Homosexuality has once again become a hot topic in our society, and especially with current plans to change legislation relating to marriage, people have all sorts to say on the matter. However, in being Muslims who follow divine guidance as revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), we are ordained to stand in justice and truth against what has been determined as a great evil and harm to society. Allah informs us,
And (remember) Lot, when he said to his people: “Do you commit the worst sin such as none preceding you has committed in all that has been created? You practise your lusts on men instead of women; you are but a people transgressing beyond bounds.” And the answer of his people was only that they said: “Drive them out of your town; these are indeed people who want to be pure!” Then We saved him and his family – except his wife, she was of those who remained behind. And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). See how came about the end of the criminals!”[1]
As we see in the verse, the primary evil of Prophet Lot’s fellow citizens was that they practised homosexuality, defined in the verse as a criminal act whereby the perpetrator engages in sexual acts with a member of the same sex. As Lot informs them, they initiated an evil never committed before them and as a result of their transgression Allah destroyed them. He says in surah al-Dhariyat that they have been left as a sign/lesson for those who fear a harsh punishment.
Some absurdly argue that homosexual inclinations are inherited through one’s genetics. However ridiculous such a claim may be, even if accepted for the argument’s sake, it still does not justify the criminal act. Many scientists have argued a genetic basis for a disposition to commit crimes such as burglary, theft, and sexual abuse, yet the law rightly condemns and punishes these acts. Some scientists have claimed that it is programmed into men’s genetics to be unfaithful to their partners, yet society does not deem such behaviour morally acceptable. My point is not to enter into a scientific discussion on genetics but to emphasise the inconsistency of such an argument.
In order to combat the scourge of homosexuality Allah has ordained us to speak out, and that we should co-operate with others in righteousness and God-consciousness. He says,
“Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and enmity.”[2]
It is in this vein that I commend the many Christian bishops and ministers who have come out in opposition to the current proposals to allow homosexuals to ‘marry’, and I support them in their endeavour to dissuade the government from including LGBTs in current marriage legislation. We also appreciate the brave stance of the Nobel peace prize winner and president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in defending a law that criminalises homosexual acts and determinedly standing for higher moral standards.
It is one thing to give equal rights to different communities so as to reflect our diverse and multicultural society, and quite another to afford a criminal act (according to the fundamentals of all faiths) the same legitimacy as an extremely natural and godly method of seeking union with a member of the opposite sex. Currently same-sex couples are allowed to enter into civil partnerships which provide the legal consequences of marriage. The idea of marriage is intrinsically religious; it was within a religious setting that marriage was instituted, both around the world and in this country, and so, we must question the desire of a secular government and godless homosexuals in wanting to attack and alter this profoundly religious notion when they are, quite regrettably, already afforded its benefits.
Just as some Christian leaders have spoken out, Muslim community leaders and scholars should not feel intimidated in speaking against this great offence and must stand for godly principles which many Christians are failing to do. Muslims must demonstrate a sense of responsibility and uphold the higher moral principles that Allah has commanded. Allah says,
“Thus We have made you the best of nations, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger a witness over you.”[3]
“You are the best of peoples ever raised up amongst mankind; you enjoin in good and forbid evil, and you believe in Allah. And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them; among them are some who have faith, but most of them are disobedient.[4]
It is with the sentiment of this verse that we call upon Christians to refer back to the original teachings revealed by their creator, Allah, and to turn to the religion of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad as well as institute and embody all that they preached, commanded, and forbade. Allah says,
“…and you will find the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: “We are Christians.” That is because amongst them are priests and monks, and they are not proud. And when they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say: “Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses. And why should we not believe in Allah and in that which has come to us of the truth? And we wish that our Lord will admit us along with the righteous people.” So because of what they said, Allah rewarded them Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), they will abide therein forever. Such is the reward of good doers.”[5]
I pray to Allah to preserve this country from evil practices, to save us from such acts, and to keep us steadfast in enjoining good and forbidding evil.
I respect your views and your dedication to following your religion. I have grown up in the UK for the last 42 years and have seen many changes. Back in the 50’s and 60’s minority gay and Muslim communities had one thing in common. Neither played a large part in society and both were ridiculed and misunderstood. Since then the gay community has fought a phenomenally successful campaign to win over hearts and minds and to get the message across that we just want the freedom to love. In little under 50 years we have full rights, protection, the freedom to marriage and a family life and are able to live freely and openly. The Muslim community have also had great success achieving protection from discrimination and hate crimes. Unfortunately they have been less successful in winning over hearts and minds. Instead of basing their campaign for the right to love it feels very much like they based their campaign for the right to hate.
