Fahisha in its general significance is "an excess, an enormity, anything exceeding the bounds of rectitude", but when particularised, signifies "adultery or fornication", and, in this context, evidently means an act of adultery.

The evidence in the case of adultery must be, according to the law of Islam, ocular, not hearsay, conjectural or circumstantial. Every possible safeguard is taken against hasty and unfounded accusations. When four men testify that they saw with their eyes the actual carnal conjunction, punishments mentioned in this verse, can be inflicted.

For "or Allah provides some other way for them" (through His Prophet) refer to fiqh.

The crime, mentioned here, is adultery. Adhuhuma-hurt or punish both of them.

If they sincerely repent and reform, Allah accepts repentance because He is merciful.

Repentance has for its elements:-

(i) no premeditation but ignorance,

(ii) immediate realisation of the offence,

(iii) enlightenment of the heart,

(iv) detestation of the sin,

(v) a resolve to avoid it in the future,

(vi) an earnest craving for Allah's forgiveness.

It is stated that a faithful commits a sin, inspite of the knowledge of the law, under the satanic influence, in a fit of passion or in a moment of forgetfulness.

Allah does not accept the repentance of those who continue indulging in sin until death draws near, nor of those who die disbelieving.