What is the punishment in this world and the hereafter for having a relationship with a girl without penetration?
Islam has been keen to purify society from indecencies, thus prohibiting any means of enjoying a free woman except through marriage. Anything less than zina (fornication/adultery) that necessitates a hadd (prescribed punishment) but still constitutes prohibited enjoyment, is a great sin, a vile act, and an transgression against the sacred limits of Allah. On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The son of Adam's share of zina has been decreed for him, which he will inevitably attain. The zina of the eyes is gazing, the zina of the ears is listening, the zina of the tongue is speaking, the zina of the hand is touching, and the zina of the foot is walking. The heart desires and wishes, and the private part confirms or denies that." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The one who commits a sin must offer sincere repentance by immediately ceasing the act, regretting it, and having a firm intention never to return to it. One must also keep away from the precursors and motives of sin, strive to lower the gaze, avoid bad company, hasten to marry if able, and fast if unable, while increasing good deeds and strengthening one's connection with Allah. One must conceal the sin and not declare it openly, for "All of my Ummah will be forgiven except those who commit sins openly."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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