The Sin of Fornication – Zina

1 – The term “zina,” in a broad sense, means any intimate act, whether sexual relations, a look, a word, a touch, or simply a desire that may lead to illicit sexual relations (Bukhari Hadith 6612).

These different types of acts are prohibited (haram) by the Quran as a matter of prevention because they can potentially lead to prohibited sexual relations (Quran 17:32, 24:30 and 25:68-69)

2 – As a legal term, “zina” has a more precise meaning. According to Fiqh scholars, the legal meaning of, zina is voluntary sexual relations outside of marriage, when the male sex organ is inserted into the female sex organ, no matter how many times.

Any sexual relations that meet this definition legally fall under zina and warrant a major legal sanction (hadd) (Quran 24:2).

The Islamic legal tradition considers any sexual relations outside of marriage to be strictly prohibited and labels them a crime.

Fornication is considered to be one of the greatest sins (al-kabair) in Islam.

Zina, in both its broader sense and its legal sense, is haram (prohibited). However, committing zina (in the legal sense) leads to a major legal penalty (hadd), while committing anything that leads to zina is considered a bad action for which one is responsible before Allah عزّ وجلّ , without a specific penalty provided under Islamic law.

Muslim law guides all aspects of believers’ lives, including sexuality.

For Islam, the sexual act is not only about procreation and the perpetuation of the human species, but also expresses the Muslim’s participation in the divine order.

In Islam, sexuality has a spiritual significance since a man and a woman unite with one another by and for Allah عزّ وجل  

“We created all things in pairs, so that you may reflect and ponder”
(Quran 51:49)

Muslim law commands that sexual instincts be satisfied only within the licit framework of marriage (nikah), which is strongly encouraged (Quran 5:87 and 24:32).

When sexuality is expressed within the legitimate framework of marriage, any guilt and embarrassment between the spouses tends to disappear. Muslims should live their intimate lives in an atmosphere of respect, playfulness, desire and mutual consent. Sexual relations in this particular context are encouraged and considered blessings you offer your partner and acts of worship to Allah عزّ وجلّ.