Religious freedom and free speech are written into the fabric of our society and you’re free to publicly declare whatever your opinion is of lgbt people. However gay people these days are actually rather liked by the wider society. We are represented in all areas of life, entertainment, politics and business. Most people these days know at least one gay person. Representatives of the Islamic community are very vocal in their criticism of homosexuality (in contrast I’ve never witnessed an lgbt person vilify Islam) and while they have every right to say it a very bitter taste is left in the mouths of non Muslims. For a community who is so ardently vocal against islamaphobia, bans on religious dress and for their hard fought rights to be respected to be so harshly critical and to target so much hate and disgust towards another minority only help to cement the concern, distrust and dislike the wider community already feel towards the Muslim community. It has the be one of the worst pr campaigns in history
the main point you’re are missing is that UK is not a religious country – not christian, not muslim, etc!!! therefore whatever religious “law” majority of you have in mind, whether sharia or talmud, can’t be accepted. secondly, muslim population makes around 4.4% of the UK populations and as we all live in a democratic (demos=people & kratos=people) country, so the people rule and majority of the uk people are non-muslims therefore the country is run in accordance with what the non-muslims want and believe in. and if you like or prefer to live under sharia then go to saudi. i’m just wondering why so many saudis live in london.
and to finish, as a student of islamic studies at soas like the author of this article, i’ll finish with this hadith suggesting that we all should love each other “You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.”Source: Sahih Muslim 54, Grade: Sahih”
I would only ask, if homosexuality is an “unnatural choice” that many seem to believe, why has homosexual behaviour been observed in SO many species of animal?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals
There is clear evidence that homosexuality is natural. It is found mostly in animals with complex social structures, and one idea is that it could help support the social group without contributing to overpopulation.
A few religious people seem obsessed about this issue, but you can’t change the laws of nature!
Nice Straw Man you made there.
It might be useful to read the article or comments first, but then again there’s a danger you might learn something.
Not exclusively to do with laws of nature….Its primary school biology…. even if genetics gives you a tendency to do something e,g being gay, being angry, stealing, lying or murder, the human being has a full choice to execute the action or not (unless insane) and the environment has a big impact on the final outcome of the genetics!
Plus perhaps you pro gay people would like to comment how you would feel about legalising polygammy?
I speak as a female muslim by the way!
Muslims don’t like to think of ourselves as just robotic animals who will not be judged by God, but accountable human beings.
The only people obsessed with the” muslim stance on homosexuality” issue are the media… constantly highlighting it, to the detriment of everything else that Islam stands for i.e justice, peace, and the potential to create a highly advanced human civilistaion for all, believer or not.
I hate to be explicit, but do you honestly believe that the a*** should have anything plunged into it? It doesn’t seem that it “evolved” for such a reason.
Atheists dupe me out, their all into evolution and than don’t see that homosexuality is counter to being the “fittest” for survival. It is for the survival of the human race to have natural healthy intercourse to reproduce more not to do it through a way that won’t produce any fruits.
It’s also for the survival of the population in any species not to overpopulate an area so as to deplete irretrievably its resources. Hence, if a given percentage of the population DON’T breed, then that goes towards preventing that.
Also, if one’s jacksie was not for things going into it, how come there’s nerve endings there and one can derive sexual pleasure from it, hm?
“Some absurdly argue that homosexual inclinations are inherited through one’s genetics.”
Many, many animals have exhibited homosexual behaviour, so your argument that homosexuality cannot be down to genetics is invalid. If you accept that genetics are real, surely you must also accept that we are little more than an evolved form of animal.
“However ridiculous such a claim may be, even if accepted for the argument’s sake, it still does not justify the criminal act.”
What criminal act? An act is is only criminal if it is against the law, and the only ‘laws’ you put forward are from the Quran. In the western world, where you yourself have chosen to live, we have seperated our religious institutions from our judiciary. Religious law has no binding significance except to the conscience of the individual believer. Therefore, homosexuality is not çriminal’in any way, shape or form-at least not in the United Kingdom or the rest of the developed world.
It’s people like you that cause tensions between muslim immigrants and nativesin the western world. People, including muslims, flock here from all over the world to benefit from our economic opportunity and freedom-and that is fine, and understanable. However, it is time for these people to realise that our prosperity is a direct result of the freedom we have to do, say, think, drink, smoke and sleep with whoever we like. You can’t have your cake and eat it too, if you want a state that represses and hates gays, go live in Iran. If you want to live in a nice house, plenty of food and no chance of getting your hands chopped off by the police, stay here but accept the life choices of others.
