Q: Salam,

We have a plan to get married. Before were involved in temporary marriage. I am christian learning about Islam. He says he is Sunni.  He says his Imam said he should marry only a good Muslim woman. Does Imam need to know about temporary marriage? Is it haram temporary marriage for Sunni?

Thank you.

A: Greetings upon you as well. We appreciate your query. It is not clear if you are part of such a marriage or are intending such a marriage. Your second sentence has ambiguity in it. Regardless, we have attempted to make our thoughts clear to you.

• I am unaware of what you mean by temporary marriage. If you are defining it as the following: marriage that has been fixed for a specified period of time – 6 hours, 6 months, etc. then such a marriage in Islam would not be viewed as permissible. Human emotions are not to be toyed with. Yes, we do not deny that a marriage in itself could last 6 months, 6 days, etc.  But to contract out a fixed time period for marriage is demeaning to woman, one’s personal values as well as the institution of marriage. It is a ‘fancy’ way to toy with the emotions of females that cannot find respectable partners but need to be in a relationship. It also proves the possible insecurity and lack of ability towards commitment on the part of a man that seeks to exploit a relational. We also question the integrity/desperation of such a woman/man that involves themselves in such‘temporary’ relationship(s)/contracts.

• Although I am not questioning his/her level of faith, all we can do is wonder the good nature of a man that wants a ‘good Muslim woman’ when he seems to sanction the temporary marriage system which is not part of Islam as defined in the Quran! To say the least, it leaves a poor taste to not just People of the Book but Muslims as well. Would he like his daughters/mother to be treated as persons that fulfill male delights on a temporary scale as indicated above? Should he respond in the affirmative, in such an event all we can conclude, if a man does not value his family, what gives you hope that he would value you?!

More than marriage, I request you to seek a person that has a belief system that is compatible to your cherished values. Should his views change to reflect healthier spiritual thinking/behavior, this would prove much healthier for the both of you on all levels.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.