Physical intimacy before marriage

Curbing illicit relationships – Islamic guidelines

 

In light of Islamic guidelines, the following have been suggested to curb illicit sexual relationships:

 

1.  Following the Sunnah in performing marriage.

 

2.  Avoiding everything, which may lead to adultery.

 

Islam teaches us to be modest and instructs us to be chaste.  It instructs to not even approach indecencies let alone actually committing them.  Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:

 

Say: ‘Come, I will recite to you those things which your Lord has forbidden to you: Do not set up anything as a partner with Him; be morally excellent with parents; and do not kill your children owing to poverty. We alone give you sustenance and (will provide for) them as well. And do not draw near to shameful deeds (whether) open or hidden. And do not kill the soul whose (killing) Allah has forbidden, except when it is rightful due (according to Law in self-defence, against disruption and while combating terrorism). It is these (injunctions) He has enjoined upon you so that you may apply reason.  Surah An’aam (6:151)

 

Allah Ta’ala also says: 

And do not even go near unlawful sex (adultery). Verily it is an act of lewdness and is the most evil way.  Surah Isra (17:32)

 

Modesty is such a part of human nature that no religion and no cultured person can deny the importance and necessity of this.  For this reason, Islam has declared modesty to be a part of faith, as given in this Hadith of Sahih Bukhari:

 

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Iman (Faith) has more than 60 branches and modesty is also a branch of Iman.

 

It ought to be clear the modesty is the dividing line between humanity and beastliness.