What constitutes the minimum and maximum amount for Mut'ah?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Dowry (Mahr)
Primary text
The highest form of Mut'ah is a female servant (khadim). Below that is maintenance (nafaqah), and below that is clothing. The minimum acceptable amount is clothing that permits prayer. This minimum assessment aligns with the clothing required by general religious law, such as that required for expiation (kaffarah) or covering the 'awrah during prayer. Ibn Abbas, Al-Zuhri, and Al-Hasan support this hierarchy. Al-Thawri, Al-Awza'i, 'Ata', Malik, Abu 'Ubayd, and the Ahl al-Ra'y stated the minimum should be a tunic (dir'), a head covering (khimar), and a covering sheet (milhafah).
Supporting text
One narration from Ahmad suggests the determination of the amount should be referred to the judge (Hakim), which is one position held by Al-Shafi'i, because it is an unspecified matter requiring juristic reasoning (ijtihad). A third narration suggests it should be equivalent to half of the prompt dower (mahr al-mithl), as Mut'ah is its substitute.