What is the ruling on adultery for an unmarried woman? Is the rubbing of sexual organs without penetration considered adultery? Does marriage to the person with whom these acts were committed expiate the sins? Does the ruling differ for someone who did this out of ignorance and then repented, compared to someone who did it knowingly and persisted?
Adultery is forbidden for both married and unmarried women. It refers to engaging in intercourse with a non-mahram, and it may also refer to touching and kissing, as these are a means to falling into it. These means are dangerous, and one must repent from them. Marriage alone does not expiate sins unless it is accompanied by a good intention, such as intending chastity. Whoever repents, Allah accepts their repentance, for He, the Almighty, says: "And indeed, I am the All-Forgiving to whoever repents, believes, does righteousness, and then is guided." A Muslim must learn about what is lawful and unlawful and associate with the righteous.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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