What is the ruling of Islamic law concerning a man who cohabited with a married woman for 15 years, then decided to repent and leave her? Is he obligated to marry her to rectify their sin?

The questioner describes the man and woman as good and righteous, and considers their cohabitation for 15 years as "conjugal life" and "sacrifice." She considers herself his wife, and the man's presence with her as out of concern for her.

The author responds to the questioner, denouncing her description of the man as righteous while he committed adultery for 15 years, and states that this act warrants stoning. He clarifies that this relationship is not sanctioned by the interests of religion or the afterlife, and that considering her "his wife" is incorrect without a legitimate Islamic contract and its pillars.

The author rejects the idea that the past years were a sacrifice, asserting that they were sins for which the woman will be held accountable, and that her repentance requires remorse and severing the relationship. He adds that her love for the man prevents the validity of her repentance.

As for her question whether the man has the right to leave her, the author confirms the necessity of him leaving her and severing the relationship. He believes that marriage between them is inappropriate unless there is sincere repentance and the woman's womb is cleared by menstruation. He concludes that Islamic law does not obligate him to marry her.