Why did Umar (RA) forbid Mutah (temporary marriage) after the death of the prophet?
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) forbade mut'ah, or temporary marriage, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) based on his belief that it could lead to moral decay within the Muslim community. He stated, The Messenger of Allah permitted temporary marriage three times and then forbade it. By Allah, I do not know anyone who does temporary marriage while being married except that I stone him with stones, unless he brings me four witnesses who testify that the Messenger of Allah permitted it after he forbade it.
Sunan Ibn Majah 10:119. This statement reflects his strong stance against the practice, viewing it as potentially harmful to the integrity of family structures.
In addition, it is noted that other companions, including Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), maintained that the Prophet (ﷺ) had indeed allowed mut'ah before forbidding it, which adds nuance to the discussion. Ali (RA) stated, You are misguided. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade it and the meat of domestic donkeys on the day of Khaybar.
Sunan an-Nasa'i 26:170. This disagreement highlights the differing views among the companions regarding the validity and implications of mut'ah after the Prophet's death.
Moreover, the historical context suggests that Umar's prohibition was also motivated by a desire to avoid situations where Muslims might exploit this practice or misunderstand its purpose, leading to confusion and potential conflicts within the community. The Shia perspective, however, holds that mut'ah remains permissible as it was sanctioned by the Qur'an and the Prophet (ﷺ), and they cite a narration where Abu Ja‘far states, God has permitted it in His Book and the Prophet has allowed it, so it is halal until the Day of Resurrection.
Al-Kafi 3:650.
Thus, Umar's prohibition of mut'ah reflects his concerns for the moral and social fabric of the early Muslim community, while differing interpretations among scholars and companions illustrate the complexities surrounding this issue in Islamic jurisprudence.
Sources
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Sunan Ibn Majah 10:119
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 10, Hadith 119 · Narrated by Ibn Umar
When Umar ibn al-Khattab became caliph, he addressed the people and said, 'The Messenger of Allah permitted temporary marriage three times and then forbade it. By Allah, I do not know anyone who does temporary marriage while being married except that I stone him with stones, unless he brings me four witnesses who testify that the Messenger of Allah permitted it after he forbade it.'
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 26:170
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 26, Hadith 170 · Narrated by Ali
Ali was informed that someone did not see any harm in temporary marriage (mut’ah). He said, 'You are misguided. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade it and the meat of domestic donkeys on the day of Khaybar.'
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Al-Kafi 3:650
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 650
If a man is confined and sends his sacrifice, but his head is injured before the sacrifice is slaughtered, he must slaughter a sheep where he was confined, or fast, or give charity. Fasting is for three days and charity is given to six needy people, half a Sa' (measure) for each needy person. — OR — Abdullah ibn Umayr al-Laythi came to Abu Ja‘far (peace be upon him) and said: What do you say about ‘mutʿa’ (temporary marriage) with women? He said: God has permitted it in His Book and the Prophet has allowed it, so it is halal until the Day of Resurrection. He said: O Abu Ja‘far, people like you say this, yet Umar has forbidden and prohibited it. He said: Even if he forbade it, I seek refuge with God from you making lawful what Umar forbidden. He said: So he said to him, "Then you are with your companion’s opinion and I am with the statement of the Messenger of God. Come, I curse you, for the word is that of the Messenger of God, and falsehood is the word of your companion." Then Abdullah ibn Umayr turned to him and said: Would you be pleased if your wives, daughters, sisters, and cousins practice it? Abu Ja‘far (peace be upon him) averted his face when those relatives were mentioned.
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