What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding marriage to a woman who lost her virginity as a result of an illicit relationship with the questioner, and is it permissible to divorce the first wife in order to marry her, and what is the solution to get out of this predicament?
You have done well by repenting from the sin of zina (fornication/adultery), which is a grave obscenity, as Allah Almighty said: "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an obscenity and is evil as a way." You are not obligated to marry the woman with whom you committed zina, but if she has repented, there is no impediment to marrying her. It is not permissible for you to combine her with your current wife, as polygyny requires financial capability, which you do not possess. Divorcing your wife without a reason other than marrying that woman is forbidden, as it is an injustice and harm to her, and some scholars have considered divorce without a legitimate reason to be unlawful.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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