1[This is] a sūrah which We have sent down and made [that within it] obligatory and revealed therein verses of clear evidence that you might remember.

2The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse⁹⁰⁴ – lash each one of them with a hundred lashes,⁹⁰⁵ and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion [i.e., law] of Allāh,⁹⁰⁶ if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.

3The fornicator does not marry except a [female] fornicator or polytheist, and none marries her except a fornicator⁹⁰⁷ or a polytheist, and that [i.e., marriage to such persons] has been made unlawful to the believers.

4And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses – lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient,

5Except for those who repent thereafter and reform, for indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

6And those who accuse their wives [of adultery] and have no witnesses except themselves – then the witness of one of them⁹⁰⁸

[shall be] four testimonies [swearing] by Allāh that indeed, he is of the truthful.

7And the fifth [oath will be] that the curse of Allāh be upon him if he should be among the liars.

8But it will prevent punishment from her if she gives four testimonies [swearing] by Allāh that indeed, he is of the liars.

9And the fifth [oath will be] that the wrath of Allāh be upon her if he was of the truthful.

10And if not for the favor of Allāh upon you and His mercy...⁹⁰⁹ and because Allāh is Accepting of repentance and Wise.

11Indeed, those who came with falsehood⁹¹⁰ are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you; rather, it is good for you. For every person among them is what [punishment] he has earned from the sin, and he who took upon himself the greater portion thereof⁹¹¹ – for him is a great punishment [i.e., Hellfire].

12Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of themselves [i.e., one another] and say, "This is an obvious falsehood"?

13Why did they [who slandered] not produce for it four witnesses? And when they do not produce the witnesses, then it is they, in the sight of Allāh, who are the liars.

14And if it had not been for the favor of Allāh upon you and His mercy in this world and the Hereafter, you would have been touched for that [lie] in which you were involved by a great punishment

15When you received it with your tongues⁹¹² and said with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge and thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allāh, tremendous.

16And why, when you heard it, did you not say, "It is not for us to speak of this. Exalted are You, [O Allāh]; this is a great slander"?

17Allāh warns you against returning to the likes of this [conduct], ever, if you should be believers.

18And Allāh makes clear to you the verses [i.e., His rulings], and Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

19Indeed, those who like that immorality⁹¹³ should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allāh knows⁹¹⁴ and you do not know.

20And if it had not been for the favor of Allāh upon you and His mercy...⁹¹⁵ and because Allāh is Kind and Merciful.

21O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan – indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing. And if not for the favor of Allāh upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allāh purifies whom He wills, and Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.

22And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allāh, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allāh should forgive you? And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

23Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment

24On a Day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.

25That Day, Allāh will pay them in full their true [i.e., deserved] recompense, and they will know that it is Allāh who is the manifest Truth [i.e., perfect in justice].

26Evil words are for evil men, and evil men are [subjected] to evil words. And good words are for good men, and good men are [an object] of good words.⁹¹⁶ Those [good people] are declared innocent of what they [i.e., slanderers] say. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.

27O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet⁹¹⁷ their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded [i.e., advised].

28And if you do not find anyone therein, do not enter them until permission has been given you. And if it is said to you, "Go back,"⁹¹⁸ then go back; it is purer for you. And Allāh is Knowing of what you do.

29There is no blame upon you for entering houses not inhabited in which there is convenience⁹¹⁹ for you. And Allāh knows what you reveal and what you conceal.

30Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision⁹²⁰ and guard their private parts.⁹²¹ That is purer for them. Indeed, Allāh is Acquainted with what they do.

31And tell