ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Shi'ite Encyclopedia (chapter 6) Temporary Marriage in Islam (part V) Purpose of the Marriage Some Sunnis claim that based on the following verse of Quran "And Allah has made for our spouses of your own nature, and from your spouses has made for you sons and grandsons ..." (Quran 16:72) the purpose of marriage is reproduction.

However, in the temporary marriage the above-mentioned purpose is not realized, and thus the couple can not be considered husband and wife. To answer this assertion, we should say: It is true that temporary marriage is not primarily intended for reproduction (though the couples can do that if they want to). As a matter of fact, many temporary marriages were/are the gate for entering the permanent marriages and the establishments of lucky families.

In many cases the partners will finally permanently marry after they saw a good deal of success in their temporary relation. Even though the human race is guaranteed its survival through marriage, the Holy Quran did NOT authorize it exclusively for that, otherwise, it should have illegalized any marriage which does not give birth to new generation. For instance, the marriage of barren/infertile women as well as old women should have been prohibited.

Also contraceptive means should not have been allowed. But the fact is that none of them are prohibited in Islam. This goes to prove that reproduction is NOT the mere goal in marriage. Moreover, when discussing the issue, fairness requires one to bring other reasons that Quran mentioned for engaging in marriage. The above was just ONE reason which is usually the case of permanent marriage. But the above verse does not say that reproduction is the ONLY reason to marry.

There are other goals mentioned in Quran for marriage, among which are the following: 1- Having pleasure and enjoying the other partner: This is clear from the verse of Mut'a itself where Allah said: "So for those of whom you have pleasure with them (by the contract), you are required to give (them) their wages. And there is no sin for you in what you both agree after the requirement..." (Quran 4:24) Pleasure and enjoying mentioned here do not necessarily restrict to physical aspects.

They do cover the spiritual aspects as well.