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How many lashes for zina in Islam?

Published in Islamic Law 2 mins read

The prescribed punishment for zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) in Islam, according to the Qur'an, is 100 lashes for those who are unmarried.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  • Quranic Basis: The primary source for this punishment is Surah An-Nur (24:2) in the Qur'an, which states: "The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes…"

  • Application to Unmarried Individuals: Islamic jurisprudence generally applies the 100 lashes punishment specifically to those who have never been married. This includes both men and women.

  • Punishment for Married Individuals (Muhsan): The punishment for zina committed by a married person (muhsan) is stoning to death, according to interpretations of the Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad's teachings and practices). However, the Quran does not explicitly state stoning for adultery.

  • Conditions for Implementation: The implementation of these punishments requires strict conditions, including clear and irrefutable evidence, such as four adult male Muslim witnesses or a confession made without coercion.

  • Purpose of Punishment: The purpose of these prescribed punishments is not simply to inflict pain but also to deter individuals from committing such acts and to uphold moral standards within society.

In summary, while the Qur'an prescribes 100 lashes for zina, its application in Islamic law is nuanced and dependent on factors like marital status and the availability of valid evidence.

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