There is a a topic on Homosexuality been discussed in “General” section of Gup Shup these days. Everyone seems to be giving their opinion about it. I thought it would be appropriate enough to find out what Allah says about this hot issue. I also found this article about homosexuality by Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi. Read on.
Q 1. I have two questions about homosexuality. What is the adab (Islamic manner) of talking about it amongst Muslims? Is it something we should feel comfortable discussing freely, or is it something we should avoid? Also what is the adab for dealing with homosexuals? Is the sin that grave, that we should disassociate ourselves from them? Or can we remain friends with them?
A 1. Homosexual behavior is sinful and shameful. In Islamic terminology it is called “al-fahsha’” (an atrocious and obscene act). Islam teaches that believers should neither do the obscene acts, nor in any way indulge in their propagation. Allah says, "Those who love (to see) obscenity published broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows, and you know not. (al-Noor 24:19) Normally Muslims avoid such discussions in public discourse, because we know that sometimes evil is spread by its discussion also. When people hear a wrong and sinful act mentioned repeatedly, they get used to it and then slowly it looses its disgusting effect on their minds and souls.
But now a days this evil is every where. There are agencies and lobby groups that are working hard to propagate it and to make it as an acceptable and legitimate lifestyle. For this reason it is important that we should speak against it. We should warn our youth and children about the evil of this lifestyle. We should make it very clear that it is Haram and absolutely forbidden. It kindles the wrath and anger of Allah.
The word “homosexuality” is a neutral word. It does not convey its pejorative and sinful nature. This word is used now a days as if it were just another type of normal sexual behavior. In the Islamic literature, however, it is always referred to with its negative connotations. In modern Arabic literature it is called “Shudhudh” which means “abnormality”. In our Fiqh literature it is referred to as the “Behavior of the People of Lut” ('amal qawmi Lut). This immediately reminds a person that this is something bad and it may bring the punishment of Allah. Once our minds get used to this idea then we develop a natural abhorrence towards this behavior. Furthermore when Muslims discuss this or similar Haram acts, they often say, “A’adhana Allah min dhalik” (May Allah protect us from this). This is the Adab that we should use when talk about it. We should call this behavior with its negative title and we should ask Allah’s protection from it when we speak about it.
As far your second question about how should we deal with those who are homosexuals? We should deal with them in the same way as we deal with any people who are involved in sinful behavior. How do we deal with the alcoholics, gamblers or adulterers? We dislike their acts and we remind them and warn them. Those who insist on this lifestyle, consider it legitimate and feel “gay pride”, we should not associate with them and should not take them as friends. We should certainly avoid those people. If we see a person who has committed this sin and wants to repent then we should help that person as much as we can to get out of this evil. We should not leave him/her to the temptations of Devil.
These are the ayats from Quran about the people of Lot:
Surah Al- Araf 7:80-84 Lot said to his people, "You commit such an abomination; no one in the world has done it before! “You practice sex with the men, instead of the women. Indeed, you are a transgressing people.” His people responded by saying, “Evict them from your town. They are people who wish to be pure.” Consequently, we saved him and his family, but not his wife; she was with the doomed. We showered them with a certain shower; note the consequences for the guilty.
Surah Hud 11:77-83 When our messengers went to Lot, they were mistreated, and he was embarrassed by their presence. He said, “This is a difficult day.” His people came rushing; they had grown accustomed to their sinful acts. He said, “O my people, it would be purer for you, if you take my daughters instead. You shall reverence GOD; do not embarrass me with my guests. Have you not one reasonable man among you?”
They said, "You know well that we have no need for your daughters; you know exactly what we want."He said, "I wish I were strong enough, or had a powerful ally!!(The angels) said, “O Lot, we are your Lord’s messengers, and these people cannot touch you. You shall leave with your family during the night, and let not anyone of you look back, except your wife; she is condemned along with those who are condemned. Their appointed time is the morning. Is not the morning soon enough?”
When our judgment came, we turned it upside down, and we showered it with hard, devastating rocks. Such rocks were designated by your Lord to strike the transgressors.
Surah Al-Anbiya’ 21:74 As for Lot, we granted him wisdom and knowledge, and we saved him from the community that practiced abominations; they were wicked and evil people.
Surah Al-`Ankabut 29:28-33 Lot said to his people, "You commit such an abomination, no one in the world has ever done it before you.
“You practice sex with the men, you commit highway robbery, and you allow all kinds of vice in your society.” The only response from his people was to say, “Bring to us GOD’s retribution, if you are truthful.”
He said, “My Lord, grant me victory over these wicked people.” When our messengers went to Abraham with good news (about Isaac’s birth), they also said, “We are on our way to annihilate the people of that town (Sodom), for its people have been wicked.” He said, “But Lot is living there.” They said, “We are fully aware of everyone who lives in it. We will of course save him and his family, except his wife; she is doomed.” When our messengers arrived at Lot’s place, they were mistreated, and he was embarrassed by their presence. But they said, "Have no fear, and do not worry. We will save you and your family, except your wife; she is doomed. “We will pour upon the people of this town a disaster from the sky, as a consequence of their wickedness.” We left standing some of their ruins, to serve as a profound lesson for people who understand.
Surah al-Qamar 54:33-39 The folk of Lot rejected warnings. Lo! We sent a storm of stones upon them (all)and save the family of Lot, whom We rescued in the last watch of the night. As grace from Us. Thus We reward him who gives thanks. And he indeed had warned them of Our blow, but they did doubt the warnings. They even asked of him his guests for an ill purpose. Then We blinded their eyes (and said): Taste now My punishment after My warnings! And in truth the punishment decreed befell them early in the morning. Now taste My punishment after My warnings!
[This message has been edited by striving muslim (edited December 30, 2000).]