Mutarridas

Mutarridas refers to a historical Islamic legal concept, primarily within Shi'a jurisprudence, concerning the contract of marriage. Specifically, it describes a marriage where the bride is a non-virgin and has been previously married, whether due to divorce or widowhood. The term itself implies the woman has "returned" or "repeated" her marital status. This distinction is significant in Islamic law due to differing legal opinions and traditions surrounding the rights and obligations of the parties involved in such marriages compared to those involving virgins.

Key considerations within the mutarridas context often revolve around consent, dowry (mahr), and the process of proposal and acceptance. For instance, some legal schools hold that a woman who is not a virgin may have more autonomy in consenting to a marriage, as her prior marital experience is recognized. The dowry might also be subject to different arrangements or expectations. Furthermore, the etiquette and legal procedures for seeking the hand of a mutarrida can vary, often emphasizing the importance of respecting her previous marital history. The specific rulings and interpretations can differ between various Shi'a jurisprudential schools, reflecting the complexity of applying legal principles to diverse social circumstances.