The holy Qur’an counts fornication as an indecency and...

The holy Qur’an counts fornication as an indecency and horrible deed and prohibits it where it says: “And do not approach fornication...” [^2] , and it counts the abundance of fornication as a sign for the true servants of Allah, where it says: “The (faithful) servants of the Beneficent (Allah) are those who.nor commit formation...” [^3] , and again it considers the avoidance of committing this sin as the condition for the allegiance with the Prophet (S) as, in another occurrence, the Qur’an says: “O Prophet!

When believing women come unto thee, taking oath of allegiance unto thee that they ...will neither steal nor commit (or fornication) adultery ...” [^4] After this general statement of the verse, the first decisive and determining ordinance about fornicatress and fornicator is presented.

It says: “The fornicatress and the fornicator, scourge you each one of them (with) a hundred stripes...” To emphasize more, the Qur’an adds: “...And let not pity for them withhold you from enforcing the sentence of Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day...” Finally, at the end of the verse to conclude this Divine punishment, another matter is added, where it says: “...And let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.” As matter of fact, this verse contains 3 commandments: The ordinance of punishing fornicatress and fornicator; (the purpose of fornication is unlawful sexual intercourse).

Emphasis on the matter of not being moved by compassion and sentiments at the time of executing divinely prescribed punishments. These sentiments and kindness yield as result only corruption and defilement in society. But to deactivate the motivations of such sentiments, the Sura brings up the issue of belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment, because the sign of belie in origin and Resurrection is absolute resignation to Allah’s commandment.

The belief in the Lord of the world, Who is All-Knowing, All-Wise, makes man know that each commandment is based on a philosophy and wisdom and is not legislated without any reason. Having faith in Resurrection causes man to feel responsibility for violations and transgressions.

Here, there is an interesting tradition that must be noted carefully: The Prophet (S) says: “ (On the Day of Judgment) some of the rulers who have decreased one stripe from the divinely prescribed punishment will be fetched (to the place of gathering). They will be questioned why they had done such a thing.