Marrying an Adulterer

Let us first look at the translation of the Qur’anic verse, to which you have alluded, in your question.

Allah Most High says in Surah al-Nur:

“Let no man guilty of adultery (or fornication) marry any but a woman similarly guilty, or an unbeliever. Nor let any but such a man or an unbeliever marry such a woman. To the believers such a thing is forbidden.” (Surah al-Nur, V.3)

The meaning of this verse (as stated in various exegeses of the Holy Qur’an) is that normally the effects of adultery and fornication are so severe that they become the nature of an individual. An adulterer will only be content and satisfied if he marries an adulterer or an idolatress and visa-versa.

The meaning of “forbidden” in the verse is either adultery or marrying an idolater / idolatresses, both of which are totally forbidden.

Alternatively, it may refer to marrying those who are involved in adultery, and have not yet repented. This is unlawful, although the marriage itself will be valid.

It is stated in Tafsir Ibn Kathir: “Qatadah and Muqatil said: Allah forbade the believers from marrying prostitutes”.

However, the above ruling refers to the situation where the adulterer and adulteress have not yet repented and are actively involved in their evil ways and practices. If one has sincerely repented, then there is no reason to abstain from marring them. (Ref: Tafsir ibn Kathir and Ma’arif al-Qur’an).

And Allah Knows Best