A Comparative Study of Narrations in Kāfī of Kulaynī and Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī Regarding Temporary Marriage (Mut'ah)

Abstract

One of the points of disagreement between Shi'a and Sunni is the issue of temporary marriage or Mut'ah. The Shi'a have presented evidence to prove the permissibility (lawfulness) of Mut'ah, while the Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis) have presented evidence for its abrogation and prohibition. Some of the intellectual roots of each group trace back to early Ḥadīth collections, including Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and al-Kāfī of Kulaynī. The present article employs a descriptive-analytical method to provide a scholarly examination and comparative perspective on the two ancient Shi'a and Sunni Ḥadīth compilations, Kāfī of Kulaynī and Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, concerning the subject of temporary marriage or Mut'ah. In this research, the narrations about temporary marriage in the two aforementioned books were first examined in terms of the number of Ḥadīths, the number and titles of chapters, and the quality of the chain of transmission (Sanad) connected to the Infallible (Ma'ṣūm). Subsequently, the content of the Ḥadīths and their elaboration were presented, revealing that the fundamental legitimacy of this marriage in Islam is agreed upon by all Muslims, both Shi'a and Sunni, and has been established by Qur'anic verses and definitive Sunnah, remaining in its legitimate status and not having been abrogated. Furthermore, Kāfī of Kulaynī addresses the discussion of temporary marriage much more comprehensively and completely, whereas Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī includes a total of 8 Ḥadīths on this matter.