In today’s modern era, many people see adultery as something normal. In the past, such an act was considered shameful and immoral. Now, moral values seem to fade away. Many people have lost their sense of decency, behaving like animals — engaging in sexual acts without marriage, even with their own relatives or people of the same gender.
By nature, humans should reject and feel disgusted by such behavior. If the sanctity of marriage is no longer respected, then what is the meaning of marriage itself? Marriage was created as a sacred bond, while adultery is merely a pursuit of lust without responsibility — like animals that immediately mate with any partner that attracts them.
In fact, in almost every country, cases of adultery are increasing. Yet, very few offenders receive punishment, whether in non-Muslim or Muslim-majority nations. Every religion, however, forbids sexual relations outside of marriage.
In Islam, the prohibition of adultery is clearly stated in the Qur’an:
And do not approach adultery. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra’ [17]: 32)
Other religions also condemn adultery. For example, in the Bible, the Book of Matthew (3:27–32) prohibits such acts, and the Hindu scriptures (the Vedas) also denounce them.
However, research shows that adultery rates are highest in predominantly non-Muslim countries such as Canada, Japan, the United States, Singapore, Russia, Nigeria, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Thailand
Meanwhile, in Muslim-majority countries, the rate of adultery is relatively lower — except among those with a secular mindset who often neglect prayer.
This is understandable because, in Islam, prayer (salat) plays a vital role in preventing immoral acts, including adultery. Alloh says in the Qur’an:
Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer restrains from immorality and wrongdoing. And the remembrance of Alloh is greater. And Alloh knows what you do.
(Qur’an, Surah Al-‘Ankabut [29]: 45)
Adultery is one of the immoral acts that prayer helps to prevent. Therefore, a devout Muslim who maintains regular prayer can control their desires and avoid sinful deeds.
Thus, the most effective way to reduce adultery is not merely through law enforcement, but by strengthening one’s faith and maintaining consistent worship — especially prayer.