Is it permissible for a young Shafi‘i Muslim man to marry a Christian woman who is pregnant by him as a result ofZina (fornication/adultery), knowing that he has repented and lives in Germany and cannot compel her to do anything, in order to prevent the child from being considered illegitimate? And how will he be held accountable if the child does not embrace Islam or becomes an atheist? And is it permissible for him to secretly apply the Hadd (punishment) for Zina to himself, as an un-muhsan (unmarried) person, by flogging himself? And is abortion permissible before the fetus reaches three months?
You must repent and immediately sever your relationship with this woman. The child of zina (fornication/adultery) is not attributed to you legally but to its mother. Abortion is forbidden at any stage of fetal development. It is not permissible for you to marry this unchaste woman; instead, seek a righteous Muslim woman. The implementation of hudud (punishments) is the prerogative of the Muslim ruler, and for you, along with repentance, it suffices to conceal your sin. Residing in non-Muslim lands entails risks, and migration to a Muslim country is necessary if there is no compelling necessity.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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