To what extent is the prevalent understanding true that whoever commits zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) may have their debt paid from their honor or the honor of one of their maharem (unmarriageable kin), and does that apply to the repentant, and is the honor of one who preserves the honor of others preserved?

The narrations that suggest the family of an adulterer might fall into adultery due to his lack of ghira (protective jealousy) are weak. The correct meaning is that an adulterer does not keep his wife chaste, so she longs for others and commits adultery. Recompense is of the same nature as the deed: whoever safeguards the sanctity of others' women, his own women will be safeguarded. This recompense does not apply to the repentant, as repentance erases what came before it. Moreover, this recompense is not inevitable, as Allah may pardon. The words of Ibn Taymiyyah regarding a wife's adultery apply to those who do not fear Allah. As for women of faith and good character, their fear of Allah prevents them from such acts.