Why is the punishment for zina (adultery/fornication) death, unless one repents, while a disbeliever commits zina without punishment? Is disbelief sufficient, instead of repentance, to avert punishment from the one who commits zina? And what is the wisdom behind punishing zina if it is possible to evade it through repentance or disbelief?

Allah has forbidden zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) and prescribed a punishment for it. If Allah conceals the sin of a fornicator, it is not permissible for him to expose himself. Rather, he should conceal it and not report his matter to the Imam. The establishment of the hadd (prescribed punishment) is not a condition for repentance. Indeed, if he repents and conceals himself, Allah will accept his repentance.

A Muslim's feeling of guilt is positive because it is a necessary remorse. However, the transformation of this remorse into despair and hopelessness, leading to disbelief, is not permissible. Satan strives to make the servant despair of Allah's mercy. Indeed, if a disbeliever embraces Islam, Allah accepts him, so it is even more fitting that He accepts a repenting Muslim fornicator. There is no need to compare his situation with that of a disbeliever, because the chances of a Muslim's repentance being accepted are much greater.

Do not surrender to despair, for Allah has opened the doors of repentance wide. He extends His hand at night to accept the repentance of the one who sinned by day, and by day to accept the repentance of the one who sinned by night.