Insights, Warnings, and Guidance
Zina (fornication and adultery) is a major sin in Islam, prohibited to safeguard the moral integrity and purity of society. Various hadiths describe the severity of Zina, emphasizing its impact on an individual’s faith and the punishments for committing such an act. In this article, we’ll explore eight hadiths related to Zina, highlighting their meanings, teachings, and implications. Each hadith will provide insight into why Islam strictly prohibits zina, the consequences it carries, and the repentance process for those who seek forgiveness
Zina as a Deviation from Faith
Hadith in English
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “No adulterer is a believer at the time when he is committing adultery.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2475)
Hadith in Arabic
قال النبي محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “لا يزني الزاني حين يزني وهو مؤمن.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت محمد ﷺ نے فرمایا: “جب کوئی زنا کرتا ہے تو اس وقت وہ مومن نہیں ہوتا۔”
Reference
This hadith is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslims.
Explanation and Important Lessons
This hadith highlights how committing zina temporarily strips a person of their faith, symbolizing the gravity of this sin. Faith is seen as a shield, and when one engages in acts like zina, they lose this protective quality. This hadith serves as a powerful reminder to maintain purity and avoid actions that can weaken one’s connection to Allah.
Faith Leaves the Heart During Zina
Hadith in English
“If a man commits zina, faith comes out of him and hovers over him like a cloud, then when he stops, faith returns to him.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud)
Hadith in Arabic
“إذا زنى العبد خرج منه الإيمان وكان فوق رأسه كالظل، فإذا انصرف رجع إليه الإيمان.”
Hadith in Urdu
“جب کوئی بندہ زنا کرتا ہے تو ایمان اس سے نکل کر بادل کی طرح اس کے اوپر ہوتا ہے، پھر جب وہ رک جاتا ہے تو ایمان اس کے پاس واپس آجاتا ہے۔”
Reference
This hadith is narrated by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi.
Explanation and Important Lessons
The temporary departure of faith during zina demonstrates the severe spiritual impact of this sin. While faith can return if one repents sincerely, this hadith urges Muslims to avoid any actions that could risk their spiritual state.
Punishment for Zina in the Hereafter
Hadith in English
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Those who commit zina will be punished with fire in their graves.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari)
Hadith in Arabic
قال النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “الذين يرتكبون الزنا يعاقبون بالنار في قبورهم.”
Hadith in Urdu
نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “جو لوگ زنا کرتے ہیں ان کو ان کی قبروں میں آگ سے سزا دی جائے گی۔”
Reference
This hadith is recorded by al-Bukhari.
Explanation and Important Lessons
This hadith provides a stark warning about the consequences of Zina, emphasizing that punishment may start even before the Day of Judgment. The fire in the grave symbolizes Allah’s displeasure with this sin. This hadith motivates believers to strive for purity and avoid zina to protect themselves from Allah’s wrath.
Physical Punishment for Zina
Hadith in English
“When an unmarried male commits adultery with an unmarried female, they should receive one hundred lashes and banishment for one year. In the case of a married male, the punishment is stoning.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 17, Number 4191)
Hadith in Arabic
عن عبادة بن الصامت قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: “إذا زنى غير المحصن يُجلد مائة ويُغرَّب عاماً، والمحصن يُرجم حتى يموت.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت عبادہ بن الصامت سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “جب غیر شادی شدہ شخص زنا کرے تو اسے سو کوڑے مارے جائیں اور ایک سال کے لیے جلاوطن کیا جائے، اور شادی شدہ شخص کو سنگسار کیا جائے۔”
Reference
This hadith is found in Sahih Muslim.
Explanation and Important Lessons
The physical punishments prescribed serve as deterrents and reflect the severity of Zina. These punishments uphold the sanctity of marriage and social morality. However, Islamic law emphasizes fairness, requiring strict evidence for implementing such punishments.
Stoning as a Warning for Future Generations
Hadith in English
“Stoning is a duty laid down in Allah’s Book for married men and women who commit adultery.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 17, Number 4194)
Hadith in Arabic
“قال عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه: “الرجم واجب في كتاب الله على المحصنين.””
Hadith in Urdu
“حضرت عمر بن خطاب رضی اللہ عنہ نے فرمایا: “رجم اللہ کی کتاب میں فرض ہے شادی شدہ مرد اور عورتوں کے لئے جو زنا کرتے ہیں۔””
Reference
This hadith is reported by Sahih Muslim.
Explanation and Important Lessons
The punishment of stoning is mentioned as a deterrent for society, emphasizing the value of marital commitment. This severe consequence serves to protect the social fabric and maintain family structure in Islamic communities.
Encouragement for Repentance
Hadith in English
“Whoever has committed any of them (filthy actions), let him conceal himself with the concealment of Allah.” (al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, no. 663)
Hadith in Arabic
قال النبي ﷺ: “من أتى من هذه القاذورات شيئاً فليستتر بستر الله.”
Hadith in Urdu
نبی کریم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “جس نے ان فحش کاموں میں سے کچھ کیا ہے تو وہ اللہ کے پردے میں چھپ جائے۔”
Reference
Narrated by al-Bayhaqi and authenticated by al-Albani.
Explanation and Important Lessons
This hadith encourages individuals to repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness rather than exposing their sins. It emphasizes Allah’s attribute of mercy, showing that He accepts sincere repentance and grants forgiveness to those who turn back to Him with a pure heart.
Repentance and Marriage after Zina
Hadith in English
“It is not permissible for a man or woman who has committed Zina to get married until after they have repented.” (Interpretation based on al-Nur 24:3)
Hadith in Arabic
قال الله تعالى: “الزاني لا ينكح إلا زانية أو مشركة.”
Hadith in Urdu
اللہ تعالیٰ نے فرمایا: “زانی مرد زانیہ یا مشرکہ کے سوا کسی سے نکاح نہیں کرتا۔”
Reference
Based on an interpretation of Surah al-Nur, 24:3.
Explanation and Important Lessons
Islam emphasizes purity and repentance. This guideline encourages those who have committed zina to seek forgiveness and change their ways before entering into a new marriage. This requirement ensures that individuals prioritize self-improvement and spiritual growth before making lifelong commitments.
Confession and Accountability
Hadith in English
“A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and confessed to committing zina multiple times, whereupon the Prophet ordered him to be stoned. (Sahih Muslim, Book 17, Number 4196)“
Hadith in Arabic
“جاء رجل إلى النبي ﷺ وقال: لقد زنيت أربع مرات، فأمر النبي ﷺ برجمه.”
Hadith in Urdu
“ایک آدمی نبی ﷺ کے پاس آیا اور چار بار زنا کا اقرار کیا، تو نبی ﷺ نے اس کو سنگسار کرنے کا حکم دیا۔”
Reference
Recorded in Sahih Muslim.
Explanation and Important Lessons
This hadith highlights accountability, as the man willingly confessed to the Prophet. It underscores the weight of self-awareness in Islam and how individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. The story also reinforces the importance of confession as a step toward seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Conclusion
These hadiths on zina provide valuable lessons about moral boundaries in Islam, the consequences of violating these boundaries, and the path to repentance. They emphasize maintaining purity, honouring relationships, and upholding accountability. Islam’s guidance on zina seeks to create a morally sound society and promote spiritual growth among believers. While the punishments serve as a deterrent, the door to repentance is always open, reminding everyone of Allah’s infinite mercy for those who truly seek forgiveness.