السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
First of all do the vast amount (majority) of Shia scholars say that this is a virtuous act? I'm not interested in one or two Shia Scholars or books because Scholars vary in opinion and sometimes to great length.
This is what I'm trying to get at; maybe I'm wrong and its not a recommended act in the Ja'fari madhhab. Yet, I have never come across a Ja'fari scholar who discourages Mut'ah, or says that it is anything less than mustahabb. Perhaps you will show me a scholar who does, or you can show Rationalist a hadeeth that say Mut'ah is only in certain circumstances.
For example, this is off topic/subject but just to prove a point,
*sigh*
there is a joint statement from Ayatollah Khaminei and Sistani that Shias should refrain from such actions and acts based on custom/tradition which give Shias a bad name or where Shias are looked at strangely. Some where along those lines. For example, to commemorate Imam Hussain's martyrdom in a particular fashion where you batter and bloody yourself.
On the other hand you have Ayatollah Khorasani and Shirazi who allow such Azadari and deem it permissible or even necessary and part of the Shia faith and belief. This is how much scholars can differ in fatwa, statement and opinion.
There is also another example, Ali yun Waliyullah, scholars even greatly differ on this too. Some say it is part of the Azaan and Iqamat and others say it is not.
I don't know where to begin. First of all, you are right, this is off topic. Second of all, I'm amazed at this level of contradiction considering a) you follow infallible Imams, b) you are so critical of the Sunni madhhabs; but that's not our topic. Thirdly, if you wanted to prove your point, you could've shown a statement by an Ayatollah saying "you shouldn't do Mut'ah in certain situations because..." as that is our discussion at hand.
Back to the topic. One needs to understand fully and completely about Any Fatwa or statement given by a scholar. For example, 'Mutah is a virtuous act' What does this mean? Virtuous act like Nimaz eTahajut, Nimaz r Shab? No, absolutely not. Where everyone and anyone should be free to do and engage.
Virtuous as in it is mustahabb, as in one is rewarded for doing it. As far is it being better than Tahajjud (is that what you are saying?) and the other prayer (again, I apologize, I can't tell what you are saying); my understanding is that it is WAY better than those things. My understanding is that doing it four times well get you into heaven on the same leve as the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. Can you possibly say that about the prayers you mentioned (or anything else really)?
Mutah is a virtuous act but for who? And why? Those with exceptional circumstances depending on their situation and condition where one fears or eventually and secretly indulges in Haram/sinful acts it is highly recommended and a virtuous act with rewards from refraining from Haram and sinful acts and deeds.
Finally, a response that actually addresses the topic. Problem is, this seems to be your personal explanation. Is there any reference that one has to be in exceptional circumstances for it be a virtuous act? One hadeeth, statement of an Imam, fatwa of a Marji'... anything...
If Mutah was a virtuous and rewarding act in the Ja'fari Madhhab like saum and salah for instance then people would engage in it openly and commonly. It would be a regular act and practice, which it is not.
Once again Mutah is there for those who feel the urge and need. Those with extreme circumstances and in difficult conditions. Those who most definitely know that they will end up doing something sinful/Haram.
Those who don't have the knowledge and understanding is one thing but to deliberately try to point score and make the other sect look bad based on sectarian hatred is another.
I don't hate Shi'as, and I think you can see with how I've responded with Hadrami and Opitmus Prime, I am VERY fair in Ja'fari/Mainstream Muslim discussions.
Problem is the rampant contradictions between what you are saying, and what we read Shi'a scholars say, and what the ahadeeth and statements of the Imams claim. The fact that it is not practiced in a widespread way like fasting and salah is exactly the point of this thread; if it is in fact something which can lead me to heaven, which is it treated like such a taboo subject. The answer I got from you is it is a circumstantial thing. I am willing to accept that; now, can you provide any evidence that this is the case in the Ja'fari Madhhab?
بارك الله فيك وأحسن الله إليك