Obviously, you are free to express your opinions just like I am (another one of the freedoms that make the western world so prosperous), but Islamic-Christian relations would be so much better if we had a few more Islamic preachers with the intelligence and maturity to respectfully disagree with other people’s life choices without calling them criminals.
If your criticism is with the usage of the word “criminal” then I would direct you to your own comment annihilating, “An act is is only criminal if it is against the law, and the only ‘laws’ you put forward are from the Quran.”
However, if your criticism is of substance then please feel free to share said substance, rather than resorting to the tired, old rhetoric of immigrant and minority-bashing, mixed with confused references to Imperialist conquests as ‘freedoms’. I must warn you that there is a danger that you might learn something if you go down this route.
Many muslims did not choose to be here in Engalnd, they are here because your forefathers (in collusion with some of our forefathers) raped our lands of their resources (and continue to do so ? Iraq War).
Your prosperity partly actually originates from what Islamic civilistaion brought to medival England in its dark ages… If having an overabundance of food while half the world starves (leading to phenominal levels of obesity, produced on the backs of unfair trade) is a measurement of your ideas of a great civilisation then so be it, its not mine.
I agree with you however that freedom of healthy debate and speech is a great part of British society, however real debate is now starting to be stiffled under new British Laws and Freedom to insult is becoming more acceptable instead. oh by the way thats only when one insults Islam off course. The freedom for muslims to speak in muslim countires is also stiffled by western backed dictators- note i say “western backed”, hence your very freedoms are hypocritical and built on the slavery of other Human beings. Even animals behave better than some humans dont they? at least they are not hypocrits.
You really should look into Islamic law more closely… chopping the hands of the thief has many conditions to it and stonning the adulterer needs four witnessess…something quite difficult to acheive…in reality the only adulterers that got stonned in early Islam were those who self confesssed.
I doubt however you really have an open mind….so carry on enjoying your nice food and lovely house built on the blood and sweat of others.
P.s A proper Islamic state does not exist anywhere in the world today so practising muslims dont have anywhere to go…However if one was to come it wont be just muslims moving there but some right minded non muslims too as history is witness to.
Whats so wrong with punishing the thief…the only reason one would scream about it is if they were intending to steal?
Christian – Muslim relations would also be much better if Christains actually read the Bible and understood their religion properly…by the way why are you speaking for Christains? I thought you believed we came from animals? Or do you believe God is so stupid he had to evolve us from animals?
It is a profound ignorance that inhabits both your article and comment section. You are the reason why integration of Muslims is becoming ever-more difficult. Maajid Nawaz recognises that your beliefs are illegitimate, he is a Muslim of virtue. To be void of reason with the comment the ” scourge of homosexuality” insists that you truly do not understand the nature of sexuality nor the implications of it. Sex, says E.O Wilson (Biologist) primarily serves the function of creating social solidarity and community and only secondarily is it a tool of reproduction. And to make a second point more sternly, the liberal principles cultivated in the West will not be sent to the moral mass grave of Islamic ‘values.’ We will not capitulate to unreasonableness, and we pride ourselves on the enlightenment values of Mill, Voltaire and Shelley. Alan Turing, Steven Fry, Douglas Murray.. these men are of solid moral fibre and to condemn how they love is to make a mockery of anything a decent religion would stand for. Churchill spoke of the retrograde nature of Islamism. Second class citizenship for homosexuals will not cut it. Your right to your opinion is there, but if you wish to flex your theocratic muscles, please do it to the tune of masturbating Ayotollahs and fawning Sheikhs, for you will not mobilise your totalitarian forces on the shores of rational, liberal democracy. I urge you to embrace the principles that built the World Trade Centre rather than the world-view that toppled it.
You are welcome to voice your opinions here and I would defend your right to (since you mentioned Voltaire). However you can’t get away with some of the fallacies you’ve embedded between the names, without getting called out.
There’s a reason that no philosophical, moral, ethical, biological, medical justification has ever been discussed with regards to this topic – because people vaguely familiar with the values of the likes of Voltare, Mill and Shelly would not dare to step into that domain as it would completely backfire on them. That was my first clue that your post was some kind of trolling, the second was when you used the word “moral” near the name Douglas Murray (you almost made me drop my phone).
Just in the off chance that you happen to be deluded yet genuinely in favour of ‘enlightenment values of Mill” et al. then I would draw your attention to your mention of arguably the biggest defenders of Utilitarianism and Moral Objectivism, as support for a profoundly extreme version of Moral Relativism (defining what is moral and immoral in this case based on what sexually arouses you).
