Is it permissible to be patient with a person with whom I had an illicit relationship—with my conviction that my advice to him will be limited to repentance only—in order to give him advice about repentance, and then sever the relationship amicably, or must the relationship be severed immediately despite his displeasure and anger?

The questioner must immediately sever the forbidden relationship with the foreign man. Emotional or sexual relationships outside the bounds of marriage are a path of Satan. Allah Almighty says: (And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an indecency and is evil as a way) and (And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed).

Continuing this relationship under the pretext of advising the other party or fearing his feeling of oppression are flimsy excuses; they are among the steps of Satan that enjoin immorality and evil.

Ibn al-Jawzi says that Iblis enters upon people according to their heedlessness and ignorance, and the heart is like a fortress that needs constant guarding from Satan, who seeks the heedlessness of the guard.

Severing the forbidden relationship is an obligation, and one should not pay attention to the man's feelings or accusations. By doing so, she helps him to repent and improve his relationship with his wife, and the questioner turns her attention to herself and her marriage.

The intention must be sincere for the sake of Allah, and repentance is accepted by Allah from His sincere servants, as He, glory be to Him, said: (The acceptance of repentance by Allah is only for those who do evil out of ignorance and then repent soon after).