Criteria for Distinguishing Illicit Relationship from Acts Contrary to Chastity in Islamic Fiqh and Law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Criminal Law and Criminology, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

An illicit relationship refers to relations between a man and a woman who are not married to each other and who have no physical contact, such as conversation or correspondence. An act contrary to chastity refers to bodily contact between unrelated persons that does not amount to intercourse, such as kissing or lying together. The central questions are whether illicit relationship and acts contrary to chastity are identical, and whether the offenses under Article 637 of the Islamic Penal Code require proof of specific intent. This descriptive-analytical study examines statutes, judicial decisions, and legal scholarship to identify criteria separating the two offenses. The findings show that illicit relationship and acts contrary to chastity are independent criminal titles whose relation is one of partial overlap. Lying together does not require proof of specific sexual intent, but in other cases, including kissing and all instances of illicit relationship, intent to obtain sexual pleasure must be established. Precise distinction between these titles prevents erroneous interpretation and improves accuracy and justice in criminal adjudication.

Keywords

References

 

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Studies of Islamic Jurisprudence and Basis of Law
Volume 19, Issue 52 - Serial Number 52
January 2025
Pages 151-178

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