Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Is there forgiveness from Allāh for zinā (fornication/ adultery)?
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
No doubt that zinā (fornication/ adultry) is a major sin in Islam. One should keep oneself far away from such sin. However, forgiveness from the Almighty for such a sin is definitely possible, if one sincerely repents by regretting what they have done, and making a firm resolution to never return to such a sin in the future.
God, Almighty states, “O servants of mine who have acted recklessly against their own selves, do not despair of God’s mercy. Surely, God will forgive all sins. Surely, He is the One who is the Most-Forgiving, the Very-Merciful.” (Qurʾān 39:53).
Once you have repented, it is not necessary to disclose your past sin to others.
“All the children of Adam are sinful and the best of sinners are those who repent.” (Tirmidhī, Musnad Aḥmad)
And Allāh Knows Best
