This verse has in a general sense the order of punishment for fornication, which technically means illicit sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person. More details of the punishment had been already sent down is S 24: 2 saying: ``Flog each of them with a hundred lashes stripes.'' The verse ends in that, Allah may accept their repentance and return, if they sincerely repent and resolutely decide to amend themselves and their way. It also implies that no one has any right to reproach and blame those sinners who have repented and returned to correct their wrongs.