Marrying a woman with whom one had committed adultery (Zina)

Q. A Muslim girl eloped with a Hindu boy and she is now pregnant with his child. The Hindu boy has reverted to Islam and he now wants to marry the Muslim girl that is now pregnant with his child. Can he marry her?

A. The act of Zina (adultery) is an evil and major sin. A person that has committed Zina (adultery) should make sincere repentance to Allah for being involved in such an act and be remorseful to never engage in it again.

In any case, if a Muslim girl committed Zina (adultery) with a Hindu boy and she fell pregnant with his child, she can make Nikah with him only after he reverts to Islam.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Quran, “Do not marry women of the idolaters until they have Imaan. A slave girl who is one of the Believers is better for you than a woman of the idolaters, even though she may attract you. And do not give your women in marriage to men of the idolaters until they have Iman. A slave who is one of the Believers is better for you than a man of the idolaters, even though he may attract you. Such people call you to the Fire whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they will pay heed.” (Surah 2, Verse 221)

The Muslim girl’s pregnancy through Zina (adultery) does not prevent the reverted Muslim from marrying her nor does the act of Zina (adultery) prevent them from marrying each other. (Al-Muheetul Burhaani 3/79)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com