What is a sin in itself

Question

Which sin is a sin in itself (bi-nafsihi)?

Answer

It is that which is a sin intrinsically (asalatan), and not a sin merely on account of some extraneous factor (ʿarid). For example, fornication (zina): it is not a sin merely on account of the right of another — otherwise it would be permissible with a woman who has no husband if she consented, and with a married woman with the husband’s permission.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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