Is it permissible to marry an adulterous woman, knowing of her adultery, with the aim of concealing her sin?
Scholars differed concerning the validity of marriage to an adulteress. Some affirm its validity, while others prohibit it. Among those who prohibited it is Imam Ahmad, who cited as evidence the verse: "The adulterer does not marry except an adulteress or a polytheist, and as for the adulteress, none marries her except an adulterer or a polytheist. And that has been made unlawful for the believers." Marriage to an adulteress is not permissible except under two conditions: her repentance and the purification of her womb (istibra'). The evidence for istibra' is the hadith: "A pregnant woman is not to be had intercourse with until she gives birth, nor a non-pregnant woman until she has had one menstrual period." So, if she repents and the purification of her womb is confirmed, then marrying her is permissible. Otherwise, it is not permissible, even if the intention is to cover her (sins).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/34648