Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Islam commands people to have modesty and it forbids zina [adultery]. Adultery refers to extramarital and unwed relationships, which is considered unacceptable. It harms people not only materially but also spiritually, causing them to feel worthless and severing the bonds of affection and love. It sows seeds of distrust, grudge and hatred among people and shakes the moral values ​​of the society to its roots. The most important reason for the prohibition of adultery is the protection of the family. Because, while extramarital affairs cause the collapse of family, on the other hand, it threatens the existence of positive generations.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Quran mentions: “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.”[1] Even approaching it in a suggestive manner has been prohibited and the paths leading to it are also considered disgraceful. Regarding the various forms of adultery, our Beloved Prophet (saw) mentioned in a Hadith: “The adultery of the eye is the lustful look and the adultery of the ears is listening to desirable dialogue and the adultery of the tongue is lustful speech and the adultery of the hand is the lustful touch and the adultery of the feet is to walk (to the place) where they intend to commit adultery and the heart yearns and desires which they may or may not put into effect.”[2] Thus, he warned us about the dangers of things that lead to adultery. Especially in today’s age of easy communication, we are commanded to stay away from all kinds of words, actions, behaviours and attitudes that could lead to adultery.

Dear Jama’ah!

Approaching adultery, straying from modesty and chastity, brings a person closer to punishment and leads to eternal regret. Therefore, Islam not only forbids adultery itself but also the behaviours that lead to it.

Even though they may seem like small steps, if one does not avoid actions contrary to human nature and ethics, it becomes easy to be drawn into the forbidden. Allah (swt) says: “Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment.”[3]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Today, we should try to have our youth married without getting involved in adultery. Let’s not forget that it is the duty of us adults to protect our youth in the society from adultery and to lead them to legitimate ways. In a world where falling into haram has become so easy, it has become an important task to protect our youth and guide them to the right path. We must make the utmost effort to protect the chastity, honour and dignity of both ourselves and our children. Families should first build the spiritual world of their children without worrying about material things. It is difficult for young people who cannot maintain their chastity to form a peaceful family. Therefore, we should facilitate the paths to marriage, which will protect these values.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

To avoid adultery, we must perform our worship with humility, make an effort to pray in congregation and always seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah. If our surroundings lead us towards forbidden paths, we must immediately abandon them. To protect ourselves from the negative consequences of the act of adultery, we should observe the advice of our Prophet (saw) and turn to the act of fasting as an act of worship. Let us not forget that fasting is a shield against all evils and helps discipline ourselves. According to Sahl ibn Sa’d, Rasulullah (saw) said: “Whoever guarantees to me the protection between his lips and between his legs, I will guarantee him Paradise.” [4] May Allah (swt) protect us from all kinds of adultery and all kinds of ways that lead to it and make us one of his servants who are self-controlled. Ameen!

[1] Surah Al-Isra 17:32

[2] Müslim, Kader, 33, H. No: 2658/1

[3] Surah An-Nur, 24:30-31

[4] Buhârî, Rikâk, 23

Khutba – Avoiding Zina