Q 2: A married man committed Zina (sexual intercourse outside marriage); he penetrated but without ejaculation. He later made Tawbah (repentance to Allah). How can he appease his conscience? He has been away from his wife for a very long time, and he lived in another country where there were temptations. Is he considered a Muhsan (someone in a state of fortification against illegal sexual intercourse outside marriage by virtue of valid current or previous marriage)? (Part No. 22; Page No. 37

A: Zina is Haram (prohibited) according to the Islamic texts and Ijma` (consensus of scholars), whether the adulterer ejaculates or not. Being away from one's wife is not an excuse, nor is the presence of temptation. A person should maintain their chastity, and stay away from the means leading to Zina. The mentioned man should make Tawbah, regret this sin, keep away from it, and determine not to do it again. It is also recommended for him to seek Allah's forgiveness and perform good deeds, while keeping Allah's concealment and not telling anyone about what he did. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). He (Glorified be He) also says, And those who invoke not any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh, nor kill such person as Allâh has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse - and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those who repent and believe (in Islâmic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allâh will change their sins into good deeds, and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. If a man stays away from his wife or divorces her, he will still be considered a Muhsan, provided that (Part No. 22; Page No. 38) he has consummated his marriage to her.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.