I would agree that Muslims don’t generally use the language that people in the west might recognise when justifying or explaining their position regarding homosexuality, pedophilia, incest, zoophilia, and other sexual orientations/deviancies (depending whether you’re for or against whichever); however anyone who cares to interact with Muslims and Islam beyond the Daily Mail and Douglas Murray statistically would have the smarts to see past the language barrier.
Your rational liberal democracy comes from the limited human mind not the all knowing creator, and I don’t know much about principles that built the world trade centre, but the principles that build “world trade” i.e capitalism, unfair trade, economic slavery, and slavery to the desires of the elite, will be toppled, (god willing) and it will be by the sublime ideology of Islam!
What democracy?
This article bravely deals with a fundamental change to our society. The problem as I see it, is that free debate on a really major issue is stifled because those who oppose these moves are labelled bigots, and homophobes. The homosexual lobby is happy to throw insults at people whose only crime is to disagree. Congratulations to the Gay lobby, they are working hard to achieve what Napoleon, Hitler, and Stalin all tried, but failed in the mother of all modern democracies. I await the thought police.
Equal rights
I read these comments and wonder why people see your religion as hateful. you seem content to judge others without looking at your own faults. some of you seem to like the idea of more than one wife, are you sick or something. one wife is more than enough for any man. what about slaves. your teaching is that it is acceptable to enslave someone, murder or take away their rights, just because you do not agree wth them having the same rights to life that you enjoy.
I wonder how many of you are following your religion truthfully. You rob cheat, and couse distrustion, hurt and pain, then go and say what good followers of your religion you are. well tha is not rigt, every person gets the same respect they give. If you do not respect me, why should I respect you. Orginised Religion is the route of all evil, it is beter to talk to God quitly and beg his forgiveness and love, than to go around shouting about how great you are and causing riots when someone says something against your religion. I want equal rights for all of us. If you dont want to accept equal rights for all, then you are free to move to a country where you religion will enforce your laws and continue with their murder of people for who they love
From the first paragraph it is clearly evident that you have completely misunderstood Islam and Christianity as well. I assume you are Christian. Have you ever read the Bible? taking of slaves and more than one wife is legitimate in the bible too.
If you believe it is okay to be Gay being a Christian I assume you may also believe it is okay to lie, cheat and murder…so what are you going to ask forgiveness for to God quietly anyway?
You really should go out there and meet some proper muslims…your ideas of Islam seem to come purely from the media spin…Nice to see you on this site though..I hope you came here in a hope to understandstand Islam and not just to remain stuck to your preconceived notions of it!
The gay Muslim can ask God queitly for forgiveness too, but there is no need to propagate his way of life or sin by making it public!
?perhaps being Gay is also the result of having women going around half naked in todays society!
Be Careful
We need to be very careful about our dialogue and rhetoric when it comes to these things.
I am particularly concerned, as a social worker myself, that by using this type of rhetoric we may turn away any Homosexual muslims who actually need help.
Before any rude remarks, I am not saying it is Halal – Far from it as it is declaration from Quran. However there are genuine Muslims out these who have this problem and they need direction and help. If we use rhetoric like this then we could push them away from seeking help from our scholars.
We need to be approchable as Ulama so that EVERY muslim can come to us, no matter what the problem is. Whether it is homosexuality or any illicit relation which is contrary to Islam.
I have had meetings with the LGBT community and they are VERY Islamaphobic. But we must understandf that they still need Islam and dawah is not only for heterosexual communities. Our rhetoric can push them away so please help our brothers and sisters with this problem, Muslim and Non-Muslim. Welcome and embrace them with Islam so that they may turn wholeheartedly to Allah swt. After all Islam was sent for the whol of mankind.
What next?
Not so long ago homosexuality was as big a tabboo as incest. Gradually, due to following of their own desires, becoming God-unconscious, and rendering themselves slaves of their own carnal desires the people of this society have accepted homosexuality as a norm. Now they say “so what! if they like to be together let them be”. I wonder whats next? Incest!!! Ask anyone of these people now and they will be as ashamed and embarrased to accept it now as they did for homosexuality not so long ago. Tomorrow – same senitiments may emerge for a brother loving her sister and they wanting to live together – same people will “so what………let them be”! Are we waiting to let this happen? This may happen. No surprsies there. When man become totaly godless and starts putting his own “moral values and laws” above that of God, we can expect just anything. Any evil now will become a norm tomorrow.
If homosexuality should be allowed, then why is there men and women in the world?
In other words, why isn’t there just men in this world? why is there a counterpart?
Great article
May Allah reward you for your courage to speak out.
I have a few friends who are gays but they are really very good people and I really like them.
