How To Get Laid in 7th Century Mecca
In the early days of Islam there existed an institution known as temporary marriage or mut’a in Arabic. It is still practised and acceptable within Shi’a Islam today although it was forbidden by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his lifetime and it is not practised by Sunni Muslims.
However, there are some fascinating narratives concerning mut’a from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) contained in Sahih Muslim. One of the most illuminating is contained in Volume II, chapter DXLI, 3253 pages 706–707:
Rabi’ b. Sabra reported that his father went on an expedition with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) during the Victory of Mecca, and we stayed there for fifteen days (i.e. for thirteen full days and a day and a night), and Allah’s Messenger ( may peace be upon him) permitted us to contract temporary marriage with women. So, I and another person of my tribe went out, and I was more handsome than he, whereas he was almost ugly. Each of us had a cloak. My cloak was worn out, whereas the cloak of my cousin was quite new. As we reached the lower or the upper side of Mecca, we came across a young woman like a young smart long-necked she-camel. We said, “Is it possible that one of us may contract temporary marriage with you?” She said, “What will you give me as a dower?” Each one of us spread his cloak. She began to cast a glance on both the persons. My companion also looked at her when she was casting a glance at her side and he said, “This cloak of his is worn out, whereas my cloak is quite new.” She, however, said twice or thrice, “There is no harm in (accepting) this cloak (the old one).” So, I contracted temporary marriage with her, and I did not come out (of this) until Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) declared it forbidden.
Now this story is striking in three ways: first, if temporary marriage really was a contract of usufruct wherein the woman was leasing rights to her sexual organs for the man’s pleasure, then why did she choose the handsome man with the worn-out cloak? Secondly, it provides a fascinating insight into how to effect a pickup in 7th century Arabia. Lastly, why is the narrator comparing her sexual attractiveness to that of a long necked she camel?
