Is Sex Before Marriage Right or Wrong?

Whenever I am asked the question "Is sex before marriage right or wrong?"I sometimes avoid being asked or better still keep mute, all because most of us have had sex before marriage of have different ideas and interpretations on what the Holy books say about having sexual relationship before marriage.
Lets take it from the point of the predominant religions in our country Nigeria, there is no Hebrew or Greek word used in the Bible that precisely refers to sex before marriage. The Bible undeniably condemns the act of adultery and sexual immorality. So can we now say that sex before marriage is considered sexually immoral? According to 1st Corinthians 7:2 , "yes" is the clear answer : "But since there is so much immorality, each should have his own wife and each woman her own husband."In this verse, Paul states that marriage is the "cure"for sexual immorality.  First Corinthians is essentially saying that, because people cannot control themselves and so many are having immoral sex outside marriage, people should get married. Then they can fulfill their passions in a moral way.

Since this clearly includes sex before marriage in the definition of sexual immorality, all of the Bible verses that condemn sexual immorality as being sinful also condemns sex before marriage as sinful. Sex before marriage is included in the biblical definition of sexual immorality. There are numerous scriptures that declare sex before marriage to be sin. The Bible also promotes complete abstinence before marriage. Sex between husband and his wife is the only form of sexual relations of which God approves (Hebrews 13:4) "Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be un-defiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous".


While the Holy Qur'an also made us to understand that sex before marriage in Islam is similar to what other religions like Christianity say concerning the topic. It is strictly forbidden and was created for marriage only. Forbidding pre-marital sexual relationship  is not simply a 'cultural or traditional"thing, it has a strong "moral"basis. This order of Allah (God) was intended to protect humans from themselves and from shaytan (satan). Much of Islam focuses on restraint and self control.
After marriage sexual relations (between a husband and wife, is permitted, but Islam also prescribes certain rules of sexual etiquette for the married couple. (i.e. not facing the Kabah during intercourse, the husband should not have sex with his wife during her menstruation, the wife should not deny her husband sexual pleasures (unless it is something prohibited in Islam) sex should begin with loving words, etc.
The Holy Qur'an and hadiths tell in greater detail punishment for zina (fornication, pre-marital sex, adultery) and the etiquette for sex in marriage as well. 
Having read what both books are saying about sex before marriage, it is clear that sex before marriage in both books give very similar answers to the topic in other words strongly condemn the act.
Besides religion, it is considered risky having sex before marriage with the high risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV & AIDS, Syphilis etc.  Not every woman or man  you engage in sexual activities turns to become your spouse. "Be Warned".   

Source(s)
Holy Qur'an
"Nor come nigh to adultery for it is a shameful(deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils)".
Qur'an 17:32

Holy Bible:
1 Corinthians 6:18(NIV)
"Flee from sexual  immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body
Hebrews 13:4 "Let marriage be held in honour among all , and let the marriage bed be undefiled , for God will Judge the sexually immoral and adulterous".
Corinthians 7:2