Dr. Muktar Yola has criticised a controversial fatwa suggesting that men travelling abroad can enter into temporary marriages while concealing their intention to end the relationship, describing the practice as deceptive and contrary to Islamic principles.
In a statement, Dr. Yola argued that no father with grown daughters, brother with several sisters, or woman hoping to marry would consider such an arrangement acceptable.
According to him, entering a marriage with the predetermined intention of ending it, while allowing the woman to believe she is entering a lifelong union, amounts to deception and injustice.
“Such an arrangement is the height of deception and injustice; qualities that Islam does not endorse,” he said.
Link: https://x.com/Realoilsheikh/status/2083514378943390174/video/1
Dr. Yola stressed that Islamic marriage is built on honesty, trust, commitment and the protection of the rights and responsibilities of both spouses, rather than concealment or exploitation.
He maintained that if a man has the financial means to travel abroad for business, he should also be able to take his wife along. Where that is not possible, such as when the wife remains behind to care for their children, he said Islam already provides lawful alternatives.
“If circumstances prevent her from traveling, and he genuinely believes he needs companionship during extended trips, then he has lawful alternatives within Islam, such as marrying a second wife openly and permanently, with all the rights and responsibilities that such a marriage entails,” he stated.
Dr. Yola further warned against interpretations of Islamic teachings that, in his view, compromise justice and dignity.
He emphasised that Islam is founded on fairness and respect for both men and women, adding that any religious opinion or practice that appears to undermine these principles should be carefully examined.
His remarks come amid public debate over a reported fatwa concerning temporary marriages for men travelling outside their home countries, with many Nigerians expressing differing views on its compatibility with Islamic teachings.
