Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman A‘zami (رحمه الله)
Question:
The Qur'an contains a verse which mentions that zina (fornication/adultery) is prohibited and is a major sin. It also states that one of the reasons zina has been declared unlawful is due to the confusion it causes in lineage (nasab). However, critics of Islam argue that this issue can now be resolved through the use of contraceptive methods. Therefore, they claim, if the reason no longer exists, then there should be no harm in zina. What is your response to this claim?
Answer:
Zina is haram (forbidden) according to the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the consensus (ijmāʿ) of the Muslims — regardless of whether one fully comprehends the wisdom (‘illah) behind its prohibition, such as protecting lineage, preserving the honor of women, and safeguarding the reputation of their guardians.
The foundational principle in matters of Shariah is that they are to be accepted, whether or not one is able to perceive the reasoning behind them. Moreover, there are numerous divine wisdoms in these rulings that may remain hidden from some individuals. Preserving lineage is not the sole reason for the prohibition.
Even if we assume, hypothetically, that this was the only cause, it would still not make zina permissible in cases where there is no risk of pregnancy. That is because what Allah has declared permanently haram can never become lawful for any Muslim, regardless of whether the apparent reason exists or not.
Allah, in His perfect knowledge and wisdom, legislates for His servants. If there were ever a situation in which zina could be deemed permissible, Allah would have explicitly mentioned it — and your Lord does not forget:
«وَ مَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ نَسِيًّا»
[اللجنة الدائمة: 2758]
❖ Misconception Regarding the Reason Behind the Prohibition of Zina
Question:
The Qur'an contains a verse which mentions that zina (fornication/adultery) is prohibited and is a major sin. It also states that one of the reasons zina has been declared unlawful is due to the confusion it causes in lineage (nasab). However, critics of Islam argue that this issue can now be resolved through the use of contraceptive methods. Therefore, they claim, if the reason no longer exists, then there should be no harm in zina. What is your response to this claim?
Answer:
Zina is haram (forbidden) according to the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the consensus (ijmāʿ) of the Muslims — regardless of whether one fully comprehends the wisdom (‘illah) behind its prohibition, such as protecting lineage, preserving the honor of women, and safeguarding the reputation of their guardians.
The foundational principle in matters of Shariah is that they are to be accepted, whether or not one is able to perceive the reasoning behind them. Moreover, there are numerous divine wisdoms in these rulings that may remain hidden from some individuals. Preserving lineage is not the sole reason for the prohibition.
Even if we assume, hypothetically, that this was the only cause, it would still not make zina permissible in cases where there is no risk of pregnancy. That is because what Allah has declared permanently haram can never become lawful for any Muslim, regardless of whether the apparent reason exists or not.
Allah, in His perfect knowledge and wisdom, legislates for His servants. If there were ever a situation in which zina could be deemed permissible, Allah would have explicitly mentioned it — and your Lord does not forget:
«وَ مَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ نَسِيًّا»
[اللجنة الدائمة: 2758]