I am trying to do a alittle da’wah whenever I can but I still can’t broach the topic of homosexuality.
Please make do’a that I find a way to do that soon….
“Homosexuality is a moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption… No person is born homosexual, just like no one is born a thief, a liar or murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper guidance and education.””
“There are many reasons why it is forbidden in Islam. Homosexuality is dangerous for the health of the individuals and for the society. It is a main cause of one of the most harmful and fatal diseases. It is disgraceful for both men and women. It degrades a person. Islam teaches that men should be men and women should be women. Homosexuality deprives a man of his manhood and a woman of her womanhood. It is the most un-natural way of life. Homosexuality leads to the destruction of family life.”
http://blogthecall.wordpress.com/awareness-campaign/islam-and-homosexuality/
So Mo…
Mo Sarfaraz… judging by your post you are a defunct liberal chap amusing yourself with a little shirk-talk… by applying your ‘logic’, were you a mushrik when you prayed or secretly smoked out of fear of getting a spanking from your old man … after all at a younger age your concern then was the one in front of you with a stick or a steady hand rather than the One above… so cut the crap about shirk.
why do you submit to your desires?
This act is unnatural.People who prefer to sumbit to their nafs as their god ignoring teachings of the true Lord will face devastating consequences in this world and the next unless they return to their Lord and accept and submit to true guidance. All revealed scriptures are lucid on this matter.Unfortunately many people only have their desires to adhere to due to a lack of effort in pursuing divine teachings or fear of having to adjust their life style if the truth is discovered.What will be the future of a child who has two fathers or two mothers? At first this may be embarrassing to children but as time progresses the society will be desensitized and will see this act in a more amicable light. May God help us.
have corrected yourself to corrict the socities
i think befor we taalk about the socyties proplem and corrict it .. every one of us should look at himself and corrict it then we look at the socities… i am sure if every one look at himself will find huge rong need long time to correct so lets each one of us look at himself and corrict it and forget about matter is not our priorty and it is the countrys law to deceid. be good yourself and if someone is rong there is allah know how to punish every one…start looking at yourself
Have you not read the story of LUT?
Briefly went through the comments and I’m baffled as too how the brother or sister is trying to claim there is nothing wrong with same sex relations let alone marriage…did Allah not confirm in the Quran that the town of LUT committed crimes? And that same sex relations was one of them? How clear can it possibly be? One thing people have to understand is that if Allah condemes something we also condem it and strive to have it minimised or eradicated,don’t come with all these only Allah can judge business, if that was the case why would the shariah exist? may Allah guide all of us
final clarification after which I stop talking about this
Once again, many of you have seemed to miss the point. As a Homosexual Muslim I am aware of 2 things
1)That I have same sex attractions that were caused by factors outside of my control, my parents were very good, and I lived most of my life in Muslim countries.
2)That Islam strongly condemns any homosexual activity, and that if I want the pleasure of Allah, I will have to supress my inclinations.
So I, with the aid of Allah, try to do my best to suppress the inclination. Allah`s pleasure is more important than mine. Having said that, the very presence of the inclinations are still completely out of my control, and likely genetic.
The inclination in itself is not a sin, you do not choose what Allah decides to test you with. It is acting out on it that can lead to punishment, both in this life and the next. The suppression of a bad inclination is actually within itself a good deed. So by letting you guys know that some Muslim struggle with this inclination, myself being one of them, I am not popularizing or confessing a sin, nor am I inclined to get myself killed in an Islamic state for a non-existent crime (thanks for the suggestion though!) I am simply trying to give you a perspective on the issue that you may not have had. However, i feel further conversation in this vein is counter-productive, so this will be my last post. Once again, JAK for all your prayers and naseeha, I will keep it in mind.
final clarification after which I stop talking about this
Once again, many of you have seemed to miss the point. As a Homosexual Muslim I am aware of 2 things
1)That I have same sex attractions that were caused by factors outside of my control, my parents were very good, and I lived most of my life in Muslim countries.
2)That Islam strongly condemns any homosexual activity, and that if I want the pleasure of Allah, I will have to supress my inclinations.
So I, with the aid of Allah, try to do my best to suppress the inclination. Allah`s pleasure is more important than mine. Having said that, the very presence of the inclinations are still completely out of my control, and likely genetic.
The inclination in itself is not a sin, you do not choose what Allah decides to test you with. It is acting out on it that can lead to punishment, both in this life and the next. The suppression of a bad inclination is actually within itself a good deed. So by letting you guys know that some Muslim struggle with this inclination, myself being one of them, I am not popularizing or confessing a sin, nor am I inclined to get myself killed in an Islamic state for a non-existent crime (thanks for the suggestion though!) I am simply trying to give you a perspective on the issue that you may not have had. However, i feel further conversation in this vein is counter-productive, so this will be my last post. Once again, JAK for all your prayers and naseeha, I will keep it in mind.
