Question:
I spoke with a colleague, went out with him, and we exchanged hugs and kisses only. Then, I informed my husband about it, expressing my regret and repentance to Allah. My question is: Is it permissible to continue the marital life between me and my husband, despite his covering up for me? Please offer me your advice.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his companions, and those who follow him. As for what you mentioned, despite its severity, it does not automatically dissolve the marital bond! Even if the matter reached the level of explicit adultery, it does not automatically lead to the dissolution of the marriage contract. Instead, it gives the aggrieved party the right to annul it, and for the husband to refrain from imposing difficulties on the wife to buy her freedom with some of her rights, as Allah says, “And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality.”
In the document of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America, I state it below for further benefit:
Effect of One Spouse Committing Adultery:
Article (158): Committing adultery by one of the spouses does not automatically dissolve the marriage contract.
Article (159): If the husband is accused of adultery and this becomes widespread in the community surrounding the family, causing harm to the wife, she has the right to request separation through divorce. The arbitration authority should grant her this, based on testimony from some trustworthy individuals or the presence of clear indications, even if it is not proven according to the established Sharia rules for proving adultery.
Article (160): If the wife is accused of adultery and this becomes widespread in the community surrounding the family, the husband may divorce her, compelling her to forfeit her legitimate rights if he relies on testimony from some trustworthy individuals in his locality or the presence of clear indications, even if it is not proven according to the established Sharia rules for proving adultery. He may also choose to keep her if he senses the sincerity of her repentance.
Therefore, renew your repentance, be truthful with Allah in it, and compensate this hurt husband for this grievous breach. Appreciate his covering up for you and his forgiveness. Keep this beautiful act of his in mind for the rest of your life. Allah accepts the repentance of those who repent! And Allah knows best.
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Taken from fatawaalsawy.com
