Punishment of Zina in Islam- Part 1

Zina in Islam is a discussion that requires more attention of each and every Muslim. Even when we appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, it is also important to know the ill side when we do not conform to the actions deemed right for us by Allah. Keeping this in mind, our next objective is to make our readers aware of the punishments of Zina in this life. We have talked about how Zina is one of the grievous sins, but we are not fully aware of the grievous punishments for the same.

Under Islamic jurisdiction, a person who commits Zina is liable to receive a very severe punishment. For an unmarried person who commits this sin, the Qur’an says;

“The woman or man found guilty of Zina, flog each one of them with a hundred lashes. Let not pity for them without you applying the ruling of Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.” [An-Nur 24:2]

“A virgin committing Zina with a virgin: one hundred lashes for each and banishment for one year for the man. And a married committing Zina with a married: one hundred lashes and stoning.” [as recorded by Muslim, Ahmad, and others.]

As for those who are married and have weakened their Imaan to such a level that they get involved in Zina even after the presence of their spouses, then Allah has subjected death penalty for a married adulterer.

“The blood of a Muslim, who testifies that there is no true God except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, does not become permissible for the death of penalty except for one of the three acts: a man who commits Zina after marriage- for which he would be stoned; a man who apostates and goes out fighting against Allah and His Messenger- for which he would be killed or crucified or banished from the land; and one who kills a human soul- for which he would be killed.” [Irwa’ ul-Ghalil no. 2196]

Thus, we see that punishments are so severe that a person has to rectify his/ her Imaan if that person wants to live a peaceful life. We will take important discussion further in our next blog.

In shaa Allah!