Marital and Sexual Ethics in Islamic Law: Rethinking Temporary Marriage

Roshan Iqbal's book explores the intellectual legacy of Quran 4:24 and questions its use for the permissibility of muta marriage. He examines seventeen Quran commentaries and concludes that doctrinal self-identity shaped the interpretation. This work challenges accepted sexual ethics in Islamic thought and opens up space for theorizing Islamic sexual ethics from a Muslim feminist perspective.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Roshan Iqbal delves into the profound intellectual legacy of Quran 4:24, which serves as the primary proof text for the permissibility of muta (temporary marriage). He raises the crucial question of whether the interpretation of this verse aligns with the rules and regulations of Quranic hermeneutics. In his comprehensive examination, Iqbal analyzes seventeen Quran commentaries, spanning a chronological range from the earliest extant commentary to the present day, in three major Islamicate languages. His findings reveal that doctrinal self-identity, rather than strict philological analysis, played a significant role in shaping the interpretation of this verse. This groundbreaking work stands as the first comprehensive exploration of the intellectual history of muta marriage and sexual ethics within Western academias. It vividly illustrates the profound influence of sectarian beliefs on the interpretation of verse 4:24. Moreover, by unveiling ambiguities in the interpretation of muta, this book challenges the prevailing sexual ethics in Islamic thought, as presented by both classical and modern Muslim scholars. By incorporating a diverse range of voices from minor schools (Ibadi, Ashari, Zaidi, and Ismaili), often overlooked by Western scholars, alongside major schools, and drawing from various sub-genres of exegesis, Iqbal's work fosters a multi-faceted understanding of this critical text. Furthermore, by challenging established norms and opening up new avenues for theorizing Islamic sexual ethics from a Muslim feminist perspective, this book contributes invaluably to the ongoing conversation on this vital topic.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 237 x 156 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793606273