What Is the Islamic Ruling on a Temporary Marriage for 99 Years?

Temporary marriage in Islam, especially in the Shia sect, is a type of marriage in which the marriage contract is made for a specific and limited period with a specified dowry between a man and a woman. Once the temporary marriage contract expires, the marital relationship between the two individuals automatically ends. Before performing the temporary marriage contract, a dowry must be specified for the marriage to be valid. Even if the woman does not want a dowry, the temporary marriage is not valid. Therefore, the dowry, no matter how small, must be set by the man.

The most important feature of temporary marriage is that when the temporary marriage contract ends, the marriage automatically ends without the need for divorce. There is no specified minimum or maximum duration for temporary marriage, but some people believe that if the duration of the temporary marriage exceeds the length of a human's life, it turns into a permanent marriage.

If the duration of the contract is set to a long period, such as 99 years, some people consider it invalid, others say it turns into a permanent marriage, while others argue that it is valid because the duration can be forgiven. However, regarding the minimum duration of the temporary marriage, it should be enough to allow for some form of sexual pleasure to be imagined.

Temporary marriage is not fixed in one form, and in fact, it is considered "temporary" because it has a specified duration and various conditions. The time of marriage can range from one hour to a 99-year temporary marriage, and individuals can determine the nature of their relationship, the duration, and the amount of dowry given to the wife. This form of marriage is flexible, allowing individuals to adapt it to their needs. Some people in need of marriage can use this method to fulfill their needs and avoid the problems and sins associated with unhealthy relationships.

In fact, a 99-year temporary marriage can give a lawful aspect to what is happening in society, which might otherwise be considered adultery due to failure to observe the Islamic code of conduct, thus closing the path to sin. The issue of registering the marriage in a birth certificate or legal document (whether it is a permanent or temporary marriage) is a civil matter, not a religious one, and therefore, the act of performing the marriage contract between individuals is more significant than registering it.

What is the difference between a 99-year temporary marriage and a regular temporary marriage?

A regular temporary marriage (or "Sigheh") means that a man and woman marry temporarily, and they remain husband and wife only as long as the specified contract duration lasts. After the contract ends, they are no longer husband and wife. For example, if they marry for ten days, after ten days, they are no longer considered married. In a temporary marriage, the consent of both parties, the marriage contract, and the specification of dowry and duration are essential. If the woman is a virgin, according to most religious authorities, her father's consent is required.

According to Article 1062 of the Civil Code: "Marriage occurs with an offer and acceptance with words that explicitly indicate the intention of marriage."

Temporary marriage, where the marital relationship between a man and woman is for a specific duration, is done through a contract. Since the temporary marriage contract is one of the formal contracts, it must have both general conditions for its validity and specific conditions.

Views of Religious Authorities on a 99-Year Temporary Marriage

Various religious scholars have differing opinions on the validity and correctness of a 99-year temporary marriage. Here are their opinions:

• Imam Khomeini (R.A.): It is valid and considered temporary.

• Ayatollah Behjat (R.A.): Temporary marriage is valid as long as it does not reach absurdity.

• Ayatollah Khoei (R.A.): It is considered as part of a permanent contract.

• Ayatollah Sistani (H.D.): It is invalid.

• Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani (H.D.): It is valid and considered temporary.

• Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani (R.A.): It is valid and considered temporary.

• Ayatollah Golpaygani (R.A.): It is valid and considered temporary.

• Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi (H.D.): This kind of temporary marriage has issues, and it is advisable to treat it as a permanent contract.

• Ayatollah Noori Hamadani (H.D.): It is considered part of a permanent contract.

• Ayatollah Vahid Khorasani (H.D.): According to precaution, the duration of the temporary marriage should not exceed the lifespan of the spouses or either of them, and turning it into a permanent marriage is problematic.

• Ayatollah Tabatabai (R.A.): The contract is not invalid, but when dealing with the consequences of a permanent or temporary marriage, one must proceed cautiously. If the marriage did not specify inheritance or maintenance, the woman should not claim inheritance or maintenance, and for separation, the man should divorce her in addition to freeing the term.