Question:
Zina – is there forgiveness and redemption for this? How can I tell my would-be spouse? I have repented but fear the shame for myself and my family.
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Thank you for your question.
No doubt that Zina (fornication) is a major sin in Islam and one should keep oneself far away from such sin. However, forgiveness from the Almighty for such a sin is definitely possible, if one sincerely repents by regretting what they have done, and making a firm resolution to never return to such a sin in the future.
Allah Almighty states, “O servants of Mine who have acted recklessly against their own selves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Surely, Allah will forgive all sins. Surely, He is the One who is the Most-Forgiving, the Very-Merciful” (Quran 39:53).
Once you have repented, it is not necessary to disclose your past sin to others.
If the matter is brought up, you can simply say that you have committed some errors in the past which you have repented from.
Your current situation and character is what your spouse should be looking at. There is no need to talk about matters of the past, especially when you have repented.
“All the children of Adam are sinful and the best of sinners are those who repent.” (Tirmidhi, Musnad Ahmad)
And Allah knows best.
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Hadith of the Day Imam
Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah institute
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