It was up to 2005 when same-sex couples were allowed to enter into civil partnership which, according to the Civil Partnership Act 2004, has the same rights and privileges as marriage in the eyes of the law.[1] From a secular perspective one might say that the only difference is in the formalities. However, marriage is a bond that goes far beyond the relationship between two people exchanging and gaining civil rights. It is a bond that all religions consider a sacred and natural relationship that has various ethical, emotional, social, physical and sexual goals. In the Quran, Allah says:
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.”[2]
The Prophet considered fulfilling sexual desires according to divine legislation and avoiding what is impermissible – marriage, a source of Allah’s reward. In September 2011 a Downing Street source said that Mr Cameron had “personally intervened” to ensure that the consultation takes place and that the law is changed within the lifetime of this parliament. In other words, it is the Conservative government and Mr Cameron in particular who is interested in a non-conservative agenda to demolish conservative values that “Britain as a Christian country is proud of”.Some critics have charged that this was not in the Conservative party’s manifesto, neither was it a part of the coalition agreement, although there is more to this than whether the present government has a mandate to implement such a revolutionary change to an institution that has existed since time immemorial.
Although the government has launched a consultation, the desire to change marriage from a union of man and woman to one open to gays and lesbians is nothing short of a crusade. It is a way for the Tories to prove that they are no longer ‘the nasty party’, that they have turned the clock back on their past as exemplified in their opposition to the repeal of section 28. For the Lib-Dems it is a way of showing they are not the junior, nominal partner in the coalition but they can and will further their socially liberal agenda.
Aside from political positioning, there has been a big push from the gay lobby as a natural consequence of the ‘equality’ agenda. Once the Equality Act was passed and there was an explicit outlawing of the denial of goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation, inevitably there was going to be a stronger call for equality in all areas including the right of gay people to marry. The first step was the formation of same-sex civil partnerships and this was inevitably the next step.
Unfortunately there is a mistaken belief amongst some Muslims that these changes will not affect their lives and therefore there is no need to challenge them. This viewpoint is a mistaken one, the implications of the current proposals are clear:
It will change the divine institution of marriage irrevocably. Allah subhanahu wa taa’la has elevated this institution and conferred upon it blessings unique to it alone and protected it through the shari’ah so as to underline it as the pinnacle of family life. The blessings of motherhood and fatherhood, the importance of maintaining familial ties (silat ar-rahim), obedience to parents, and the primary role of parents to nurture and raise their children all stem from the marriage of a man and a woman. The terms husband and wife, mother and father will be replaced by gender neutral terms which will consign the institution of marriage to meaninglessness and will equate marriage between a man and a woman with that of a man and a man and a woman and a woman. Anyone who endorses Islam is obligated by his creator to be witness over mankind. “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.” There are many other countless verses that confirm that we as Muslim have to defend the legislation and the norms that Allah likes to see prevalent within his creation whether in Muslim or non-Muslim societies and whether they had impact on Muslims or not. However, this kind of legislation has countless number of consequences on us as Muslims and on the wider society at large.”[3]
When civil partnerships were being discussed, the claim that this would open the doorway to gay rights groups demanding access to marriage was rubbished. Once gay rights organizations demanded full equality they set their sights on access to marriage and argued civil partnerships consigned them to second class status. Today we are told that religious organisations will not be forced to oversee ‘gay marriages’ and recent comments suggest they will not be compelled to marry gay people at all. Gay rights organisations claim that they do not agree with forcing mosques, churches, synagogues or any other religious institution to conduct a ‘gay marriage’, the door is already ajar – it is only a matter of time before it is pushed wide open and they decide they be allowed to access all the rights permitted to heterosexual couples. It would only be a matter of time before an imam could be prosecuted for refusing to conduct a nikah for a gay couple.
Once gay marriage is legalized, there would be nothing to prevent it being taught in schools to young children in the way heterosexual marriage is. Far from being allowed to teach it, schools will have a legal justification to celebrate it and take steps to normalise it in the minds of children. Later, gay couples will ask for the right to foster children and under the equality act we should expect to see Muslim children being fostered or adopted by gay couples.
