By means of a marriage contract, a man and woman become lawful (ḥalāl) for each other. A marriage contract is of two types: permanent (dāʾim) and temporary (munqaṭiʿ) [also known as ‘mutʿah’]. A permanent marriage contract is one in which no period is specified for the marriage. A woman married by such a contract is called a ‘permanent wife’ (dāʾimah). A temporary marriage contract is one in which a period is specified for the marriage, such as a marriage contract that is concluded with a woman for one hour, one day, one month, one year, or longer. However, the period specified for such a marriage must not exceed the lifespan of the husband and wife or one of them; otherwise, the contract is invalid (bāṭil). A woman married by such a contract is called a ‘temporary wife’ (mutʿah).[1]