Avoid 70 Major Sins[1] - Series No 11 of 70
Homosexuality (Sodomy) In Islam
Introduction
What is sodomy according to Islam? The Qur'an makes a more explicit scriptural connection between homosexual aggression and Sodom. The Sodomites are referred to as “the people of Lut (SAW) (Lot).”
Since “people of Lot” was the only available designation, the Islamic equivalent of ‘sodomy’ has become ‘liwat,’ which could be roughly translated as “lottishness”.
Briefly, there is such unified opinion on the prohibition of sodomy in Islam. The Muslim scholars, in general, have stated that sodomy (Anal sex) is forbidden whether done with a man or a woman.
Since “people of Lot” was the only available designation, the Islamic equivalent of ‘sodomy’ has become ‘liwat,’ which could be roughly translated as “lottishness”.
Briefly, there is such unified opinion on the prohibition of sodomy in Islam. The Muslim scholars, in general, have stated that sodomy (Anal sex) is forbidden whether done with a man or a woman.
The Holy Quran speaks against homosexuality and are stated herewith. Those people who make a god (ilah) of their own lusts are clearly in the wrong. Prophet Lut(SAW) spoke against this evil practice of his people. Their only reply was: "Bring us the Wrath of God if thou tellest the truth." They soon found out who was telling the truth when Allah destroyed them all. Let it be known right now that there is No Such Thing as a Gay Muslim!!! A Muslim is one who submits himself to the will of Allah. Those who practice this evil have submitted themselves to their own desires and have turned their backs on the clear teachings of Islam. These people will use any kind of rationalization to justify their sinful practices. Be not deceived by the smooth tactics of Shaitan. He will try everything to guide us from the wrong way. If you have these homosexual desires in you seek refuge in Allah and Allah will help you. Allah has revealed the truth. All praise is for Allah!!!
2.0 The Qur'an and Homosexuality
أَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلذُّكۡرَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (١٦٥) وَتَذَرُونَ مَا خَلَقَ لَكُمۡ رَبُّكُم مِّنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِكُمۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ عَادُونَ (١٦٦)
Holy Quran Surah 026.165-166 "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!"
أَٮِٕنَّكُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَہۡوَةً۬ مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ تَجۡهَلُونَ (٥٥)
Holy Quran Surah 027.055 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant!
وَلُوطًا إِذۡ قَالَ لِقَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّڪُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلۡفَـٰحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَڪُم بِہَا مِنۡ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (٢٨) أَٮِٕنَّكُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ وَتَقۡطَعُونَ ٱلسَّبِيلَ وَتَأۡتُونَ فِى نَادِيكُمُ ٱلۡمُنڪَرَۖ فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُواْ ٱئۡتِنَا بِعَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ إِن ڪُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ (٢٩)
Holy Quran Surah 029.028-29 And (remember) Lut (SAW) : behold, he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the highway?- and practise wickedness (even) in your councils?" But his people gave no answer but this: they said: "Bring us the Wrath of God if thou tellest the truth."
There are references in the Holy Qur'an which have been cited as referring to gay and lesbian behavior. Some obviously deal with effeminate men and "masculine women." The two main references to homosexual behavior are:
إِنَّڪُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَہۡوَةً۬ مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ مُّسۡرِفُونَ (٨١) وَمَا ڪَانَ جَوَابَ قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓاْ أَخۡرِجُوهُم مِّن قَرۡيَتِڪُمۡۖ إِنَّهُمۡ أُنَاسٌ۬ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ (٨٢)
"We also sent Lut (SAW) : He said to his people : "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Qur'an 7:80-81
أَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلذُّكۡرَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (١٦٥) وَتَذَرُونَ مَا خَلَقَ لَكُمۡ رَبُّكُم مِّنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِكُمۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ عَادُونَ (١٦٦)
"What! Of all creatures do ye come unto the males, and leave the wives your Lord created for you? Nay, but ye are forward folk." Qur'an 26:165
Both references relate to gay sexual activities; however, lesbian practices are mentioned in the Sunnah.
Lut (SAW) is referred to as "Lot" in the Hebrew Scriptures. This passage is an apparent reference to the activities at Sodom and Gamorah. It seems to imply that there was no homosexual behavior before it first appeared in Sodom. This is a uniquely Islamic concept; it does not appear in Jewish or Christian beliefs. The passage also links the sin of Sodom (the reason for its destruction) to homosexuality. That linkage is contradicted by other verses in the Hebrew Scriptures.
