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Is it permissible to stone adulterers to expel them from the area?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is impermissible to stone those engaged in zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) with the intention of harming them, as this constitutes an assault and is not a form of changing the evil (munkar). The punishment for one who commits zina is determined by the ruler (Sultan).

As for stoning them with the intention of dispersing them, this is also inappropriate. The duty is to admonish and advise them. If they do not respond, then the competent authorities should be informed.

If you fear that the matter will be prolonged, then change the evil to the best of your ability without causing significant harm, such as approaching them so they become aware of your presence and leave.

However, if it is highly probable that changing the evil will result in great harm, such as discord (fitna) or bloodshed, then it is impermissible to change it at that time. In such a case, it is sufficient to inform the authorities. All of this is after verifying that they are indeed committing abominable acts.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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