I find the article “For husbands who want a Misyar marriage” by Tarfah Abdulrahman (Jan. 30) a bit shocking. Aren't Misyar marriages typically kept secret — often because the man is already married and wants to lie, sneak and deprive both wives of their fair share of treatment as the Qur'an demands? Amazing that the author sees no problem with dishonesty but is only concerned that the man may lose money. Is lying all right in Islam? I hear people say “Muslims don't cheat on spouses” but a secret second marriage is obviously cheating, like having a girlfriend. Muslims who deceive family are hideous to Allah. Samira, Online response According to many scholars this type of marriage is haram. How can a marriage be hidden? Only criminals do such hidden activities. However, it may be permissible under the law. In marrying by Misyar, a women losses everything. Jalal, Online response Although I think this kind of marriage is haram because it destroys the sacred meaning of marriage, a point worth mentioning, however, is the fact that many people are forced into marriages by their families. Even if you have a bit of sense to marry someone who is compatible with you, in many cases the family won't allow the union because of racial or tribal issue. And society seem to have forgotten that our religion focuses on the essence of the heart and good deeds rather than money, position or background. Fatema, Online response From articles like this, non-Arabic readers will understand Islam negatively. Not all Arab Muslims are qualified to speak for Islam because they tie religion to their cultural habits. Islam is a good religion, and people of different races and cultural backgrounds adopt and believe in it. Please leave such topics as Urfi, Mutah, Misyar, Wanasah within the Arab culture as no one can tell what is right in other's culture. Avid1111, Online response It is nothing more than legalized infidelity. In Brtain, we call it having an affair and the option is open to both men and women. Simon, Online response From reading Islamic literature in the West I thought only the Shittes have marriages of convenience. Indeed, the writer's perspective is also shocking. Mark, Online response
