Wala taqraboo azzina innahu kana fahishatan wasaa sabeela (surah Al Isra: 32)

Tafseer Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abu-al-A'la Maududi

(17:32) (8) Do not even go near fornication for it is a very indecent flung and a very evil way. *32

Wa laa taqrabuz zinaaa innahoo kaana faahishatanw wa saaa`a sabeelaa

*32) "Do not even go near fornication. " This commandment is meant both for individuals and society as a whole. It warns each individual not only to guard against adultery or fornication itself but against all those things that lead to or stimulate it. As regards society as a whole the commandment enjoins it to make such arrangements as prevent adultery and eradicate the means and stimulants that lead to adultery. Therefore, the society should employ all those legal and educative means that help develop such an environment as prevents and eradicates indecency.
Finally, this article formed the basis of laws and regulations of the Islamic system of life. In order to fulfil its implications adultery and false accusation of adultery were made criminal offences: regulations about "Purdah" were promulgated: the publication of indecent things was banned and drinking of intoxicants was made unlawful: restrictions on music, dancing and pictures which are conducive to adultery were imposed. Then such laws were enacted as made marriage easy, and cut at the root of adultery.