The gay lobby expects the fear of being labelled homophobic as a stick to beat any opposition to these proposals, but this should not deter us from speaking up and voicing our concerns about these proposals to redefine marriage.
Someone from another religious community recently commented that she started up a conversation about these proposals and how we have to oppose them with a Muslim who was the head of a Muslim school. She was shocked when she was told that Muslims cannot speak out against this as we will be attacked as extremists and homophobic bigots. The fear of this cannot paralyse us into inactivity – we have an Islamic duty to act.
There are a number of things you can do to oppose homosexual marriages:
Support those making a stand. There will shortly be a Muslim community organised response to these proposals involving a mass petition signing to support marriage and oppose changes.
Encourage others within the Muslim community to voice their concerns, respond to the consultation and support marriage.
Many Muslims talk of the contribution of Muslims to society and feel proud that there are Muslim athletes participating in the coming Olympics. Aside from the Islamic ruling regarding such participation, no one has ever asked about the impact of the contribution on the welfare of the society. On the other hand, our real contribution as Muslims should be to help society to see what will benefit their lives. It is our contribution to ensure that the values that maintain an ethically dignified society become the norm and prevailing law. This is our view concerning citizenship and positive integration with the society.
I do not have any reservation in confirming that it is an Islamic obligation upon each and every Muslim in the UK to carry whatever steps that may help stop this bill from going through. Everyone should not think of his impact, rather he or she should think of being questioned by Allah concerning his reaction when he saw the Divine law being violated. Let us remember that the prophet made the attempt to change anything that opposes the Divine law as a personal responsibility. He said,
“Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.”
We have to be careful not incur Allah’s anger upon us when we exercise passive attitude towards the sins that may prevail among us. Allah says:
“Cursed were those who disbelieved among the Children of Israel by the tongue of David and of Jesus, the son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed and [habitually] transgressed. They used not to prevent one another from wrongdoing that they did. How wretched was that which they were doing.”[4]
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Dr. Haitham al-Haddad is a jurist and serves as a judge for the Islamic Council of Europe. He has studied the Islamic sciences for over 20 years under the tutelage of renowned scholars such as the late Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia as well as the retired Head of the Kingdom's Higher Judiciary Council. He specialises in many of the Islamic sciences and submitted his doctoral thesis on Islamic jurisprudence concerning Muslim minorities. Shaikh Haitham is highly respected having specialised knowledge in the field of fiqh, usul al-fiqh, maqasid al-shari'ah, ulum al-Qur’an, tafsir, aqidah, and fiqh al-hadith. He provides complex theories which address the role of Islamic jurisprudence within a western environment whilst also critically re-analysing the approach of Islamic jurists in forming legal rulings (ifta’) within a western socio-political context. He has many well known students most of whom are active in dawah and teaching in the West. The shaikh is an Islamic jurist (faqih) and as such is qualified to deliver verdicts as a judge under Islamic law, a role he undertakes at the Islamic Council of Europe as Islamic judge and treasurer. Dr Haitham al-Haddad also sits on various the boards of advisors for Islamic organisations, mainly in the United Kingdom but also around the world.
Homosexuality has no place in a civilized society. Doesn’t matter what the degenerate white men say. Their lies and propaganda must be vigorously opposed. To teach it in schools is sexual assault on children.
I’m against homosexuality and against homosexuals as well. But I fail to see what “white degenerates” have to do with it? Last time that I checked there were homosexuals in all races. You sir are a total bigot as well as being an idiot. Have a nice day A hole
To God belongs the entire Heaven and the Earth… This is not my or your land. This land and everything of the land of this earth belongs to God who created it, so everyone has equal rights over it so to speak. Yes if you were born in this country you may love it more than someone who wasn’t, that is the all difference.
sick Sick ******. You were accepted int his country don’t try to impose ur own twisted narrow minded religious. Ur a minority. Don’t try to influence the decision of which the majority supports. If you’re not happy with how things work in this country you can leave and go to an islamic country.
