INTRODUCTION
Perverted people of the modern era visualize illegal and deviated sexual gratification as natural acts and regard marriage as an unnecessary innovation of civilization. They seem to think that it is perfectly natural that whenever one feels the urge, or finds the opportunity, and two members of the same or opposite sex mutually agree, sexual intercourse should take place, even without the presence of a deeper spiritual bond. They do not consider such conduct to be demeaning to the nature of man. This is indeed a wrong perception of the character of human beings since man has. the capacity to form spiritual relationships that transcend beyond the mere physical. Thus the humanity of man is not two independent traits, but have to merge together to constitute his personality. Due to their inter-dependence, it is impossible to reject the demands of one in favour of the other.

ILLICIT SEXUAL GRATIFICATION
It is not surprising that all the revealed religions have prohibited fornication and adultery and have fought against these crimes against society. Islam, the last of the divinely revealed religions is very strict in prohibiting Zina, for it leads to confusion of lineage, child abuse, the breaking-up of families, bitterness in relationships, the spread of veneral diseases, and a general laxity in morals; moreover, it opens the door to a flood of lust and self-gratification. Therefore, in Islam, whatever excites passions opens ways for illicit sexual relations and promotes indecency and obscenity, is prohibited.

Allâh Ta’âla says: “And do not go near zina. It is indeed a shameful and an evil path.” (Surah Al Isrâ’, Ayah 32)

Zina was prohibited in the previous religions as well.

The following is mentioned in the Old Testament:

“The Lord gave the following regulations. Do not have sexual intercourse with any of your relatives. Do not disgrace your father by having intercourse with any of his wives. Do not have intercourse with your sister or step-sister, whether or not she was brought up in the same house with you. Do not have intercourse with your granddaughter that will be disgrace to you. Do not have intercourse with your aunt, whether she is your father’s sister or your mother’s sister. Do not have intercourse with your uncle’s wife. She is, your aunt too. Do not have intercourse with your daughter-in-law or with your brother’s wife. Do not have intercourse with the daughter or grand-daughter of a woman with whom you had intercourse, they may be related to you, and that would be incest. Do not take your wife’s sister as one of your wives, as long as your wife is living. Do not have intercourse with a woman during her monthly period. Do not have intercourse with another man’s wife …

Adultery is not only shameful in itself and inconsistent with any self-respect or respect for others, but it opens the road to many evils. It destroys the basis of the family; it works against the interest of children born or to be born; it may lead to murders and feuds and loss of reputation and should it be avoided as a sin, but any approach or temptation to it should be avoided. The Qur’aan mentions:

‘And approach not adultery, for it is a shameful deed and an evil, opening the road to other evils.’

Allâh Ta’âla says: “The woman and the man guilty of fornication – lash each of them with a hundred lashes. Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allâh, if you believe in Allâh and the Last day and let a group of believers witness their punishment”. (Surah Al-Nûr, Ayah 2)

Imam Malik related to me from Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir that Umayma bint Ruqayqa said, “I went to the Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace,) with the women who took an oath of allegiance (took bait) with him in Islam. They said, ‘Oh Messenger of Allah! We take a pledge with you not to associate anything with Allah, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to kill our children, nor to produce any lie that we have devised between our hands and feet, and not to disobey you in what is known.’ The Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘In what you can do and are able.’ “

Umayma continued, “They said, ‘Allah and His Messenger are more merciful to us than ourselves. Come; let us give our hands to you, Oh Messenger of Allah!’ The Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘I do not shake hands with women. My word to a hundred women is like my word to one woman.

It is mentioned in one narration
Rasûlullah (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said: “…adultery of the eyes is when it looks at that which is Harâm; adultery of the ears is when it listens to that which is Harâm; adultery of the tongue is when it utters Harâm; adultery of the hands is when it touches Harâm; adultery of the feet is when it walks towards Harâm; adultery of the heart is when it desires and hopes for that which is Harâm; adultery of the private parts is when it succumbs to that which is Harâm.” (Targhib wa Tarhîb)

From the above Hadîth it is clear and apparent that Islam forbids not only the act of adultery but all acts that invite and encourage the act of zina. Islam shuts the door to the root of every evil.

Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said: “There are three such people with whom Allâh Ta’âla will not speak to (with words of mercy and kindness) nor will Allâh Ta’âla look at them (with eyes of mercy) nor will Allâh Ta’ala purify them, and for them is a painful punishment:

* An old person who commits zina.
* A king or leader who is exceptionally deceptive (he lies a lot).
* A needy person who is proud.” (Muslim)

Once Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) remarked, “A dayyûth [cuckold] will never enter Jannah.” The Sahâba enquired, “Who is a Dayyûth?” Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) replied, “A man who is not bothered about who visits his wife.” (Sunnats)

Touching a Strange Woman with Lust
It has been reported that the person who touches a strange woman with lust, on the day of resurrection his hands will be shackled to his neck. If he kissed her, his lips will be cut off and thrown in the fire of Jahannum. If he committed adultery then his thighs will bear witness to it and testify against him on the Day of Qiyâmat. It will say to him, “I was mounted for something impermissible.” Allâh will look at him with anger. The flesh of his face will fall off and he will proclaim “What did I do?” His tongue will testify and say, “I spoke to whom it was not permissible for you to talk to.” His legs will testify, “I walked towards something unlawful.” His hands will testify “I held something which was prohibited for you.” His eyes will testify “I gazed at unlawful things.” His private parts will testify “I committed the act.” An angel will say, “I heard it” while another will say, “I’ve written it down.” Allâh will say “I was aware of it and I concealed it.” Then Allâh will say to the angels “Let him taste of my punishment. My anger has increased on one who has no shame.” (Kitâb-ul-Kaba’ir)

In a Hadîth narrated by Samurah (RA) regarding a dream of Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam), it is mentioned that Jibra’îl and Mikâ’îl (AS) came to Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam).

Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) says: “We walked until we came to something that looked like an oven. Its top section was narrow and the inside was broad. From it sounds of screaming and noise was heard.”

Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) further says: “We looked inside and we saw naked men and women. We also saw flames from beneath them. When these flames scorched them, they screamed.” I asked Jibra’îl (AS): “Who are these people?” He replied, “These are the males and females who committed the grave act of zina. This will be their punishment till the day of Qiyâmat.” (Bukhari)

Homosexuality and its Disastrous Consequences
The Qur’ân has mentioned the story of the nation of Lût (AS) in this regard. Hence Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said: “I fear for my nation that they become involved in the act of the nation of Lut u, and whosoever does such an action is accursed.” Then Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said thrice: “May Allâh curse the person who does the act of the nation of Lut (AS).” (Kitâb-ul-Kabair)

Hadîth Warns Parents
Rasûlullah (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) has said: “When he attains maturity get him married. If he attains maturity and his father does not get him married, (and as a result commits a sin,) this sin falls upon the father.”

Therefore, once a child becomes bâligh (of age) and mentally matured, parents and guardians should not delay in getting them married.

It is Harâm for boys and girls to court. The parents will be sinful if they allow strange men or boys to visit the females of their homes. Parents should not take any command of Allâh Ta’âla lightly.

Rasûlullah (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) Speaks to Youth
Rasûlullah (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said: “O young men, who amongst you can afford to get married, should marry, for this will be a means of restraining the eyes from casting an evil glance and keeping one pure and chaste.” (Mishkât)

Rasûlullah (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) encouraged young men to become married so that they be saved from sin and the wrath of Allâh.

The Harms of Zina [Adultery/Fornication] are Manifold

1. Allâh Ta’âla becomes very angry.
2. The reckoning in the hereafter will be very severe.
3. The person will enter Jahannam.
4. The barakâh (blessing) of his rizq is lost.
5. He is deprived from doing good.
6. He becomes hated and cursed in the eyes of the common people.
7. The nation involved in Zina will be afflicted with droughts.
8. The spreading of diseases and plagues.
9. The destruction of the locality.
10. The cause of earthquakes.
11. The birth of illegitimate children.

Hazrat Anas (RA) reports that Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said: “Imân is a garb with which Allâh clothes whomsoever he wishes. If a person commits adultery this garb is snatched away and if he repents it is again returned” (Kitâb-ul-Kabair).

It is reported that once Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said, “O Muslims, fear adultery as it has six consequences. Three in this world and three in the hereafter. As for the worldly consequences; spiritual light from the face vanishes, life is shortened and a person becomes poverty-stricken. As for the hereafter; it causes Allâh’s displeasure, difficult reckoning and it obligates the punishment of Jahannam.” (Kitâb-ul- Kabair.)

The Result of Young Peole of Marriageable Age who Do Not Get Married

When there is no taq’wa (fear of Allâh) in an unmarried person’s life, the passions of such a person are fulfilled in one of the following ways:

1. Having unlawful relationships with men or women.
2. Having mistresses.
3. Visiting escort agencies and prostitutes.
4. Frequenting clubs or discos.
5. Reading pornographic material.
6. Gazing at women with lust.

The Solutions
To make nikâh. Nikâh in Islâm is very simple, easy and full of barakâh. If one cannot make nikâh due to some shar’î reason, he/she should resort to the following:

1. Keep fast.
2. Protect the eyes from looking at strange men/women.
3. To avoid mixed gatherings.
4. To have the thought that Allâh is at all times watching and aware of your actions.
5. To refrain from sitting and working in privacy with strange women.
6. Males should fulfill the rights of their wives i.e. looking after them. This will prevent women from treading the wrong path.
7. To be wary of the dictates of the nafs.
8. Women should fulfill their husband’s rights and should not make excessive demands on them.
9. To ask Allâh for protection from disobedience.

A Youth Seeks Permission to Commit Adultery
A youth (from the outlying regions) came to Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) and said: “Please permit me to commit adultery.” The Companions of the Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) took this very ill and were enraged at his words; but Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said to him: “Come nearer to me. Would you like anyone to commit adultery with your mother?” He said: “Not at all.” Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) said: “Then other people will also never tolerate such a shameful act with their mothers.” Then Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) asked him the same question about his sister, aunt, etc. And he answered each time in the negative. Then Nabî (Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam) put his hand on his chest and prayed: “O Allâh! Purify his heart, forgive his sins and guard him against adultery.” The reporters say that, after this, nothing was more hateful to him than adultery.

Abdullah bin ‘Umar radhiallahu anhu narrates: “I was among ten people who came to Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam from the muhajireen. He said. “0 Muhajireen, there are 5 things; I ask Allah’s refuge (lest) you fall prey to them.

When shamelessness becomes prevalent and the norm (among people), they would become entangled in plague and in such diseases that never existed during the time of their forefathers.

When a nation cheats in measure (practices fraud) they would be afflicted by drought, hardships and an oppressive ruler.

When a nation stops paying zakât they would be deprived of rain. If it were not for the animals it would never have rained.

When people break promises, Allah sets over them enemies from another nation, who will usurp their belongings.

When their leaders refrain from giving verdicts according to the commands of Allah, He subjects them to murder and civil strife. (Ibn Mâjah)