IslamicAnswers.com: Islamic Advice

Need a better understanding of this verse…

3 Responses »

1. 

   Issah

   December 29, 2014 • 5:01 am

   Wa 'alaikum as-salaam warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh brother Logical,

   I'm not a scholar myself, but we may both share with one another, based on what we understand from the scholars, inshaAllah.

   There are two correct interpretations regarding the mentioned ayah...

   First interpretation:

   Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says

   "Evil statements are for evil men, and evil men are [subjected] to evil statements. And good statements are for good men, and good men are [an object] of good statements. Those [good people] are declared innocent of what the slanderers say. For them is forgiveness and noble provision."
   (Quran 24: 26)

   Second interpretation:

   Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says

   "Bad women are for bad men, and bad men are for bad women, and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women. Those are acquitted of what they say. There is forgiveness for them, and a generous provision."
   (Quran 24: 26)

   This interpretation is supported by an earlier ayah in the same surah;

   "The fornicator (i.e. a man who is engaged in zina and has not repented) does not marry except a [female] fornicator (i.e. a woman who is engaged in zina and has not repented) or polytheist (i.e. a woman who is engaged in shirk and has not repented), and none marries her except a fornicator (i.e. a man who is engaged in zina and has not repented) or a polytheist (i.e. a man who is engaged in shirk and has not repented), and that (i.e. the ruling) has been made unlawful (i.e. inapplicable with regard) to the believers (i.e. those among the fornicators and polytheists who repented and became believers)."
   (Quran 24: 3)

   Both the first and second interpretation could be combined this way:

   "Bad women are for bad men, and bad men are for bad women (and such bad men and women are subjected to evil statements), and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women (and such good men and women are objects of good statements). Those are acquitted of what they say. There is forgiveness for them, and a generous provision."
   (Quran 24: 26)

   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   You question is related to the second interpretation. And as I mentioned above, this interpretation is supported by an earlier ayah in the same surah (Quran 24: 3).

   There are two parts of this interpretation--the ruling part of it, and the nature part of it. The ruling part of it is to forbade the believers from marrying those who are engaged in the act of zina and shirk with no shame nor repentance. The nature part of it implies that, good people naturally do not desire to be in relations with bad people. A believing man will not desire to marry a woman who is engaged in zina or shirk (otherwise he himself likes that act, or is either engaged in zina or shirk), nor will a believing woman desire to marry a man who is engaged in zina or shirk (otherwise she herself likes that act, or is either engaged in zina or shirk). This is a fact understood by human nature, however it has been mentioned to be a reminder for us, and furthermore as a ruling.

   Before Islam, most of the people were not believers, instead they were engaged in either zina or shirk, or both simultaneously. Islam forbade those among them who repented, embraced Islam, and became believers from marrying those who didn't repent nor believe. This is supported by an ayah in surrah al-Baqarah. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says:

   ''And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not marry polytheistic men [to your women] until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you. Those invite [you] to the Fire, but Allah invites to Paradise and to forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes clear His verses to the people that perhaps they may remember.'' (Quran 2: 221)

   The ayah (Quran 24: 26) is usually taken to mean that, Allah (either by His laws or decrees) will not make a believer (who has not committed zina before) marry a former zani, even if he/she has repented sincerely, however, this is a common misconception. This becomes clear when the matter is looked at in other ways, such will Allah make a believer (who has not committed shirk before) marry a former mushrik when he/she repents and become a believer? Or will Allah make a believer who (who has not committed zina before) marry a former mushrik when he/she repents and become a believer? The answer is clear in the ayah (Quran 2: 221). If a former mushrik whose sin is worse than zina, was allowed to marry a virgin believer, then this implies that a former zani is allowed to marry a virgin believer, however, the condition is a sincere repentance and becoming a believer in both situations.

   After all, who is a believer in the sight of Almighty Allah (not in the sight of humans)?

   Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says:

   68. And those who do not implore besides Allah any other god (shirk), and do not kill the soul which Allah has made sacred (murder)--except in the pursuit of justice--and do not commit adultery (zina). Whoever does that will face penalties.

   69. The punishment will be doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will dwell therein in humiliation forever.

   70. Except for those who repent, and believe, and do good deeds. These--Allah will replace their bad deeds with good deeds. Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.

   71. Whoever repents and acts righteously-has inclined towards Allah with repentance.
   (Quran 25: 68-71)

   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   To answer your question:

   If some spouse is in adulterous relationship than can we assume that other spouse too might be adulterous?

   If the other spouse was aware that they were marrying someone who is engaged in adulterous relationship, then they themselves are either engaged in adulterous relationships or are advocate/supporter of adultery. However, if they didn't know, then it doesn't mean anything. However, Islam forbade them to continue marital relationship with them (after discovering it during the marital relationship) until they repent sincerely.

   Hope this helps at least in some way, and Allah knows best.

   Loading...

   Reply
2. 

   Logical

   December 31, 2014 • 1:02 am

   JAZAK Allah brother for such a detailed and clear answer .It helped .

   Loading...

   Reply
   • 

     Issah

     December 31, 2014 • 2:19 am

     BaarakAllahu Feek Akhi!

     Loading...

     Reply