeys, and their prohibition aligns with Islamic principles of consuming only pure and wholesome foods.
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes two permanent prohibitions in Islamic law. Any contract resembling temporary marriage is considered invalid and sinful. The ruling applies universally to all Muslims regardless of time or place, reflecting the completeness of Islamic legislation.