Did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ever contract temporary marriage (Mut'ah)?
The topic of temporary marriage, or Mut'ah, is addressed in various hadith collections with differing views between Sunni and Shia traditions. According to Sunni sources, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did allow temporary marriage during his time. For instance, it is reported that Jabir ibn Abdullah mentioned, We used to practice mut'ah during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and also during the time of Abu Bakr and Umar.
Sahih Muslim 16:18. However, it is also noted that the Prophet forbade this practice, particularly at the time of Khaybar. As narrated, The Messenger of Allah forbade temporary marriage (mut'ah) in the year of Khaybar
Sahih al-Bukhari 72:49.
On the other hand, Shia sources maintain that Mut'ah was permitted during the Prophet's time and emphasize its legality. For example, a narration in Al-Kafi states, Marry a thousand of them; they are temporary contracts
Al-Kafi 3:669, suggesting a view that sees Mut'ah as a valid form of marriage under specific circumstances.
Thus, while the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) initially allowed temporary marriage, it was later prohibited according to Sunni traditions, leading to differing opinions on its status in Islamic law among Sunni and Shia scholars.
Sources
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Sahih Muslim 16:18
Sahih Muslim · Book 16, Hadith 18 · Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah
Jabir ibn Abdullah came back from performing Umrah. We visited him in his house, and the people asked him about certain matters. Then they mentioned the temporary marriage (mut'ah). He said, "Yes, we used to practice mut'ah during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and also during the time of Abu Bakr and Umar."
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Sahih al-Bukhari 72:49
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 72, Hadith 49 · Narrated by Ali
The Messenger of Allah forbade temporary marriage (mut'ah) in the year of Khaybar and also forbade the flesh of domesticated donkeys.
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Al-Kafi 3:669
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 669
I asked him about a man who looked at his wife and emitted semen (made intercourse without penetration) while he was in Ihram. He said, "Nothing is upon him but he should perform ablution and seek forgiveness from his Lord. If he had intercourse without desire and emitted semen, nothing is upon him. But if he had intercourse or touched her with desire and emitted semen, then he must offer a penalty. He said concerning the man in Ihram looking at his wife and having vaginal intercourse until ejaculation, he must offer a penalty." — OR — I mentioned mut'ah to him, asking if it was among the four. He said: Marry a thousand of them; they are temporary contracts.
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