The effect of sin on acts of worship

Question

Question: A man is regular in prayer and fasting and also takes an interest in other religious works, but besides his own wife he also has an illicit relationship with another woman. Will this have any effect on his prayer, fasting and other religious works or not?

Answer

Having an illicit relationship with any woman is a sin (ma‘siya), and its punishment is separate; whereas being regular in prayer and fasting is obedience and a cause of reward. His prayer and fasting cannot be declared invalid on account of a wrongful relationship with a woman.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.