3.0 Hadeeth of prophet Muhammad(PBUH) regarding homosexuality:
Many Hadiths (ahadith) discuss liwat (sexual intercourse between males). Two examples are:
1) "When a man mounts another man, the throne of God shakes."
2) "Kill the one that is doing it and also kill the one that it is being done to." (in reference to the active and passive partners in gay sexual intercourse)
There is at least one mention of lesbian behavior mentioned in the Hadith:
"Sihaq (lesbian sexual activity) of women is zina (illegitimate sexual intercourse) among them."
Traditionalist orthodox Muslims generally claim that the Hadith literature contains the authentic sayings of Muhammad (SAW). Many liberal Muslims doubt their authenticity. The latter might point out that during the times of the first Caliphs, Muslims did not know what to do with individuals guilty of "liwat/Lut iyya". No Sahabi (companion) of Muhammad (SAW) could quote a saying or decision of Muhammad (SAW) relating to this question.
1) Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri: The Prophet (SAW) said: A man should not look at the private parts of another man, and a woman should not look at the private parts of another woman. A man should not lie with another man without wearing lower garment under one cover; and a woman should not be lie with another woman without wearing lower garment under one cover. (Abu Dawood)
2) Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (SAW) said: A man should not lie with another man and a woman should not lie with another woman without covering their private parts except a child or a father. He also mentioned a third thing which I forgot. (Abu Dawood)
4.0 Sodomy[2]
Allah, Most High recounts in His Book the story of Lut (SAW) 's people in several positions. Allah, the
Almighty says,
فَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا جَعَلۡنَا عَـٰلِيَهَا سَافِلَهَا وَأَمۡطَرۡنَا عَلَيۡهَا حِجَارَةً۬ مِّن سِجِّيلٍ۬ مَّنضُودٍ۬ (٨٢) مُّسَوَّمَةً عِندَ رَبِّكَۖ وَمَا هِىَ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ بِبَعِيدٍ۬ (٨٣) ۞
{When Our decree issued, We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer, marked from thy Lord; nor are they ever far from those who do wrong!"} (Hud 11: 82-83)
This abode is not far from those who do wrong amongst our nation if they committed the same sin.
Therefore, the Prophet (pbuh) said,
1) "What I fear most is that my nation may follow the crime of Lut (SAW) 's people.”[3]
The Prophet also said,
2) "May Allah curse him who does what Lut (SAW) 's people did.”[4]
He said it twice.
3) It was related that the Prophet (pbuh) said,
"Whoever is caught doing the crime of Lut (SAW) 's people, you should kill the one who sodomizes and the one who lets it be done to him.”[5]
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with hi) said, "Look for the highest building in the town, and then
throw them down and stone them like the abode of Lut (SAW) 's people."
There is a scholarly consensus that sodomy is among the major sins forbidden by Allah,
{Of all creatures in the world, will ye approach males, and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits!} A-Shu`ara: 165-166)
Allah, Most High, says,
وَلُوطًا ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ حُكۡمً۬ا وَعِلۡمً۬ا وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَةِ ٱلَّتِى كَانَت تَّعۡمَلُ ٱلۡخَبَـٰٓٮِٕثَۗ إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ قَوۡمَ سَوۡءٍ۬ فَـٰسِقِينَ (٧٤)
{And Lut (SAW) , too, We gave Judgment and Knowledge, and We saved him from the town which practiced abominations: truly they were a people given to evil, a rebellious people.} (Al-Anbya': 74)
The town where those people lived was called Sodom. They used to practice the abominations mentioned by Allah in His Book. They used to commit sodomy; make sounded wind in their assembly and many other offensive practices.
He (pbuh) said,
1) "Lesbianism is adultery between them."
The Prophet (pbuh) said,
2) "Four people entail Allah's wrath in night and day. " It was asked, "Who are they, Messenger of Allah?"
He answered, "Effeminate men and masculine women, the adulterer of animals and sodomizers.”[6]
3) It is narrated that when two men start to commit sodomy, Allah's Throne vibrates fearing Allah's wrath.
4) The heavens almost fall on the earth but the angels hold their outskirts and recite Surat AI-Ikhlas until Allah's wrath reposes."
