What is the legal status when a man marries a woman to a specific duration, such as a month, a year, or until the end of the pilgrimage season?
Chapter on Marriage of Polytheists
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
Such a marriage, termed *Nikah al-Mut'ah* (temporary marriage), is void. This is the stated position of Ahmad, who declared it forbidden. The prohibition is supported by the consensus of the Companions and jurists. Evidence for its prohibition includes the Prophet's statement that he forbade it during the Farewell Pilgrimage, and another narration stating that God forbade it until the Day of Resurrection. Scholars citing prohibition include Umar, Ali, Ibn Umar, Ibn Mas'ud, and Ibn Zubayr, following the established views of Malik, Abu Hanifa, and Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
A secondary view, narrated from Abu Bakr, holds that it is merely disliked, not forbidden, based on a report where Ahmad advised avoiding it, suggesting dislike over outright prohibition. Zufar held that the marriage contract is valid but the time condition is void. Ibn Abbas was reported to have permitted it, a view held by many followers of Ata and Tawus.