Zina After Marriage: Definition, Punishment, and Repentance

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Zina After Marriage ~ Hi, dear readers! In the previous article, I explained some important aspects of zina before marriage. There are many crucial points about it that we must understand. Now, in this article, I will discuss a specific type of zina that is related to this topic: zina after marriage. As Muslims, it is essential for us to grasp this concept, so I encourage you to read this article to the end!

Now, let’s explore some important aspects of zina after marriage. Here are the key points I will cover:

What is Zina After Marriage?

Before discussing anything further, we must first understand its meaning. In general, zina after marriage refers to sexual activities conducted by men and women who are already married. In Islamic legal terminology, zina after marriage is called الزِّنَا الْمُحْصَنُ.

It is crucial to remember that zina after marriage is considered a very serious sin, and therefore, we must avoid it.

Quran and Hadith About Zina After Marriage

The Quran and Hadith are primary references for Muslims. They provide explanations regarding zina after marriage. Before I delve deeper into this topic, I will quote the relevant verses from the Quran and Hadith to enhance our understanding.

Quran About Zina After Marriage

The Quran addresses zina after marriage as follows:

وَمَن لَّمْ يَسْتَطِعْ مِنكُمْ طَوْلًا أَن يَنكِحَ الْمُحْصَنَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ فَمِن مَّا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُم مِّن فَتَيَاتِكُمُ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِإِيمَانِكُم ۚ بَعْضُكُم مِّن بَعْضٍ ۚ فَانكِحُوهُنَّ بِإِذْنِ أَهْلِهِنَّ وَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ مُحْصَنَاتٍ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحَاتٍ وَلَا مُتَّخِذَاتِ أَخْدَانٍ ۚ فَإِذَا أُحْصِنَّ فَإِنْ أَتَيْنَ بِفَاحِشَةٍ فَعَلَيْهِنَّ نِصْفُ مَا عَلَى الْمُحْصَنَاتِ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَنْ خَشِيَ الْعَنَتَ مِنكُمْ ۚ وَأَن تَصْبِرُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

"And whoever among you is unable to marry free believing women, then he may marry believing women from the slaves you have. Allah knows your faith; you are from some of the others, so marry them with the permission of their masters and give them a proper dowry while they are women who take care of themselves, not those who commit adultery or take other men as pets. If they have provided themselves with marriage and then commit a small act (zina), they must be punished with half the punishment of free women who have husbands. This is for those who fear difficulties in guarding themselves from adultery. And patience is better for you, and Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful." (An-Nisa: 25).

Hadith About Zina After Marriage

As for the Hadith about zina after marriage, it is narrated as follows:

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: أَتَى رَجُلٌ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَهُوَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَنَادَاهُ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنِّي زَنَيْتُ، فَأَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ. فَتَنَحَّى تِلْقَاءَ وَجْهِهِ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنِّي زَنَيْتُ، فَأَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ، حَتَّى ثَنَّى ذَلِكَ عَلَيْهِ أَرْبَعَ مَرَّاتٍ. فَلَمَّا شَهِدَ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ أَرْبَعَ شَهَادَاتٍ، دَعَاهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ: أَبِكَ جُنُونٌ؟ قَالَ: لَا. قَالَ: فَهَلْ أَحْصَنْتَ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: اذْهَبُوا بِهِ فَارْجُمُوهُ. مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ

From Abu Hurairah (radliyallahu anhu), he reported: "A Muslim came to the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) while he was in the mosque and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, indeed I have committed zina.' The Prophet turned away from him. The man repeated, 'O Messenger of Allah, indeed I have committed zina,' and the Prophet turned away again. This happened four times. When the man testified against himself four times, the Messenger of Allah asked him, 'Are you crazy?' The man replied, 'No.' The Prophet then asked, 'Are you married?' The man said, 'Yes.' The Prophet then ordered, 'Go with him and execute the punishment.' This Hadith was narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim."

Punishment for Zina After Marriage

Now I will explain the punishment for zina after marriage. If we understand the Quran and the Hadith regarding zina after marriage, as I explained earlier, we can conclude that the punishment is lashing or death.

One important point to note is that the punishment of lashing or death for those who have committed zina after marriage can only be carried out in regions or countries that implement Islamic law. Therefore, this punishment cannot be enforced in areas or countries that do not follow Islamic law. The Islamic law I refer to encompasses the entire framework as practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and for some time afterward.

How to Repent from Zina After Marriage?

Now, an important question regarding zina after marriage that we must address is, "How can one repent from zina after marriage?" This is a question that many people often ask.

In the article "How to Repent for Zina," I have explained six essential actions that someone must take if they wish to repent from zina. I believe these six steps are crucial for anyone seeking repentance after committing zina in marriage.

The six steps are as follows:

1. You must realize that zina is a grave sin.
2. You must feel genuine remorse for your actions.
3. You must make a sincere vow never to commit zina again.
4. You must perform the prayer of repentance.
5. You must frequently recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
6. You must regularly send Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding zina after marriage is essential for every Muslim. It refers to extramarital sexual relations and is considered a grave sin in Islam, with severe consequences as outlined in both the Quran and Hadith. The prescribed punishment emphasizes accountability and highlights the seriousness of this transgression. However, repentance is possible through sincere actions, including recognizing the sin, feeling remorse, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. The six steps to repentance serve as a guide for those who have committed zina, reinforcing the importance of returning to a righteous path. By fostering open discussions and raising awareness about zina after marriage, we can strengthen our communities and encourage adherence to Islamic principles. May this knowledge help us avoid such sins and cultivate healthy, faithful relationships. Thank you for reading, and I hope this article has provided valuable insights! Ameen.

See you again in the next article!