For married individuals, zina refers to adultery, which is defined as unlawful sexual intercourse outside the bond of marriage. In Islamic legal interpretations, this is considered a severe offense with specific consequences, distinct from zina committed by unmarried individuals.
Understanding Zina in Marriage
Zina, in a general sense, is any illicit sexual relationship. When a person who is legally married engages in sexual intercourse with someone other than their spouse, this act constitutes adultery or "zina muhsan" (adultery by a married person). This is considered a grave sin in Islam and carries specific legal penalties in jurisdictions that implement classical Islamic law.
Legal Consequences for Married Individuals
The punishment prescribed for zina for married individuals is severe in classical Islamic jurisprudence. Importantly, the specific punishment applied can sometimes depend on the marital status of the partner involved, as highlighted by the provided reference.
Based on the reference, here are the described punishment scenarios when a married individual commits zina with an unmarried partner:
- Scenario 1: Married Woman with Unmarried Man
If a married woman commits zina with a man who is not married, the reference states: "she will be subject to stoning and he to flogging". - Scenario 2: Married Man with Unmarried Woman
If a married man commits zina with a woman who is not married, the reference states: "then the man will be liable to death and she will receive only lashes".
These varying consequences, based on the marital status of both individuals involved, illustrate a key aspect of how this offense is treated legally in certain interpretations. The reference makes it clear that being married significantly alters the legal penalty for zina.
Summary of Punishments Based on Reference:
| Individual Committing Zina | Individual's Marital Status | Partner's Marital Status | Punishment for Married Individual | Punishment for Partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woman | Married | Unmarried | Subject to stoning | Subject to flogging |
| Man | Married | Unmarried | Liable to death | Receive only lashes |
It is important to note that the implementation and interpretation of these punishments vary widely across different Muslim-majority countries and legal systems today.
