Q: I got into a debate with a person who has quoted from the Quraan about the topic on fornication. She stated that according to her understanding of the verses, a fornicator, even if they have repented cannot marry a pure person and if they do then the nikkah will not be valid. I debated that Allah Ta’ala forgives the sincere repenter so how can they be punished if they go on to marry a virgin etc. Please shed some light, was I right in my reply?
A: He can marry a chaste and pure woman. The Quraan Shareef is not instructing that the fornicator can only marry a similar kind of woman, rather it is showing how despicable this act is, that under normal circumstances the male fornicator is comfortable and satisfied with a woman of his type.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)