It’s called freedom of speech, or are you whites only for it when others agree for you. As tax paying citizens who disagree we will speak out. Your degenerate social engineering will be opposed. If you don’t like it, move to israel, ignorant vermin.
Fruits of ‘lessor of the two evils’ philosophy If it was inevitable that the passing of the Equality Act would lead to gay marriages then why did the MCB support that bill at that time? Did they not foresee that?
Fruits of ‘lessor of two evils’ philosophy If the Equality Act was inevitably going to lead to calls for gay marriages then why did the MCB support the Equality Act bill? Do they now consider it to be a mistake?
Not everyone can afford islamic schools in the UK and hence there is a good chance that our children will be taught to view such marriages as a permissible act which is really alarming. @ M.May, thanks for sharing your experince. Do you mind if I share your comment with my friends on FaceBook so that people will know how grave the situation is?
Not everyone in the UK can afford islamic schools and there is a good chance that our children will be taught to view homosexuality as permissible which is really alarming. @ M.May, thanks for sharing ur experience. Is it alright if I copy and paste ur comment onto my facebook page so that people can realise how serious the matter is?
Disgust Homosexuality is perhaps becoming one of the biggest threat to the institution of marriage and to religion
I have done a lot of research and have found that it is deliberately being promoted by the Western media.
Talk show hosts like ellen degeneres,rosie o’donnelle, etc are deliberately being chosen and are being portrayed as the voice of the nation. Every reality show or tv serial has have to a gay couple in it.
Let me remind you brothers and sisters, homosexuality marks the end of times. It is an act detested by Allah. The land of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of this shameful act. It is narrated in a hadith by our loving Prophet(SWT) that ” if a muslim sees a man having sex with another man, then he must kill him.” for this is an act of disobedience to Allah and his creation. He created Eve for Adam…not George!
Disgust Homosexuality is perhaps becoming one of the biggest threat to the institution of marriage and to religion
I have done a lot of research and have found that it is deliberately being promoted by the Western media.
Talk show hosts like ellen degeneres,rosie o’donnelle, etc are deliberately being chosen and are being portrayed as the voice of the nation. Every reality show or tv serial has have to a gay couple in it.
Let me remind you brothers and sisters, homosexuality marks the end of times. It is an act detested by Allah. The land of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of this shameful act. It is narrated in a hadith by our loving Prophet(SWT) that ” if a muslim sees a man having sex with another man, then he must kill him.” for this is an act of disobedience to Allah and his creation. He created Eve for Adam…not George!
Opposing Gay Marriages Its a Fitna which is the result of boredom and trying some thing new.
It is a major sin started by the people of Lut A.S.It is mentioned in the Qur’an again and again to warn us that how these people were severely punished.
90% ??? I am sorry to say – but that last comment by (unknown) with the title ‘homo marriage’ was – to put it nicely – very poorly written and has no research to it!
Firstly – As a Muslim, a marriage contract is between the wife/husband – requiring witnesses and some simple conditions to be fulfilled such as the dowry (mahr).
So – getting ‘married’ in the UK/USA or getting a civil marriage does not matter to the Muslims (in terms of it being accepted in the sight of Allah (swt)) – and the only benefits are for some marriage credits that can be applied for, or perhaps an increase in chances of housing if you are applying for it.
In fact, there might be a benefit in not getting married/civil partnerships, since, if a divorce does happen, the separation can take place Islamically without getting courts involved, who will usually do things according to un-islamic practices and – sometimes, Muslims fall into this trap and either the man or the women does not get their Islamic right.
Secondly – 90% of Saudi’s are gay? Did you get that off “www.madeupstatistics.com”, or was it “www.ijustfeltlikemakingupsomerandomstatistic.net”.
Sorry – but that comment was very funny.
Most Saudi’s and most Muslims are not homosexual (in fact, they disapprove of it’s action) – and most studies show that, even though it has been practiced for a long time, it is always been the minority – and until recently, a hidden deed.
Taking a small number of cases and then saying – well actually, most people are gay is a very strange stance in the logic spectrum.