I think it is time for muslims and Jews alike to push for legalisation of Polygamy.If they are legalising same sex marriage then why Not polygamy.
May be muslims
May be muslims and jews should Push to make polygamy legalised in the west.They are leaglising homosexual marriages, I think it is a good time to push this to them too.What is good for the geese should be good for the gander.
response to the homosexual “muslim”
Its very simple. If you are a muslims then you believe in Shariah. Shariah is Islam and Islam is Shariah. You cant be Muslim and not believe in Islam, and you cannot be Muslim and follow Shariah (ie the laws of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)). Shariah says you should be killed, like an adulterer you have committed a sexual crime and are to be put to death. If you affirm this then you should go somewhere where they will carry out the orders of Allah(sw) OR you can live your life and get away with it and you will be punished by Allah(sw) on the Last Day. Allah never punishes twice. Better to be punished now than later, as later will hurt a great deal more. If you say the law is wrong and you are a true believer, then this is quite clear you are not a muslim but one of the hypocrites purposely pretending to be muslim in order to create strife from within. If i had the power, i would have you executed – but unfortunately we the Muslims do not have the power at the moment. Give it 20 years and we will see. When i go to my son’s school the vast majority of the kids are muslims. Wait in this country 20 years and inshallah we will stone you.
Brother in Islaam
As one brother / sister rightly pointed out above :” it is better to be ashamed of a SIN than to openly express it and label it as natural etc.”
Allah created Adam & Eve and did not create Adam & Steve as the first humans. HE is the ALL WISE and there is NO fault in the way HE created all.
‘A perspective written by Mumin on March 20 2012 ‘ above should be ashamed to publicise his weakness here. We all know that when we are going through puberty we feel attracted towards our own sex. Many of us have experienced that but Islaam teaches us how to separate brothers from sisters ( so as not to encourage incest ) and also separate growing boys from undressing in front of each other ( and sharing the same bed.) If your upbringing lacked these basic teachings and recommendations of Islaam your parents may have failed you. To come here and publicise your weakness and asking the God Fearing muslims to shut up and it is business as usual is the weakest of Emaan. The Prophet (PBUH) said : “If you see a MUNKAR “EVIL” change it with your hand, if you cannot change it with your mouth and if you cannot change it with your heart ‘doahs / prayers’ but know that this is the weakest of Emaan”
Brothers/ sisters above refer to the Quran and the Sunnah for guidance. The story of Prophet Lot is clear for those who want to see but for those in whose hearts is a disease Allah will only increase this disease.
May Allah SWT guide me first and the rest of us. We should support the brothers of Christian and Jewish faith in condemning this political ploy to get votes. Our faith is threatened.
a clarification on the perspective
Just to clarify, i am not claiming that Islam accepts homosexual actions, simply that the inclinations may well be genetic. And I am not arguing for the legality of homosexual marriage, just saying that actively supporting a secular government to impose Islamic values on non-Muslims is illogical. Let us do Dawah to the LGBTs, not criminalize them based on a faith they don’t even believe in. This is the same government that crimnalises polygamy, and if you start empowering secular governments to make moral decisions, believe me, it will be the Muslim community that suffers. We must all remember that UK is not an Islamic state. And in my opinion, it is only a state that rules by what Allah’s Messenger has brought, and accepts His Sovereignty that has any right to legislate morality.
Btw, thank you for the prayers and the NARTH suggestion, I have looked into them. Having an inclination to a sin is in itself not sinful, so I do not understand the alcoholic/adulterer analogy, though I found the cake analogy to be very apt and amusing!
I hope the confused pious Muslim, isn’t one of the idiot’s at squillim, as deviancy has many forms!
The straight path
I hope the confused pious Muslim, isn’t one of the idiot’s at squillim, as deviancy has many forms!
The straight path
I hope the confused pious Muslim, isn’t one of those Muppet from squillim, as deviance has many forms!
“Fundamentals?”
A growing number of religious scholars, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, are seeing in the story of Lot a society that practiced rape, robbery, and murder against travelers; the rape being a sexual humiliation much like what American (presumably heterosexual) soldiers did to Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, and as we see in prisons performed by guards against prisoners, by stronger prisoners against the weak. This has nothing to do with real love between men or between women. An increasing number of Christian and Jewish denominations are blessing the weddings of homosexual couples and there are imams providing for same-sex nikah.
