Qur’anic Teachings and Legal Strategies to Eliminate Zina
By: Qari Usama bin Abdussalam (Hafizahullah)❖ Introduction
To eliminate a heinous sin like Zina (fornication and adultery) from society, it is essential to consider both Islamic teachings (Qur’an & Hadith) and legal frameworks. A comprehensive and integrated strategy must encompass individual, collective, legal, and social aspects.
❖ Qur’anic Teachings
① Do Not Even Approach Zina
Allah ﷻ commands:
"وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَىٰ إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا"
(Surah Al-Isra: 32)
Translation: “Do not go near Zina. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.”
This verse highlights not only the prohibition of Zina, but also prohibits anything that leads to it.
② Punishment for the Married Adulterer
Allah ﷻ has prescribed severe punishment for those who commit Zina:
"ٱلزَّانِيَةُ وَٱلزَّانِى فَٱجْلِدُوا۟ كُلَّ وَٰحِدٍۢ مِّنْهُمَا مِاْئَةَ جَلْدَةٍۢ"
(Surah An-Nur: 2)
Translation: “The woman and the man guilty of fornication—flog each one of them with a hundred stripes.”
❖ Condemnation of Zina in Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“When a person commits Zina, faith leaves him, and when he stops, faith returns.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 2475)
This Hadith shows that Zina weakens one’s Iman (faith) and brings spiritual destruction.
❖ Practical Principles to Eradicate Zina
① Social and Educational Reforms
To curb Zina on a societal level, the following steps are essential:
◈ Implement Hijab & Modesty Training: Both men and women should be taught to observe modesty and lower their gaze.
◈ Facilitate Marriage: Remove unnecessary expenses and dowry culture so that youth can marry easily and choose a lawful path.
◈ Islamic Moral Training: Instill Islamic values in children at home, schools, and colleges.
◈ Control of Obscenity: Place strict regulation on pornographic and immoral content across the internet, television, and social media.
② Legal Measures
Governments and law enforcement authorities must:
◈ Enforce Strict Laws Against Zina: Implement Shari’ah-compliant laws alongside national laws to effectively penalize offenders.
◈ Crack Down on Prostitution and Pornography Rings: Take action against brothels, illegal websites, immoral apps, and their operators.
◈ Apply Hudood Punishments When Proven: Enforce prescribed Islamic punishments as deterrents when legal evidence is established.
③ Religious and Spiritual Reform
To strengthen fear of Allah and accountability in the Hereafter, the following should be promoted:
◈ Teachings on Tawbah (Repentance) and Istighfar: Emphasize remorse and returning to Allah as a means to abandon sin.
◈ Khutbahs on the Dangers of Zina: Scholars should regularly address the harms of Zina during Friday sermons.
◈ Special Awareness Programs in Mosques & Madaris: Launch campaigns to educate the public about the consequences of Zina.
④ Positive Use of Social Media and Technology
Given the digital age, technology must be used responsibly:
◈ Awareness Campaigns on the Harms of Zina
◈ Promotion of Islamic Content that draws people closer to their faith
◈ Parental Training on how to monitor children's internet and mobile use
❖ Conclusion
The eradication of Zina requires joint efforts from individuals, families, society, scholars, government, and legal systems.
When religion and law work in harmony, it becomes easier to eliminate this evil and guide the community towards chastity and purity.
By implementing Islamic commandments and legal punishments, we can build a morally upright and dignified society, free from the filth of immorality.
