The Prohibition of Mut'ah Marriage

This narration from Sahih Muslim 1407 c establishes the permanent prohibition of temporary marriage (mut'ah) and the consumption of domestic donkey meat. The prohibition occurred during the Battle of Khaibar, marking a significant legislative moment in Islamic law.

Historical Context of the Prohibition

The Day of Khaibar represents a pivotal moment when the Muslim community was transitioning from earlier dispensations to the complete Shari'ah. Temporary marriage was initially permitted during travel and military campaigns but was ultimately abrogated to establish the permanent sanctity of marriage.

Scholars note that this prohibition came during the seventh year after Hijrah, demonstrating the gradual perfection of Islamic legislation. The simultaneous prohibition of two distinct matters shows the comprehensive nature of Islamic legal reform.

Legal Implications and Scholarly Consensus

All four Sunni schools of jurisprudence agree on the permanent prohibition of temporary marriage based on this and other authentic narrations. Marriage in Islam requires proper intention, witnesses, mahr (dower), and is established as a permanent contract unless dissolved through proper channels.

The prohibition of domestic donkey meat is based on considerations of purity and health, as these animals were often considered unclean and their consumption was deemed harmful to both body and spirit.

Spiritual Wisdom Behind the Prohibitions

The permanent nature of these prohibitions safeguards the dignity of marital relations and ensures proper family structures. Temporary marriage undermines the spiritual and social purposes of marriage as envisioned in Islamic teachings.

Similarly, the prohibition of donkey meat preserves physical purity and aligns with the Islamic principle of consuming only what is pure and wholesome (tayyib). Both rulings reflect Allah's mercy in protecting the Muslim community from harmful practices.