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Is Zina a sin in Islam?
Some Useful ways to avoid from committing Zina
Finally,
What is Zina?
Zina refers to any form of sexual misconduct or illicit sexual behavior in Islam. This includes extramarital affairs, premarital sex, and any other form of sexual activity outside of marriage.
What is the link between Zina and Modest Clothing or behaving Modestly?
Modest clothing
In Islamic teachings, modesty is an important aspect of behavior and dress for both men and women. Wearing modest clothing is seen as a way to prevent or reduce the likelihood of committing zina, as it helps to avoid temptations and distractions. This is why many Muslim communities encourage both men and women to dress modestly and cover their bodies in order to avoid unwanted attention.
One of the questions often asked by people is, “Why do Muslim women cover their heads?” The answer lies in understanding the essence of one’s existence as explained in Islam.
Muslims believe that their true purpose in life is to worship Allah according to His instructions, as revealed in the holy book of Quran and through the teachings of Muhammad S.A.W, the final prophet of Islam. Modest clothing is an integral aspect of worship in Islam.
In the Quran, Allah says, “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms…” (24:31). When Allah revealed this verse, the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W promptly adopted these guidelines. In a similar spirit of obedience, Muslim women have maintained modest covering (hijab) ever since.
Hence, the primary motivation for wearing the hijab is to obey Allah.
Acting Modestly
The best way to understand any topic well is to open Quran and understand what is being told by Allah to the humanity. As we all know, Muslims (Men and Women) are obliged to live a Modest lifestyle not only by wearing modest clothes, but also being modest or having haya in their gaze, inside their hearts and thoughts.
The Qur'an reminds us about modesty by saying, "Tell the believing men that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts, it is more decent for them. Surely Allah is all aware of what they do. (Al Qur'an 24:30)"
Lowering the gaze doesn't mean that you can't look at the opposite gender in any condition. It means if for some reason or by mistake you look at an opposite gender, make sure not to look with desires and lust. But then nobody knows before looking at opposite gender that they might find that person attractive so the best way to avoid the lust is to practice lowering of gaze. If there is a desire in the look, the gaze should be averted. When we talk about lowering the gaze, we think it's applicable only to the youth and the unmarried people. But lowering the gaze after marriage in this world of fitna is also very important. It is affecting many marriages nowadays. Men and women who are not lowering their gaze after marriage are risking their relationship and ultimately ruining it.
How the use of social media is leading us to Zina ( Adultery and Fornication)?
Every Muslim individual must refrain not only from adultery itself, but also from obscenity in its broadest sense, and any behaviors that could possibly lead to the commission of adultery. The importance attached to this kind of modesty is so solid and visible that a number of Islamic scholars hold that adulterers would not be entitled to paradise, even if they claim to be firm believers, unless they regret and fully repent for their wrongdoing.
The use of social media is one of the key factors in affecting this as we think lowering our gaze is not to be applied there. But in the world of ever-present social media, both Muslim brothers and sisters can fall into the trap of “Zina Of the Eyes.” It can lead to a
betrayal of the basic foundation of a relationship that is trust between the spouses.
Our beloved Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) warned us from different types of Zina, to not only remind us but also to save us from falling into these sins, He said:
The Zina of the eyes is the lustful look, the Zina of the tongue is to utter licentious speech, the Zina of the ears it listening to voluptuous songs or talk, the Zina of the hand is the lustful grip, the Zina of the feet is the walking to the place where one intends to commit Zina. (AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)
A message for Muslim Brothers and Sisters using social media for Preaching about Islam.
﴾ َ “Do you order the people towards righteousness and forget yourselves, while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?” (Al-Baqarah 2:44)” (Tafsir As-Sa’di – Sūrah As-Saff) And these words are especially suitable for you my brother who post religious quotes and pictures on social media while priding yourself with being a caller towards good and a forbidder of evil, but privately you chat with women and look at their photos – perhaps even not with the intention of marrying in the end. If you are capable of contacting the sister directly then you are also capable of contacting her walī. But thats another topic.
And you know very well – my dear brother – that chatting online in private can be just as harmful and encouraging towards evil, as being alone with someone in real life.
