Surah An-Nisa (4:16)

وَالَّذٰنِ يَاۡتِيٰنِهَا مِنۡكُمۡ فَاٰذُوۡهُمَا ۚ فَاِنۡ تَابَا وَاَصۡلَحَا فَاَعۡرِضُوۡا عَنۡهُمَا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيۡمًا‏ ۝

Wallathani ya/tiyanihaminkum faathoohuma fa-in taba waaslahafaaAAridoo AAanhuma inna Allaha kanatawwaban raheema

And the two who commit it i.e., unlawful sexual intercourse among you - punish i.e., dishonor them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allāh is ever Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.

Tadabbur (Reflection)

Theme of the Ayat

The Law of Correction: The early ruling for lesser immorality and the command to forgive.

The Insight

The ruling for a lesser form of immorality was initial punishment and then forgiveness if they repented and reformed. **Prioritize reform over punishment.** The goal of social discipline is to correct the mistake and guide the person back to righteousness. Punishment is a means, but reform is the ultimate end. |