Government sponsors mass weddings in Egypt

Marriage is such an important social rite in Egypt and yet its costs can be prohibitive.  The Egyptian government is worried that those who don’t marry because they can’t afford it might become alienated and turn to religious extremism.  So the government and charities are now sponsoring mass weddings.  Read about it in this New York Times article and check out the accompanying slide show and video, describing how the youth of Egypt feel abandoned by their political system.

Shiite temporary marriage

I just learned about this temporary marriage concept that is possible under Shiite law.  This New York Times article is a little bit old but explains the practice pretty clearly.  Do you think temporary marriage is something that could be useful in society?  Does it give women more equality than a traditional marriage does?  Is it a case of prostitution or marriage as a financial transaction?