Homo marriage It is a well known fact within the population of the UK and the USA the majority MUSLIMS have had a civil marriage done and these are practising muslims who pray. In regards into Homosexuality, 90% of men in Saudi are gay so how can you go against it.. Rather than these mottowas discretely going around raping the young guys in saudi – people here need to be aware and taught that these things happen…. i believe homo should be taught in schools as there are no support from any muslims in the uk and american when one befalls the situation
Worrying Good article. However, it seems it’s already entered the schooling system, my youngest sibling informed us that they had an assembly where it was ok to have a mummy and daddy or two daddys, at the young age of around 7! My other sibling who is in secondary school has informed me that anyone who says anything remotely against homosexuals is excluded, and they regularly have assemblies addressing the topic of promoting the normalization of it, to the extent that she feels sympathetic to them. Their teachers have also actively encouraged the students to go to gay pride marches!
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For over a decade Islam21c has been empowering Muslim communities worldwide offering guidance and solutions. Because of this our readership has grown enormously alhamdulillāh and yet we have never charged a penny. Strictly operating as a non-profit, we are completely run by your donations and ad sales from a small pool of ethical clients because maintaining our principles and independence is what matters most. We urgently need your support to expand, improve and empower millions more. Our work takes a lot of time and effort but we are determined to continue working to bring the ummah what few others offer.
Join us in our effort by donating as little as £3 a month to run Islam21c, a source of guidance for generations to come inshāAllāh
Islam21c Articulating Islam in the 21st Century
Homosexuality has no place in a civilized society. Doesn’t matter what the degenerate white men say. Their lies and propaganda must be vigorously opposed. To teach it in schools is sexual assault on children.
I’m against homosexuality and against homosexuals as well. But I fail to see what “white degenerates” have to do with it? Last time that I checked there were homosexuals in all races. You sir are a total bigot as well as being an idiot. Have a nice day A hole
Where is homosexuality taught in schools? A great many people practise homosexuality enthusiastically without needing to be taught it.
To God belongs the entire Heaven and the Earth…
This is not my or your land. This land and everything of the land of this earth belongs to God who created it, so everyone has equal rights over it so to speak. Yes if you were born in this country you may love it more than someone who wasn’t, that is the all difference.
sick
Sick ******. You were accepted int his country don’t try to impose ur own twisted narrow minded religious. Ur a minority. Don’t try to influence the decision of which the majority supports. If you’re not happy with how things work in this country you can leave and go to an islamic country.
It’s called freedom of speech, or are you whites only for it when others agree for you. As tax paying citizens who disagree we will speak out. Your degenerate social engineering will be opposed. If you don’t like it, move to israel, ignorant vermin.
Fruits of ‘lessor of the two evils’ philosophy
If it was inevitable that the passing of the Equality Act would lead to gay marriages then why did the MCB support that bill at that time? Did they not foresee that?
Fruits of ‘lessor of two evils’ philosophy
If the Equality Act was inevitably going to lead to calls for gay marriages then why did the MCB support the Equality Act bill? Do they now consider it to be a mistake?
gay marriages
muslims dont support gay marriages , and no one in their right heads would support it. we are totally against it and allways will be
gay marriages
muslims dont support gay marriages , and no one in their right heads would support it. we are totally against it and allways will be
Not everyone can afford islamic schools in the UK and hence there is a good chance that our children will be taught to view such marriages as a permissible act which is really alarming. @ M.May, thanks for sharing your experince. Do you mind if I share your comment with my friends on FaceBook so that people will know how grave the situation is?
Not everyone in the UK can afford islamic schools and there is a good chance that our children will be taught to view homosexuality as permissible which is really alarming. @ M.May, thanks for sharing ur experience. Is it alright if I copy and paste ur comment onto my facebook page so that people can realise how serious the matter is?
Disgust
Homosexuality is perhaps becoming one of the biggest threat to the institution of marriage and to religion
I have done a lot of research and have found that it is deliberately being promoted by the Western media.
