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Homosexuality is a sin in Islam. We can never accept the argument that it is natural, an equally valid way of life. The Qur’an is clear on this point, it is not acceptable. This does mean that we will condemn and ostracize homosexuals.
Q: Islam is often said to be the religion to be the most suited to human nature and capable of fulfilling all needs both in the present and the future. Since sexual needs is among the strongest of human needs, then why does Islam deny true homosexuals (those who feel sexual attraction only to members of their own sex) the opportunity to fulfil this need? And if this is so, can Islam still be considered to be capable of fulfilling all human needs?
A: When we speak of Islam as the religion which is best suited to human nature, we mean healthy meaningful nature, which fulfills a purpose in this life, whether in satisfying needs, or as regards its moral ideals, or its sense of responsibility - that is the meaning of the religion most suited to human nature. It is not suited to any deviant or sick type of behaviour within human society – and as such, if we speak about homosexuality, we need to ask ourselves what sort of role does it perform in life?
Is life only a matter of physical pleasure? – but this needs to be transformed into a beneficial and harmonious way of expressing our relationships in this life. As far as homosexuality is concerned, it does not fulfill the real basic need of human society. If you reflect on male and female sexuality, it has a purpose; it fulfils a need which is beyond satisfying physical desire. It replenishes the earth with offspring – and not only in human society, but for all earthly creatures. Those who indulge in homosexuality do not consider the implications of what they are doing. During the menstrual period, Muslims are forbidden to have physical relationships, as the Qur’an says so. This is natural.
Homosexuality is against human decency and manners. It has to be treated early – if a person has been spotted, he needs to be treated in a rational way to make him more suitable to fulfill, appreciate and enjoy the qualities Allah has given him.
Q: I am writing to enquire about a problem I am having with being a good Muslim. This problem is something I find worrying yet at the same time it is not something I can ask my Muslim friends or teachers about. I ‘found out’ at the age of 18 that I was homosexual, that is, I have no desire towards women or marriage. At the same time I have no desire at all to have children. What does the Qur’an have to say about this? I know from hearing people talk in the mosque that homosexuality is forbidden, but I feel I have no choice in the matter. It is something my body feels is the right and normal thing. I enjoy being a Muslim. Since I converted to Islam, my life has improved considerably. I have spoken to various psychiatrists about being homosexual, but they all say there is nothing wrong with me. It is just the way I was made. My Muslim friends tell me to get married, but if I did I would just end making some poor girl unhappy. The thought of having sex with a woman is horrible. Is it possible to remain a good Muslim and remain unmarried?
The question of homosexu-ality is mentioned in the Qur’an and is strictly condemned. It will be enough to quote you one passage, Surah 7: Ayat 80-82.
And remember Lot, when he said to his people: “Do you commit the worst sin such as none preceding you has committed in the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinn)?
Verily, you practise your lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but you are a people violating beyond bounds (by committing great sins).”
And the answer of his people was only that they said: “Drive them out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins).”
However, psychologists take a secular outlook. They are not interested in the moral or religious dimensions of any of the issues they discuss. I tend to accept the view that it is the environment surrounding the person which affects his basic inclination and behavioural patterns. Still, there are a few individuals who do walk and talk in a feminine manner, but are not necessarily ‘gay’.
Islam recommends marriage for those who have the physical need to avoid falling into fornication. Persons like yourself who have an aversion towards physical, sexual relationships with the opposite sex, are not under any pressure to get married. As you put it succinctly you would just end up ‘making some poor young girl unhappy’. As for your question about the possibility of being a good Muslim, the answer is: Yes, absolutely. Particularly in your case. You will be rewarded spiritually and psychologically once you feel you have been able to ward off such temptation, and you will enjoy your Islam more.
Q. How should Muslims perceive and treat Muslims who are gay? What can one do when a ‘gay’ Muslim is proud of what he or she is doing and refuses counselling?
A: Firstly, they should be advised that it is totally against Islam, as it is against the other Abrahamic religions. We have to see that such a person receives psychological treatment. Commenting about this issue recently, an Arab producer came across many ‘Muslim’ psychologists who were falsely promoting the view that this is a natural inclination. It is a psychological disease which must be treated as such. I remember in this connection one of the letters a couple of years ago by a Muslim who said he was gay and wanted advice. I told him to cut off his connections with gay people and places, and to find decent companionship. Happily enough, he wrote back to say Allah had sent him some good, decent friends who had helped to find out about the deen and to keep away from gay people. If however, someone says he is proud to be gay, then we must show him the clear Qur’anic condemnation of such behaviour.
(Sayyid Mutawalli-Darsh is former Imam of Regent’s Park Central Mosque - UK)
(Excerpted from his book, ‘Questions and Answers on Islam’)
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