What is the ruling on a married young man (36 years old) committing adultery in a foreign country, and engaging in other forbidden acts such as masturbation and kissing? What are the ways to repent from these sins? Does he have to confess them before a court for the حد of stoning to be applied, knowing that he suffers from intense fear and despair about his repentance being accepted?

Repentance from sin is obligatory, and it is not necessary to go to someone who can impose the legal punishment (hadd). Rather, one must conceal oneself, regret what has passed, sincerely resolve not to return to the sin, and frequently seek forgiveness and perform good deeds. This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "All of my nation are pardoned except for those who publicize (their sins)," and his saying: "Whoever commits any of these abominations, let him conceal himself with the concealment of Allah."

Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, good deeds do away with evil deeds," and "And indeed, I am the Forgiver of whoever repents, believes, and does righteousness and then is guided," and "whoever among you does evil out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - then indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful."

Moreover, sincere repentance transforms evil deeds into good deeds, as Allah Almighty says in describing the servants of the Most Merciful: "Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will change their evil deeds into good ones."

Allah Almighty says: "O son of Adam, as long as you invoke Me and hope in Me, I will forgive you for what you have done, and I do not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked for My forgiveness, I would forgive you, and I do not mind."

The believer's anxiety over his sins indicates his faith. One must beware of despair and having a bad opinion of Allah. Seek purity with your wife concerning what is unlawful.