Engaging in sexual intercourse outside of marriage (zina) is one of the most tragic and consequential sins in Islam. This heinous crime often leads to complex situations, such as pregnancy, and raises critical questions about repentance and the possibility of marriage between the two parties.

The Path to Sincere Repentance

In Islam, the door of repentance is always open. A person who has engaged in an adulterous relationship must resolve to cease the sinful sexual activity and return to Allah, seeking His forgiveness. If the repentance is sincere, Allah will surely turn unto them and shower them with His mercy.

Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Say: ‘O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'” (Az-Zumar: 53)

Allah also accepts repentance when it is timely:

“Allah accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy: For Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” (An-Nisa’: 17)

Ruling on Marrying After Committing Zina

The permissibility of marriage between such parties depends on their situation, particularly the marital status of the woman.

Prominent Islamic scholars clarify the ruling based on the following scenarios:

  • If the woman is currently married to another man: It is absolutely impermissible for the man who committed zina to marry her. For a married woman to engage in this act is a double sin. She must repent sincerely and, if her husband is unaware and willing to keep her, she should stay with her husband.

  • If the woman is divorced: If she is divorced from her husband (or if he divorces her), the man she had unlawful relations with is allowed to marry her. However, this marriage should only take place after both parties have offered sincere repentance. In this situation, the marriage can provide a father for the child.

In all circumstances, both individuals must return to Allah in sincere repentance and make amends for their actions.