Interpretation of Sura an-Nisa - Verse 16

16. " And when two of you commit it (lewdness) punish them both, but if they repent and amend, then turn aside from them. Verily Allah is Oft-returning (to mercy) , the Merciful."

Commentary

In this verse the ordinance of fornication is stated. It indicates that the man and woman, who have not spouses and commit this indecent action, lewdness, both must be punished. It says :

" And when two of you commit it (lewdness) punish them both; ..."

The punishment mentioned in this verse is a general punishment, while verse No. 2 from Sura Nur, No. 221, which assigns one hundred stripes for each of the two parties, can be a commentary and an explanation upon the above verse.

At the bottom of the verse, it points to the matter of repentance and forgiveness about these kinds of sinners, and says:

"... but if they repent and amend, then turn aside from them. Verily Allah is Oft-returning (to mercy) , the Merciful."

In the meantime, it is understood from this ordinance that the persons who have repented of their faults should never be blamed for their former sins.

Adopted from the book : "The Light of the Holy Qur'an; Interpretation of Surah an-Nisa" by : "Sayyid Kamal Faghih Imani and a Group of Muslim Scholars"