Sex is a revered act of love and affection between husband & wife to maintain a harmonious relationship and make parenting possible. But in society, many couples of different religions have sex before getting married. So, as Muslims, we should know if we can have sex before getting married to fulfill our physical needs.
Premarital sexual relations (fornication), as well as intimate relations outside marriage (adultery), are strictly forbidden (haram) and are grave sins with devastating consequences (Quran 24:2). Fornication and adultery aren’t just prohibited in Islam but also every circumstance that leads to them (Quran 17:32).
As part of this article, we will explore the Islamic perspective on premarital sex and discuss the reasons behind these prohibitions. So continue reading to make our society healthier.
Why is Sex Before Marriage a Sin in Islam?
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Islam considers sex before marriage a sin for several reasons derived from the Quran and Hadith. Here are some of the key reasons:
1. Obedience to Allah’s Commandments
The primary reason why sex before marriage is considered a sin in Islam is because it goes against the commandments of Allah as outlined in the Quran. Muslims are expected to obey Allah’s guidance and avoid explicitly prohibited actions.
2. Preservation of Chastity (Hayaa’)
The Islamic faith emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s chastity and modesty. Engaging in sexual relations before marriage is seen as a violation of these values.
The Quran encourages modesty and chastity in Surah Al-Nur (24:30-31):
"Tell the believing men to reduce their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do."
3. Maintaining Family and Social Stability
Marriage in Islam is considered a contract that provides a stable and lawful framework for sexual relations and parenthood. Engaging in sex outside marriage can lead to family instability, illegitimate children, and societal disorder.
4. Protection of Lineage and Lineage Rights
Islam places a significant emphasis on lineage and the preservation of family rights. Sex within the confines of marriage ensures that children are born into a lawful and recognized family structure.
Illegitimate children may face issues related to inheritance and social status. Sex before marriage is not allowed because if you have sex with a random person, you won’t marry, destroying the beauty of intimacy.
5. Prevention of Adultery (Zina)
The Quran explicitly prohibits adultery (zina) in numerous verses, and engaging in sex before marriage can lead to the temptation of adultery. Engaging in such behavior goes against Islamic teachings and can have negative consequences in this life and the hereafter.
6. Protection of Morality
Islam seeks to protect the moral fabric of society by promoting lawful and responsible sexual behavior within marriage. Engaging in premarital sex can lead to promiscuity and moral degradation, detrimental to the individual and society.
What Does the Quran and Hadith Say About Sex Before Marriage?
The Quran and Hadith guide sexual conduct and relationships. In Islam, premarital sex is generally considered a sin. Here are references from the Quran and Hadith that address this topic:
1. Quranic Verses:
A. Surah Al-Isra (17:32): "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way."
In this verse, there’s a clear prohibition against engaging in illicit sexual relations.
B. Surah An-Nur (24:2): "The fornicatress and the fornicator, flog each of them with a hundred stripes. Let not pity withhold you in their case, in a punishment prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of the believers witness their punishment."
According to this verse, those involved in sexual activity outside marriage will be punished.
2. Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad):
A. Narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Do not have sexual intercourse with a woman who is not legally your wife, otherwise (you may expect) a great punishment from Almighty Allah." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
According to this Hadith, intimate relations outside of marriage are forbidden.
B. Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, and whoever is not able to marry, is recommended to fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith instructs Muslims to marry to stay away from temptation and engage in sexual relations before marriage.
C. Narrated by Abu Dawood (may Allah be pleased with him): "When a man commits zina, faith departs from him and hovers like a cloud over him, then when he stops that, faith returns to him." at-Tirmidhi (2625)
What are the consequences of sex before marriage in Islam?
Engaging in sexual activities before marriage violates the Islamic principles of chastity and purity. In Islam, premarital sexual conduct is considered zina, a sin that carries severe consequences.
According to the Qur’an (24:1-2), the punishment for Zina is 100 lashes for the unmarried male and female who commit fornication, additionally to the punishment of stoning to death for the married male and female.
These punishments serve as a deterrent to individuals who may be tempted to engage in premarital sex and remind them of the consequences of such actions. Remember that Islam values forgiveness and encourages those who commit sins to return to Allah and seek redemption.
Is there a way to repent for Zina?
In Islam, repentance is a powerful tool in seeking forgiveness from Allah. For those seeking to repent for Zina, sincerity is key. You must feel genuine remorse for your actions and acknowledge that what you did was sinful.
Giving up the sin immediately is equally important. Also, avoid any environment or company that may tempt you to commit the same sin again.
Quranic Reference: "And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know." (Quran 3:135)
Conclusion
Sex before marriage is a serious sin in Islam due to its potential harm to the institution of the family, and Muslims are strongly discouraged from it. Therefore, maintaining a modest lifestyle is paramount in Islam, especially during the early years of marriage, to avoid obstacles in leading a happy and fulfilling life.
However, if someone decides not to get married soon after becoming physically mature, then fasting is the only way to abstain from marriage temporarily.
By adhering to Muslim sexuality rules before marriage and teachings, Muslims can live a virtuous life and safeguard their morals and principles.
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