Talk show hosts like ellen degeneres,rosie o’donnelle, etc are deliberately being chosen and are being portrayed as the voice of the nation. Every reality show or tv serial has have to a gay couple in it.
Let me remind you brothers and sisters, homosexuality marks the end of times. It is an act detested by Allah. The land of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of this shameful act. It is narrated in a hadith by our loving Prophet(SWT) that ” if a muslim sees a man having sex with another man, then he must kill him.” for this is an act of disobedience to Allah and his creation. He created Eve for Adam…not George!
Disgust
Homosexuality is perhaps becoming one of the biggest threat to the institution of marriage and to religion
I have done a lot of research and have found that it is deliberately being promoted by the Western media.
Talk show hosts like ellen degeneres,rosie o’donnelle, etc are deliberately being chosen and are being portrayed as the voice of the nation. Every reality show or tv serial has have to a gay couple in it.
Let me remind you brothers and sisters, homosexuality marks the end of times. It is an act detested by Allah. The land of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of this shameful act. It is narrated in a hadith by our loving Prophet(SWT) that ” if a muslim sees a man having sex with another man, then he must kill him.” for this is an act of disobedience to Allah and his creation. He created Eve for Adam…not George!
Opposing Gay Marriages
Its a Fitna which is the result of boredom and trying some thing new.
It is a major sin started by the people of Lut A.S.It is mentioned in the Qur’an again and again to warn us that how these people were severely punished.
90% ???
I am sorry to say – but that last comment by (unknown) with the title ‘homo marriage’ was – to put it nicely – very poorly written and has no research to it!
Firstly – As a Muslim, a marriage contract is between the wife/husband – requiring witnesses and some simple conditions to be fulfilled such as the dowry (mahr).
So – getting ‘married’ in the UK/USA or getting a civil marriage does not matter to the Muslims (in terms of it being accepted in the sight of Allah (swt)) – and the only benefits are for some marriage credits that can be applied for, or perhaps an increase in chances of housing if you are applying for it.
In fact, there might be a benefit in not getting married/civil partnerships, since, if a divorce does happen, the separation can take place Islamically without getting courts involved, who will usually do things according to un-islamic practices and – sometimes, Muslims fall into this trap and either the man or the women does not get their Islamic right.
Secondly – 90% of Saudi’s are gay? Did you get that off “www.madeupstatistics.com”, or was it “www.ijustfeltlikemakingupsomerandomstatistic.net”.
Sorry – but that comment was very funny.
Most Saudi’s and most Muslims are not homosexual (in fact, they disapprove of it’s action) – and most studies show that, even though it has been practiced for a long time, it is always been the minority – and until recently, a hidden deed.
Taking a small number of cases and then saying – well actually, most people are gay is a very strange stance in the logic spectrum.
Wa Allahu alam
Homo marriage
It is a well known fact within the population of the UK and the USA the majority MUSLIMS have had a civil marriage done and these are practising muslims who pray. In regards into Homosexuality, 90% of men in Saudi are gay so how can you go against it.. Rather than these mottowas discretely going around raping the young guys in saudi – people here need to be aware and taught that these things happen…. i believe homo should be taught in schools as there are no support from any muslims in the uk and american when one befalls the situation
Straw man arguments. You make no sense. Homosexuality has no place in a civilized society.
jazakallaah khaeir
thnx 4 a nice tag.i m always hate that kind of marriage n hate that kind of people.
jazakalllaah khaeir
thnx 4 nice tag. i m always hate that decision n i always against this bill.
mr
Excellent advise. The consultation in the home office website is a Very useful to oppose gay marriage bill.
Worrying
Good article. However, it seems it’s already entered the schooling system, my youngest sibling informed us that they had an assembly where it was ok to have a mummy and daddy or two daddys, at the young age of around 7! My other sibling who is in secondary school has informed me that anyone who says anything remotely against homosexuals is excluded, and they regularly have assemblies addressing the topic of promoting the normalization of it, to the extent that she feels sympathetic to them. Their teachers have also actively encouraged the students to go to gay pride marches!