The Prophet (pbuh) said,
5) "On the Day of Judgment, there will be seven people who will be excluded from Allah's Mercy and purification. Allah will sentence them to enter the Hell-Fire with those who enter it: Those who commit sodomy, the one who commits masturbation, the one who approaches an animal from its anus, the one who approaches a woman from her anus, the one who marries a woman and her daughter altogether, the adulterer of his neighbor's wife and the one who brings harm to his neighbor until he accurse him.”[7]
6) It was narrated that, "there will be some people who will be assembled on the Day of Judgment with pregnant hands because of committing adultery. They used to make play of their genitals in the world."
7) It was also narrated that,
"Among the practices of Lut (SAW) 's people is playing with dice, competing by flying pigeons, entering the bathroom naked, cheating in measures and weights. O woe to those who do so.”[8]
8) Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "When a sodomite dies without making repentance, he will turn into a pig in his grave."
9) The Prophet (pbuh) said,
"Allah does not look to a man who commits sodomy with a man or a woman."[9]
10) Abu Sa'id As-Su'luk said, "There will be some people who will be called sodomites in this Ummah (nation). They are of three kinds: some who just gaze, others who just shake hands, and the last who commit the abominable act.”[10]
11) Looking at a woman or a juvenile out of sexual excitement is adultery as mentioned in the following hadith:
"A man commits adultery with his eyes when he looks at a strange woman,' the adultery of the ears is listening to sexual dialogue, adultery of the tongue is talking about sex,' the adultery of the hand is to catch which is unlawful,' and the adultery of the feet is going towards a strange woman; the heart ardently desires adultery,' and the sexual organs confirm or contradict the act.”[11]
Therefore, the righteous men stress the necessity of keeping away from juveniles. AI-Hasan Ibn
Zakwan said, "Do not be accustomed to sit with the wealthy men's kids since they are good looking like the virgin ladies. They might be more fascinating than women.”[12]
One of the earlier scholars also said, "I do not fear a beast of prey when attacking a devout young man.
I just fear a juvenile when sitting with him." More than that he said, 'A man should not sleep with a juvenile together." It is unlawful for a man as scholars argued, to stay alone with a juvenile in a house, a shop or a bathroom as in the case of men and women.
Among juveniles are those who may be more beautiful than women. He may be most fascinating. It is easy to justify what you do of evil with him than is with a woman. Therefore, such deep feelings are most likely unlawful. Numerous maxims of the early Muslims were postulated as warnings from keeping near of them.
Once, Sufyan Ath- Thawri entered a public bath and a handsome boy entered after him. Sufyan
said, "Get him out because whenever I see a woman I see a Devil but whenever I see a handsome boy I see a group of devils."
A man visited Imam Ahmad accompanied with a handsome boy. Imam Ahmad said, "Who is that?"
The man replied, "My nephew." Imam Ahmad said, "Do not come again with him. Nor should you walk with him lest the people who do not know you think something bad about you.
When the delegate of `Abdel-Qays came to the Prophet (pbuh) there was a handsome juvenile with
them. The Prophet (pbuh) made him sit behind his back and said,
"The trial of Dawud pertained to the gaze.”[13]
It was said that the look is message of adultery.
The Prophet (pbuh) said,
"Eye-looking is a poisonous arrow of Satan and whoever gives it up for the sake of Allah, he will feel the joys of Worship which will persist until the Day of Judgement.”[14]
5.0 SODOMY AND LESBIANISM
In more than one place in the Holy Quran, Allah recounts to us the story of Lot's people, and how He destroyed them for their wicked practice. There is consensus among both Muslims and the followers of all other religions that sodomy is an enormity. It is even viler and uglier than adultery.
أَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلذُّكۡرَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (١٦٥) وَتَذَرُونَ مَا خَلَقَ لَكُمۡ رَبُّكُم مِّنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِكُمۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ عَادُونَ (١٦٦)
Allah Most High says: "Do you approach the males of humanity, leaving the wives that Allah has created for you? But you are a people who transgress" Quran (26:165-66)
The Prophet (SAW)[15] said:
1) "Kill the one who sodomizes and the one who lets if be done to him." (Tirmidhi, a sahih (authentic) hadith)
2) "May Allah curse him who does that Lot's people did." (Ibn Hibban, sahih (authentic))
3) "Lesbianism by women is adultery between them." (Tabarani, sahih)"
6.0 The Punishment of Sodomites
Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) related that one day he found a sodomite committing such practice. Then, Abu Bakr consulted the other Companions (may Allah bless them all `Ali Ibn Abi Talib said, "This sin was only done by Lut (SAW) 's people and we knew how they were punished by Allah, the Almighty. I think he should be burnt." Therefore, Abu Bakr sent a message to Khalid ordering him to bum the sodomite. Then Khalid burnt him. "
'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Whoever allows someone else to fornicate with him, he will be addicted by the appetite of woman and will be an accursed Satan in his grave until the day of Judgement.”
It was related that Jesus, the son of Marry (pbuh), passed by a flaming fire burning a man when he was in a journey. Then, Jesus carried Some water to extinguish the fire. But, the fire turned into a boy and the man turned into fire. Surprisingly, Jesus said, "O Lord! May You return them back to life to ask them how they are? Allah then brought them to life. They were a man and a boy. Jesus asked them, "Who are you?" The man said, "O spirit of Allah, in the World I was afflicted by loving this boy and out of sexual excitement, I sodomized him. Later on when we died, we alternatively burned one another. This is Our torture until the Day of Judgement."
We seek Allah's refuge from His torture and ask His pardon, and for well-being and guidance to
What He loves and pleases.
Sodomy is also approaching a woman from the anus. This act is prohibited by Allah, the Almighty and
His Messenger (pbuh). Allah, the Almighty says,
نِسَآؤُكُمۡ حَرۡثٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ فَأۡتُواْ حَرۡثَكُمۡ أَنَّىٰ شِئۡتُمۡۖ وَقَدِّمُواْ لِأَنفُسِكُمۡۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّڪُم مُّلَـٰقُوهُۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ (٢٢٣)
{Your wives are as a tilth unto you so approach your tilth when or how ye will but do some good act for your souls before hand and fear Allah, and know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter) and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.} (AI-Baqarah: 223)
A husband can make vaginal intercourse with his wife regardless of the posture he takes (whether it be from the front or back). The reason for the revelation of this Ayah is that Jews said in the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh),
"Whenever a man makes vaginal intercourse from the back, the child will be born cross-eyed. The
Companions asked the Prophet (pbuh) about that. Accordingly, Allah revealed the aforementioned Ayah to refute them.”[16]
It was related that, "Accursed is he who approaches a woman from the anus or a fortune-teller. He who does such rejects what was revealed upon Muhammad (SAW)." Thus, he who approaches a woman from her anus or during the menstruation period is accursed and entails such severe torture as is the fortune teller.
Many ignorant people fall into such sins because of their poor knowledge. Abu Ad-Darda', therefore,
said, "Be either a scholar, a disciple, a listener or one who loves knowledge otherwise you will perish."
Therefore, we should repent to Allah for all our sins and faults, ask His pardon of our past ignorance, and soundness in what remains of our life span. O Allah! Grant us health and pardon in this world and the next. You are the Most Merciful.
7.0 Treatment of homosexuals within Islam
The evidence concerning the unlawfulness of homosexuality is seen by scholars to be a sinful and perverted deviation from the norm. All Islamic schools of thought and jurisprudence consider gay acts to be unlawful. They differ in terms of penalty:
1) The Hanafite school (currently seen mainly in South and Eastern Asia) teaches that no physical punishment is warranted.
2) The Hanabalites, (widely followed in the Arab world) teach that severe punishment is warranted.
3) The Sha'fi school of thought (also seen in the Arab world) requires a minimum of 4 adult male witnesses before a person can be found guilty of a homosexual act.
In general, that is to see what the Quran says about an issue, then the Hadith, and then the consensus of the scholars and the analogy can be made.
8.0 What is forbidden in Islam- Homosexuality or practicing Homosexuality?
The common concept for Muslim homosexuals is to commit suicide since they can't be punished for being homosexuals in a non-Islamic state, but two wrongs don't make one right. While homosexuality is wrong, it doesn't justify suicide under any conditions or circumstances.
1) Please know that if you ever commit suicide, you would have seriously misunderstood Islam and its spirit. If you were ever involved in sexual homosexual acts in the past, you should truly and sincerely repent to Allah, The Merciful, The Gracious, and pledge to Him never to get involved in any homosexual acts anymore.
