I have a question about a statement in the fatwas regarding the scholarly consensus that "fornication is too great to be expiated" (الزنا أعظم من أن يكفر). I would like to know who among the scholars mentioned this consensus and who disagreed with it, as well as the view of the other four schools of thought besides the Hanbalis on this matter. Alternatively, I would appreciate assistance with references for researching this issue.

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and companions. To proceed:

The text discusses the issue of expiation (kaffarah (definition)) for fornication/adultery (zina), clarifying that the questioner mistakenly understood that zina is worse than disbelief (kufr). The correct understanding is that the Shaykh was discussing expiation (kaffarah), not disbelief (kufr). Zina does not require expiation; rather, it only requires repentance (tawbah (definition)). It was clarified that expiations are confined to five matters: breaking an oath, killing, breaking the fast in Ramadan (definition), committing prohibitions during Hajj or ihram (definition), and Dhihar (a form of divorce). Scholars have unanimously agreed that zina does not necessitate expiation, and that the sin is not removed merely by expiation.