Abu Umāmah – radiAllāhu ‘anhu – narrates:
“A young man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said: ‘O Messenger of Allāh, give me permission to commit adultery.’ The people turned to rebuke him, saying: ‘Quiet! Quiet!’ The Prophet said: ‘Come here.’ The young man came close to him. He (Abu Umāmah) said: So he sat down. The Prophet said: ‘Would you like that for your mother?’ The man said: ‘No, by Allāh, may I be sacrificed for you.’ He answered: ‘Nor would the people like it for their mothers.’ He (The Prophet) said: ‘Would you like that for your daughter?’ The man said: ‘No, by Allāh, may I be sacrificed for you.’ He answered: ‘Nor do the people like it for their daughters.’ The Prophet said: ‘Would you like that for your sister?’ The man said: ‘No, by Allāh, may I be sacrificed for you.’ He answered: ‘Nor do the people like it for their sisters.’ The Prophet said: ‘Would you like that for your aunts?’ The man said: ‘No, by Allāh, may I be sacrificed for you.’ He answered: ‘Nor would the people like it for their aunts.’ The Prophet placed his hand on him and he said: ‘O Allāh, forgive his sins, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.’ After that, the young man never again turned to anything (sinful).” (Musnad Imām Ahmad) So my dear brother, where are you compared to this? Have you considered the advice of the Prophet (sallAllāhu alayhi wa sallam) to this young man and applied it upon yourself?
Some advice for Muslim women
1. Modesty is a sign of respect and honor towards God. It is a major aspect of Islam.
2. Women have been given many rights that men do not have. So if women wear less clothing than men, they would be showing disrespect towards their own rights.
3. When a girl is dressed up nice, she looks beautiful; when she dresses down, she just looks plain ugly.
4. If you wear less clothing in front of someone who doesn't appreciate modesty, you may end up getting raped, or trigger some psychopaths to rape someone else by getting turned on after seeing you in short clothes.
5. A man seeing a woman dressing immodestly will think about how he wants to touch that woman's body.
Is Zina a sin in Islam?
Zina is a sad reality of our world, and it is a topic that is often shrouded in taboo and shame. But what is Zina, exactly? Zina is the Islamic term for any form of sexual misconduct or illicit sexual behavior. This includes extramarital affairs, premarital sex, and any other form of sexual activity outside of marriage. For many people, the concept of zina may seem distant and irrelevant to their lives. However, the reality is that zina is a pervasive problem that affects individuals and communities around the world. It is a sin that can have devastating consequences for those who engage in it, both in this life and the next. One of the key issues surrounding zina is the way it is often normalized and trivialized in our society. Many people view it as a private matter that should not be discussed or dealt with publicly. But this attitude only serves to perpetuate the cycle of shame and secrecy that surrounds zina. In conclusion, zina is a sad reality of our world, and it is a sin that can have devastating consequences for those who engage in it. It is important for individuals and communities to take a proactive approach to combat the problem of zina by educating ourselves, promoting modesty and virtuous behavior, and encouraging people to marry in early age. It's time to break the cycle of shame and secrecy surrounding zina and address it head-on as a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Some Useful ways to avoid from committing Zina
Dressing modestly: One of the most effective ways to prevent oneself from engaging in zina is to dress modestly. This includes covering the body in a way that avoids drawing attention to oneself and minimizes the risk of temptation.
Lowering gaze: Another important way to prevent zina is to lower your gaze when in the presence of the opposite sex. This means avoiding direct eye contact and not staring at people in a way that is suggestive or inappropriate.
Avoiding secluded places: Another way to prevent zina is to avoid secluded places where one may be alone with the opposite sex. This includes not going to private places with someone you are not married to, avoiding dark or isolated places and avoiding private gatherings.
Fasting: Fasting is another way to prevent zina. Fasting helps to control one's desires and reduces the likelihood of engaging in any sin.
Keeping busy: Keeping oneself busy with productive activities is another way to prevent zina. This includes engaging in activities such as volunteering, working, studying, and spending time with friends and family.
Seeking knowledge: Seeking knowledge about Islam and its teachings can help one to understand the gravity of zina and the importance of avoiding it.
Building a support system: Building a support system of friends, family, and community members who can provide guidance and support can help one to resist the temptation of zina.
Making intention: Making intention to avoid zina and making a firm commitment to remain chaste and pure can help one to avoid zina.
Seeking repentance: If one does fall into the sin of zina, seeking repentance and making amends for one's actions can help to prevent a repeat of the behavior in the future.
Marriage: The best way to prevent zina is marriage, as it provides a lawful and moral way to express one's love and affection.
It's important to note that prevention is better than cure, and it's always better to avoid falling into the sin of zina in the first place. By following these steps and staying mindful of one's actions, it's possible to avoid engaging in zina and maintain a pure and chaste lifestyle.
Also Read: MODESTY: Is it really for women only?
Some suggestions to help you get started walking on the path of Modesty ( Haya)
If you are struggling to start wearing Hijab and modest clothing, then read this article.
Teach your kids the importance of Hijab
If you are struggling to quit social media then you may find this book helpful.
