Is the death penalty to be carried out on one who committed a major sin, such as adultery or sodomy, while ignorant that its punishment is death, knowing that he repented from it after learning of its legal punishment?
Whoever repents to Allah with sincere repentance and regrets their sin, Allah accepts their repentance, and they become as if they had never sinned at all, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin." And regret is repentance. The one who repents must walk the path of righteousness, adhering to obedience and staying away from what displeases Allah and from the company of disobedient people. Allah forgives all sins for those who repent, as He, the Almighty, said: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" As for the hadd (prescribed punishment), only the ruler or his deputy can impose it. It is better for one who has committed an act warranting a hadd to conceal it with Allah's concealment and repent between themselves and their Lord.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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