Is it permissible to marry a woman with whom the questioner committed zina (fornication/adultery), and who desires to embrace Islam, despite his uncertainty about the sincerity of her conversion and his wish to rectify his situation through marriage?

A Muslim must emigrate from a country where they cannot openly practice their religion to a place where they can worship their Lord, as Allah Almighty says: "O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship only Me," and His saying: "Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?"

A Muslim should choose the best countries religiously when emigrating. If a Muslim country is not available and there are non-Muslim countries that allow freedom of worship, then emigrating to them is preferable to remaining in a country that prevents it. This is provided that one is cautious of the dangers in non-Muslim countries, adheres firmly to the religion, remains connected to mosques, and stays away from negative environments.

Regarding marriage, Allah has permitted marriage to chaste women from the People of the Book, as Allah Almighty says: "And [lawful in marriage are] the chaste women from among the believers and the chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you." As for the woman mentioned with whom the [illicit] act occurred, she is not chaste, so it is not permissible to marry her. It is advised to stay away from her, seek a righteous wife, and connect with Islamic centers.