2) Please note that there is a difference to actually being involved in a homosexual act -which is a sin - from having sexual feelings that you try to control, that you don't express in public, which is not sinful if you try to control them.
If medical or psychological counselling helps, then get it, but know that Allah is The Curer, and the Qur'an is your best companion. Give charity, pray, make Dua', and Allah will not leave you alone. You have got to believe in the infinite amount of Mercy Allah provides to His servants, and you should also realize that He forgives, if He wishes, all types of sins, except the sin of disbelieving in Him.
Don't lose hope! Fear Allah (S.W.T), ask Him for help earnestly, never give up, and do something to get rid of even the idea of homosexuality. Try to avoid all of the circumstances that trigger your homosexual feelings: don't get alone with an attractive man, always be in the company of others, don't get involved in deep / personal discussions with any person that you may think will trigger your homosexual feeling. Stay away from any other people who have similar feelings. Don't even think in such an idea of this subject, keep yourself busy in different useful thing, and stay away of anything that remind you of homosexuality. Keep a POSITIVE thinking in your mind and keep saying to yourself that you can do something about it. Don't ever say I can't. Remember with every step you are taking toward getting rid of this habit you are getting help and reward from Allah (S.W.T) and you are annoying the Shaytan.
Also for many Homosexual Muslims the concept of getting married is unappealing. Having this feeling should not prevent you from considering to get married in the future. You will discover that marriage is more than simply fulfilling your sexual needs... Your wife will insha'Allah bring you peace, tranquility, joy, security, and many other feelings that every human being needs, irrelevant of their "sexual partners". Also, while Muslims are not allowed to lie, you should keep this feeling to yourself and not share it with her or your parents for many reasons... Be patient and make it a lifelong struggle for yourself... You will see how rewarding it is at the end... Remember, there is in this world many compulsive gamblers, alcoholics, adulterers, thieves, but many of them control it and refrain from doing it... If they aren't Muslims and have the will to do it, you are a Muslim and you have Allah on your side when you seek His Help. There is no way you will fail insha'Allah...
9.0 Present day Homosexuality and what is Islamic Perspective
Homosexuality is, of course, not a new behavior. It has existed in practically all cultures and among all people, but usually in fewer numbers and in secrecy, not with an "in your face" attitude as it does in the west now. Unfortunately this is the reality of the times we live in, especially in the western societies, and we need to deal with it. The Homosexual, or the gay as they call themselves, in an attempt to polish their image, constitute a very active and powerful lobby group.
They now have an annually "Gay Pride Parade" in many US cities with full fledged TV coverage. A "Gay Pride Month" has been established in some school districts to remove bigotry and prejudice. Additionally, colleges and universities have a profound impact on the intellectual development of our young people. It is the time in their lives where new and independent thoughts are introduced, incubate, and develop. However, most of these institution are a bedrock of secular extremism and promote all other values except the divine ones. In these circles, it is politically and socially acceptable to talk about, promote and experiment with all behaviors, homosexuality included, but to discuss and further divine values is considered being close minded and narrow. The argument from some of the elites of these institutions is that we need to adhere to the separation of church and state, which has historical merit. In fact, it is obvious to most observers that what is meant is to take God out of the equation and confine Him to the walls of homes, mosques, churches, and synagogues only. We, the youths and the parents, all need to be aware of these trends so as to enable us to develop an effective way to deal with these issues and inoculate ourselves against harmful behaviors. This is a summary of our study of the homosexual movement that we undertook to try and understand various movements, religious and those based on other various causes, that have succeeded to transform themselves from being the abhorred or persecuted groups to becoming key players in the American society. Homosexual movement is one of them, the others are the Irish Catholics, the Quakers, etc. The reason for providing the background information here is to first to come to grips with the sophisticated nature of the problem, and know who we and our youths are dealing with. The second is to enable us to formulate an effective response to it.
9.1 What is Islam's view of homosexuality?
There is no doubt that in Islam homosexuality is considered 'sinful'. Homosexuality as far as Islam is concerned is a profound mistake (as are all sins if they are not intending to do wrong). Humans are not homosexuals by nature. People become homosexuals because of their environments. Particularly critical is the environment during puberty. Suggestions, ideas & strange dreams are symptoms of confused attempts to understand new and blunt sexual desires and are rashly interpreted as defining someone as being one sexuality or another. If these conclusions are accompanied by actual homosexual acts they are even more strongly reinforced.
