What is the authenticity of the hadith narrated from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, that Allah placed poverty between the eyes of the fornicator and promised him the ruin of his home, and what is its text if it is authentic? Is it permissible for a female fornicator to marry the one with whom she committed fornication, or must she repent first, and is marriage possible after repentance? Does Allah take revenge on the fornicator by afflicting him with someone who commits fornication with his wife? What is the religious ruling on one who promises a woman marriage and then does not fulfill his promise?

The narrations "Give glad tidings to the murderer of death and to the fornicator of poverty" are not authentic. However, their meaning is not reprehensible in Sharia, for sins are a cause of poverty and a removal of blessings. Fornication is among the most heinous sins that invite Allah's wrath. It is not permissible to marry a fornicator and a fornicatress as long as they remain in that state. In addition to repentance, the woman must undergo istibra (waiting period to ensure absence of pregnancy). If the woman repents but the man does not, he is not a suitable match for her, for religious commitment is considered in suitability. Engagement is a promise of marriage that it is commendable to fulfill, and it is disliked to break it without a valid reason.