Punishment for Adultery According to Islam and Isa Al-Masih

Have you or someone you know ever committed adultery? What was the outcome? Feelings of guilt, shame, and dirtiness can haunt us. Even worse is the fear of punishment after we die.

“Do not go near adultery. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way” (Qs 17:32).

Humans are sinful. Many have committed adultery. Being caught in that sin is an awful feeling.

What’s the punishment for adultery in Islam? Can it be forgiven? Send us your opinion here.

Let’s see how people struggling with shame can find true peace.

Punishment for Adultery According to Islam 

Religious people who have committed adultery often feel weighed down. They feel shame in their heart, judgment from the community and will one day be punished by Allah.

The Quran and Hadith state:

1. The suffering for adulterers will be multiplied
   “. . . nor commit fornication. And whoever does any of this will face the penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Judgment . . .” (Qs 25:68-69).
2. Adulterers will get severe punishment, such as:
   1. 100 lashes
   2. Embarrassed in front of many people (Qs 24:2)
   3. Alienated for a year
   4. Possible stoning to death
      “ . . . When an unmarried male commits adultery with an unmarried female (they should receive) one hundred lashes and banishment for one year. And in case of married male committing adultery with a married female, they shall receive one hundred lashes and be stoned to death” (Sahih Muslim Book 17, No 4191).
3. No forgiveness for adultery
   “. . . a person from amongst the Muslims came to Allah’s Messenger . . . He called him saying: . . . I have committed adultery . . . he testified four times against his own self . . . Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Take him and stone him . . .” (Sahih Bukhari Book 017, No 4196).

Sin is sin, but would you agree the punishment is scary and harsh? How can we be sure to avoid this when we’re all sinners?

Something tragic happened in Indonesia. A couple were caught in adultery. The girl was first raped, then both were flogged.

“Being kicked while down” is an appropriate saying to describe this. People must live with shame while on earth then be punished after death.

Is there a way out for people who have committed adultery? Send us your answer here.

Isa Al-Masih’s Response to an Adulterous Woman

An interesting event involving adultery is found in the Injil. Some people brought to Isa Al-Masih a woman caught in adultery. They demanded she be punished.

Isa’s response is surprising. He answered: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Gospels, John 8:7).

Each person left one-by-one. Apparently, they had all sinned as well. No one was courageous enough to punish her.

Then Isa said, “. . . neither do I condemn you . . . Go now and leave your life of sin” (Gospels, John 8:11).

We see Allah’s love through Isa. Love leads to repentance. It also leads to changed lives.

Isa Al-Masih never shamed the woman but helped her through a difficult situation. Wouldn’t we want help if we were suffering? This woman who was already feeling shame was freed from this punishment because of Isa.

Allah’s Expression of Love That Saves from Adultery

Isa Al-Masih is Allah’s expression of love towards people. Through Isa, we find help with overcoming sin and shame.

Allah is willing to forgive our sin of adultery. “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Taurat, Isaiah 43:25).

Allah understands our sinful condition. He doesn’t want people to suffer because they feel shame. He also doesn’t want us to be punished in hell.

That’s why He sent Isa. Only through Isa can we find forgiveness and freedom from our sins.

“But because of his great love for us, God [Allah], who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ [Isa Al-Masih] even when we were dead in transgressions . . .” (Injil, Ephesians 2:4-5).

Only Isa can completely take away our shame. We don’t need to live in fear if we repent from our sin.

Come to Isa! He can forgive our sins and make sure they’re forever forgotten. Then you will have true peace in your heart. Believe in Isa Al-Masih today!

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW 

We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:

1. How do you feel about the severe punishment for those who commit adultery?
2. What is your opinion of Isa’s attitude toward the adulterous woman?
3. How do you feel about Allah’s expression of love towards sinful people through Isa?
   

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