JNN 08 Dec 2012 : Marriage ends in divorce more often than not, and Mexico City politicians from the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution believe they have a solution: Temporary marriage. It sounds odd, but Mexico would not be the first country or society to allow it.
A Two-Year Temporary Marriage
Reuters explains that the Party of the Democratic Revolution is considering legislation that would “reform the civil code” to let marriage-bound couples decide — ahead of time — what the duration of their wedded bliss will be. Treating marriage as a basic contract, legislators propose to offer a short-term marriage of two years with subsequent renewal dates.
If one or both spouses do not want to renew the marriage contract, clauses spell out how children and property will be handled. There is no need for a divorce and costly court proceedings. Traditional couples may still opt for the “till death do us part” option. Surprisingly, temporary marriage is not a new concept.
Southeast Asia (15th Century)
Writing for the University of Pennsylvania, Laura Mitchell outlines that marriage practices in regions of the Indonesian archipelago included temporary marriages as means of providing for female traders’ economic activities and male trader’s needs for female companionship, comfort and introduction to closely-knit societies. “Reciprocal access to trade connections” was a stated benefit both spouses enjoyed as part of the marriage contract. It was understood that — at the end of the marriage contract — children would remain with their mothers.
Shia Islam in Iran (ongoing)
If Mexico City politicians need a somewhat more modern example of ongoing temporary marriages, they need to look no further than Iran. BBC News explains that in 2007 the minister of the interior championed temporary marriage as “solution to the country’s social problems.” It is interesting to note that these temporary marriages can last in duration from an hour to 100 years.
The practice is heavily criticized by conservatives, in part because the marriage oath may be recited in private — without benefit of clergy — and does not require witnesses. The obvious downside of this arrangement is the fact that — at this time — children from these marriages are considered illegitimate.
If temporary marriage becomes legal in Mexico City, will the United States take a closer look at the practice? Being socially progressive, it would not be surprising to see California follow suit at some point in the near future.
My God if this is legislated Sunnies will cry hoarce , day and night they criticise Mutah ,compare it to prostitution, I always commented ,mutah is Jaez by Shrah e Islami but its contiditions are as strict as Nikah , in fact both are same but later has the condition of duration and it is a fact that many sahabah did it and some sahabah cancelled it , now no one never had any such authority to cancell or allow ..
I am of the opinion that though Jaez there are hardly any shia who practices it , I have often said , I am yet to see a Shia family , in my 75 years, who did motah but the evil people have only one aim Criticise the finest divine rules , that is the fiqh real Islam, Shia Islam.