Can Adultery be Forgiven in Islam?

Can Adultery be Forgiven in Islam? Adultery is the concomitant sexual relations between two individuals who are not married to each other, but one of them is married to another person. There are varying definitions of adultery in different jurisdictions, and it is considered a sin in almost all religions. Whether a man or woman has sexual relations with someone they are not married to, adultery is considered adultery under Muslim law. 

Can Adultery be Forgiven in Islam
Can Adultery be Forgiven in Islam

In the Quran, adultery or extramarital sex is condemned as one of the foremost crimes against marriage and is considered an infringement of matrimonial bonds by Allah.

In Arabic, Zina refers to a premarital or extramarital relationship. People may be punished harshly for Zina, which is the most heinous crime. According to Allah, the following verses in the Quran prohibit adultery:

“You must avoid adultery. It is a shameful act as well as an evil that opens the doors for other evils.” My Lord forbids all shameful acts, open and hidden, as well as trespassing against any moral principle.

As per Islamic law in an Islamic state, it is forbidden to shed the blood of a Muslim unless one of three sins is committed: fornication committed by a married person, retribution for premeditated murder, and [treason of a person renouncing Islam and thus leaving the community to wage war against the faithful].

In Islam, adultery is one of the most dreadful and atrocious sins. According to the Quran, it is equivalent to the deadliest of crimes, demonstrating its horrendousness. That is perfectly explained in the above Quran verse.

Adultery is considered a crime that cannot be forgiven due to its calamitous consequences, adversely affecting the person involved, the family unit, and society. A satisfying family life is based on faith and harmony, which are eroded by it; it fritters away the vigor; it knocks off balance; a person’s pure character is eroded, and their devotion and loyalty are destroyed. As a result, Allah’s fury and punishment in various forms are imposed on the individual.

According to the Prophet, a nation will suffer from chastisement if adultery and promiscuity become rampant. He will also send such strange diseases upon them that their own ancestors never heard of. Fornication and infidelity are considered sins that are unpardonable and reprehensible.”

Involvement in Zina is punishable by brutal punishment for both men and women. Those who commit premarital sex are punished with 100 lashes, and those who commit adultery are punished with stoning to death, which is also called Rajm or severe flogging. Nonetheless, stoning is not mentioned in the Quran but is prescribed in Hadith as a punishment for extramarital sex. Islamic prophet Mohammad’s words and conduct are represented by hadith, which are verbal mores.

Men are exceptions in this case; sleeping with an unmarried woman isn’t considered adultery if the woman is married, but it becomes a crime when she practices extramarital affairs. A stoning to death is the punishment prescribed for her in this case.

When someone commits adultery, does Allah forgive them?

We are taught in Isam to ask Allah for forgiveness regardless of how many sins we have committed, and He will forgive us if we are sincere in our requests.

In another instance, there was a case where someone asked a lady for her hand in marriage, and another person informed the proposer that the girl had committed adultery in the past. In response, the Prophet (saw) explained to the other man that he should not have said that because the girl had apologized and sought forgiveness from Allah.

However, if a person commits adultery, they must be stoned. So how is this person supposed to ask for forgiveness?

Other sins that carry the death penalty were also covered by this. When someone steals something, their hand must be chopped off, so does this mean they will not be punished for stealing in the hereafter since they have already been punished for their mistake? There is no doubt that Allah is Most Merciful.

The door of repentance is always open in Islam: Can Adultery be Forgiven in Islam?

There is always an open door of repentance in Islam, but it requires a resolve to stop sinful behavior. People who have engaged in adulterous relationships must decide to cease those sinful activities and seek forgiveness from Allah. His mercy will surely be showered upon him by Allah. 

As Allah, the Highest, says in the Qur’an: “Say, ‘O my servants whose souls you have transgressed! Never lose hope in Allah’s mercy, because He forgives all sins, which He is oft-forgiving and merciful.” “Allah will turn mercy on those who repent after doing evil in ignorance. For Allah knows and understands everything.”

Additionally, someone who has done this should perform his prayers regularly and engage in Islamic work as much as possible. In addition, he should attend the Masjid (mosque), read the Qur’an every day, attend Islamic classes, and avoid any company that does not remind him of Allah. To purify himself and expiate his sins, he should give Sadaqah (charity) to the poor and the needy. 

Tawbah also requires that sin never be repeated. You do not go back to what you asked forgiveness for – that is a sign of sincere repentance. The following repentance should be a complete and thorough change in your lifestyle. The increase in prayers, fasting, and supplication (du’a’) should be part of this process. Through daily recitation of the Qur’an, it is also necessary to develop a strong relationship with Allah, particularly a relationship founded on deep reflection on the meanings of the Qur’an. As a result, you should develop a very positive outlook on life and build up your faith in Allah.

Conclusion

Finally, he should resolve not to commit this sin again. The believer should make constant du’a’ (supplications) to Allah to guide him to the right path, protect him from Satan’s footsteps, and grant him paradise and happiness here and in the hereafter.

Read also: What does Adultery mean in Islam; In Islam can you marry a Christian? ; Adultery vs Polygamy; Is adultery forgivable

External resource: Wikipedia