Title: Marriage for Citizenship Question: I wish to get Islamic stance on contract marriage I know that moatta is haram but in circumstances like most of us living abroad and try to get married to local person to solve our residential problems in the country but these type of marriage is only for limited period the time one solve his problems marriage will terminated on top these person are asking some money for the type of marriage to me which is not allowed in Islam. But my question is what if some body marries someone for unlimited period of time in any other circumstances, is it allowed in Islam? Secondly if a person is engaged in such relationship whiter or not sex is allowed in partners? Answer: Marrying someone for a citizenship, if explicitly illegal in the country of residence is contrary to the teachings of Islam. We are to respect the contracts we enter and by living in a country that states a person is not allowed to marry someone else to give them citizenship then the residents must comply. There are many hardships that we deal with in life but you may agree that this prickle in this life is far better than having to answer in the hereafter why we have broken our oaths. The real world, sometimes, takes a heavy toll on us and seems to push us in directions we would prefer not to go. In such cases we should do what is best with faith in God and use the wisdom He has blessed us with. At least, one can feel at peace with the decisions they make if they feel they are right with the Almighty. The issue you inquire about is not like Muta'h (temporary marriages) because the ingredients of such a marriage forsake the very foundation of the family structure; being as such they are not allowed in Islam. The matter that you present is related to asylum and privileges of another country, which has little to nothing to do with amorousness. A marriage that does not stipulate a time limit even if it is for the purpose of citizenship is not prohibited. In such a case consummation of the marriage is allowable and part of the matrimony. Thus, placing a time limit on marriage seems to contradict the very spirit of the institution of marriage. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan February 13, 2007