Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Is misyar marriage right or wrong?

Question:

I want to know what is misyar marriage in our Islam? Is it right or wrong?

- Mustafa

Answer:

Dear Mustafa, As-salamu alaykum,

For those who do not know, "zawaj misyar", or misyar marriage, is a type of marriage in which the couple engages in a legal marriage contract with two witnesses and dowry, but the husband does not move in with the wife, and offers her no financial support. Often the husband is already married and keeps the arrangement secret from his first wife. These marriages have no expectation of having children and generally try to avoid it. They are kept secret from the surrounding community. Often the only ones who know are the two witnesses of the marriage contract, and the woman's family.

Sometimes even the woman's family does not know. In these cases the "married" couple communicates by text messages or email to arrange a meeting place, such as a hotel or a furnished apartment. They meet there for sexual relations, then go on their ways.

Misyar marriage has often been called "legal prostitution."

Sounds bizarre? Indeed it is. Misyar marriage has been roundly condemned by conservative scholars, women's rights advocates, and media commentators. Nevertheless, it has become increasingly common in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, two countries in which "normal" marriage have become very difficult due to unreasonable social burdens.

In response to your question I have published an article on misyar marriage, along with links to several other articles. Please see it here:

Misyar Marriage in Islam

And Allah knows best.

If any readers have some additional advice for this questioner, I invite you to post your comments below.

(O Allah), Guide us to the straight path; The path of those whom you have favored; Not those with whom you are angry; Nor those who go astray.

Best regards,

Wael Abdelgawad
IslamicAnswers.com Marriage Advice
Zawaj.com Muslim Matrimonial Service


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1 Responses »

  1. What's the difference between Muta and Misyar Marriage?

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