If we wish to align with the most “fundamental” teachings as the original author here suggests, what does that mean? I would hold that the most fundamental teaching of any religion is “the Golden Rule”: Wish for your brother or sister what you would wish for yourself. A close second is “live and let live.” In this case what right does anyone have to meddle in the private lives of others. If you wish for your neighbor a fulfilling happy marriage, why should that be contingent on his or her orientation? Or if you mean “fundamental” in the sense of the popular press in meaning the most hide-bound, reactionary, bellicose, and intolerant form of religion – well, that may be your Islam; it is certainly not mine and only God Irrahman Irrahim can judge. But where do we find grace and mercy here?
Whatever historical roots marriage may have in religion the legal standing of marriage is a secular matter that has no bearing on religion. For example, Catholicism does not allow for divorce, but the state does. Even Catholics can get a legal divorce regardless of what their church thinks about it. Normally no religious code is allowed bearing on the civil contract of marriage. Even atheists marry and anyone, religious, or not may get married by a judge or a justice of the peace in an entirely secular ceremony. When we vote for or against legitimizing same-sex marriage this is all about a legal contract that exists independent of religion. What right do we have to impose our religious beliefs on others, and if we validate such theocratic impositions into the lives of others, please remember we live as a small religious minority in a large mostly Christian country where – yes, most respect people of different faiths, but we do have a strong Christian theocratic element that would love to impose their religious rule on us. Do we really want to poke that door open wider?
And seriously, how is marriage “under attack”? If I were to attack marriage I would go around telling people it’s absurd and unnecessary, not that it’s something more people should aspire to. How does anybody’s same-sex marriage affect anybody else’s marriage? All through the recent trial investigating California’s Proposition 8 none if its defenders could identify any way in which heterosexual marriages were affected by same-sex marriage. In the countries and states that allow it no damage or harm has been identified. Nor has anyone provided a reasonable hypothesis. The most usual argument here is that it would pave the way to marriage to animals. The ability to make informed legal decisions has long been considered a pre-requisite for marriage, which is in fact a contract to be made by legal adults. That has never been in dispute here. Until your beloved pet can demonstrate a capacity to make informed legal decisions that argument provides not so much a slippery slope as a comic pratfall.
Our evolutionist friend here might want to study evolution a bit deeper. Homosexual behavior has been found in thousands of animal species. And yes there is evidence for a genetic factor. In mammals that form tribes or packs it has been found that homosexual uncles and aunts help to provide and raise nephews and nieces without adding their own progeny to compete for resources. In this they support quality, not quantity to assure continuation of their (siblings’) DNA. Understanding the evolutionary and anthropological evidence may take us back to the story of Lot where the people of the city were accused of crimes never before committed. There is evidence of homosexuality long before the days of Lot, so that would not be it.
So please, let’s do get back to the fundamentals of the Golden Rule, and “live and let live,” and allow our GLBT neighbors the love and respect we wish for ourselves.
The fundamental issue the writer titled “starjack” missed is- I ask you why would God give rulings for the individual( i.e what is sin and what is not) and then leave it out when it comes to the society or state. why are people so happy to practice secularism, which in effect is religious atheism and believe in only a half intelligent God?
Second point: Islam does not allow meddling in the private lives of others..hence we are not allowed to spy/pry into the homes of others, however when people want to make their being Gay/ Lesbian public..and propagate their way of life .. this is when muslims have a problem….the right to inflict punishment however is only up to an Islamic state.. something which the world( believer or not )desperately needs (mostly due to the economic situation of the world rather than to primarily punish Gay people) …but unfortunately is not alive today!
If you live and Let live…the let live will eventually overtake you somewhere, as we have seen with the rise of atheism in a secular “life came by chance aka evoloution is fact” society.
A perspective: Mumin
Dear Mumin, May Allah help you in your struggle for the deen! I highly recommend works propagated by narth.com – it provides a complete explanation for the cognitive and psychological aspect of homosexuality and cases of how people have been able to reduce their unwanted attractions. If you combine the latest psychological research, articles, books and therapies with dua I am convinced that you will be able to help your situation insha’allah http://narth.com/news-watch/books-reviews/
EVOLUTION BETRAYS THE HOMOSEXUAL:
If the gay community wish to allege that being homosexual is a condition resultant to DNA, then they must consider core evolutionary principles. Survival of the fittest necessitates that only the fit survive to progenerate(have sex which results in children). What now of the homosexual who has no desire for the opposite gender, genetically is he programmed to progenerate?
If then the homosexual community wish to allege that being gay is a part of the DNA, then they must confess to being genetically defective, suffering from a birth defect, which hinders them from passing on DNA to the next generation.
IS HOMOSEXUALITY INDEED VALID?
If knowledge can be gathered only from that which is externally observed and empirically garnered what to say of homosexuality?
If we examine the sexual functions of the male penis we see that in the sexual act it emits a fluid containing sperm cells. We learn also that in the vagina there is a complementary structure, meant to accept that which the male emits, with complementary cells in the ovaries that bond with the sperm. We deduce that heterosexuality is the natural order of things. If sex can be had simply for pleasure, in like manner to playing golf for fun, do golfers ejaculate sperm as they hit the ball?
THE HOMOSEXUAL AND THE WEARER OF GLASSES: Once you use technological means in order to do what other people do without it, you are admitting that you are not normal, that you are defective in some way and require technological assistance in order to compensate for shortcomings. Healthy people do not require dialysis or colostomy bags in order to process waste from the body, it is those who are unhealthy that require such means in order to immitate those that are.
The homosexual couple that uses techonology such as IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) is admitting that they are attempting to do that which normal people do while still being abnormal. The gay couple that requires a surrogate mother likewise is attempting to impose on the abnormal relationship the paradigm of the normal people.
In the process of fostering children we see clear evidence of the unhealthy and abnormal status of the homosexual relationship.
4 real?
Great article MashaAllah. The confused ‘pious’ gay Muslim is like me saying I am a pious adulterer or pious drunkard who just can’t help sleeping around or getting drunk!
The issue is that we all have certain weaknesses, and exploits them and fools many into thinking that they are ‘natural’.
May Allah help you cure your diseased heart and ours from all of our weaknesses. It is better to be ashamed of a sin then to openly express it and label it as natural etc
re A Perspective
Br Mumin, May Allah protect you and us all from all manifestations of evil.
Wherever a Muslim is there is a duty to enjoin the good and forbid the evil; so the society we live in should hear our view as in reality it does effect us all and it could affect us even more directly as time passes by.
You are right that we need to be concerned with building our communities but there is no conflict with also building the wider community? There is no requirement to choose one of the other surely? And working with obe also implies working with the other.
re ‘Even under an Islamic state non-Muslims are allowed to have their own family law.’ I am not convinced that the type being discussed would be allowed…?
a perspective
The ridiculous part is the reason people assert that homosexuality is genetic – that it somehow makes it morally acceptable. I think that’s what the author is talking about.
I’m genetically prone to love cake. Doesn’t mean I practice my desire on every cake I see. Some cakes are haram!
Homosexuality is NOT genetic
Allah(swt) has put within humans the sexual desire just like He(swt) has put within us the need for food.
This desire does not direct us on the way to satisfy it.
As an example, if you like fried chicken and chips, does that mean you were genetically programmed to like it? Of course not
The way we choose to satisfy our needs and wants is the very test of life itself.
We can either choose to saitsfy it according to how Allah has prescribed or we can choose to follow it against His(swt) commands. The choice is ours.
Therefore, there is no such thing as homosexuality if by this it is meant that some are genetically programmed to be attracted to the same sex.
Lesson from living as a minority
If there is anything I know from living as a minority, is that discrimination is not the choice we should prefer. It is not in our authority to judge anyone against their will, or impose our lifestyle on them.
I will not stand against homosexuality or homosexual marriage, because I will not restrict a person’s freedom against his or her will. I will inform of the message with peace and affection, not fighting words and intimidation.
In my humble opinion, the state’s enforcement of religion is akin to shirk, because a person is scared of the government instead of Allah, and I will not be part of enforcing it.
a perspective
As a Homosexual Muslim, this issue is close to me. I have been raised as a pious Muslim, but am simply unable to do anything about my same sex attractions. In accordance with Islam, I stay away from any actions that these attractions tempt me towards. But there is nothing ridiculous about asserting that homosexuality is genetic.
As for the issue of marriage, obviously we in Islam do not consider gay marriage to be legitimate. But why must we impose our definition of a marriage on those who do not even believe in Allah. Even under an Islamic state non-Muslims are allowed to have their own family law. And the UK is not even that. This is why I believe that as long as mosques are not forced to accept this as a legitimate form of marriage, the mosques should remain silent on this issue. We need to be more concerened with building our communities, and inviting others to the way of Allah, not getting into pointless sensationalized political debates about how the kuffar define marraige.
Very brave and weas Muslims must support this view
Anyone who opposes these views are not speaking from the voice of modern day liberalism but rather through a mindset which would pre-date even the caveman.They are the ideological offsprings of the people of lot.