Human instincts can be subjected to acts of will. Sexuality is a choice of identity which follows choices of action which follow from choices of what to have sexual fantasies about. Human beings are especially able to control their thoughts, entertaining some and dismissing others.
It has been suggested that homosexuality is genetically inherited and that those who have this 'predisposition' are victims of it not sinners of any sort. However, there are other things which are probably genetically influenced to give predispositions to for example gambling or alcoholism .It could also be argued (and has been) that it is programmed into men's genetics for them to be unfaithful to their partner. All these things don't make it the right thing to do, nor does it prevent these things from being regarded as sinful. Drinking alcohol will still be regarded as sinful in Islam even if you have a predisposition to be an alcoholic. The trick as every post alcoholic will tell you is never touch another drop after you quit - it is a long slippery slope - your life is better without it. Once a certain desire is connected to your identity strongly and you get in some way hooked on it, it will always be easy to return to it - you are unable to forget the satisfaction. The difficult task is remembering the bad side of the desire, such as hangovers, lost money, self loathing or a simply sense of loss because of what you missed out on. But if you are to change for the better, you must remember this and the past desires you bound up with your identity can become disconnected from what you choose to become.
9.2 Finally what does Islam say about homosexuality[17]?
Islam teaches that homosexual acts are sinful and punishable by God. This teaching comes not from human beings, but from the Creator of all humans. God tells us in His own words how He punished the people of Lot for their homosexual behaviour.
The story of Prophet Lot (SAW), on whom be peace, finds mention in several Qur'anic passages, especially Chapter 26:160-175 which reads: "The people of Lut (SAW) rejected the apostles. Behold, their brother Lut (SAW) said to them: "Will ye not fear (God)? "I am to you an apostle worthy of all trust. "So fear God and obey me. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the lord of the Worlds. "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, "And leave those whom God has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" They said: "If thou desist not, O Lut (SAW) ! thou wilt assuredly be cast out!" He said: "I do detest your doings." "O my Lord! Deliver me and my family from such things as they do!" So We delivered him and his family,- all Except an old woman who lingered behind. But the rest We destroyed utterly. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most Merciful."
From these passages we learn that God saved Prophet Lot (SAW) and the righteous ones of his family, and rained on the rest a shower of brimstone, so they were utterly destroyed. This is mentioned in the Qur'an not only for the sake of information, but mainly to serve as a warning to anyone who dares to repeat such acts.
10.0 Conclusion
Allah condemns homosexuality explicitly in the Qur'an: "Do you approach the males of humanity, leaving the wives Allah has created for you? Nay, You are a people who transgress." (26:165-166).
It is the sin of the people of Lut (SAW) and its Arabic word is Lutiyya. Liwat is the word for sodomy, under which heading the topic of homosexuality is found in the books of fiqh. Under shari`a both the (same-sex) sodomizer and sodomized are passable of death. The laws of other religions were similar until not so long ago. The Companions considered it so abhorrent that they subjected the culprits to burning, an extreme punishment not meted out for any other offense. As for lesbianism, the Prophet, blessings and Peace upon him said that it consisted in zina (adultery) and so it is subject to the same ruling as zina, which is death for the married, and lashes for the unmarried. Our relaxed attitude in this day and age is purely a product of the times in which we live, where morals have been completely liquefied so that we no longer know the difference between black and white so to speak. If someone was covered with dirt from head to toes and insists that it is his way of life, we would not keep company with them for one second. What about someone who insists on his transgression when even the shari`a of Jews and Christians explicitly condemn it?
May Allah guide you and me to be sincere in our intentions and to perfect our deeds!
May Allah guide you and me to the straightforward path, for He is Most Bounteous, Most Generous? Praise be to Allah the Lord of all worlds.
May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family and all his Companions!
We ask Allaah to make us and you steadfast.
Assembled by Abba Abana, FCE,
Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria
Dated 23rd February 2013
[1] Did you download or photocopied ‘’Avoid 70 Major Sins’’ series 1 - 9 and 10? In Shaa Allahu, Our planned mission is to get all 70 Major Sins separately/sequentially via email to brothers/sisters for their archives/families/friends etc.
[3]Reported by At- Tirmidhi,
[6]Reported by Ibn Hajar Al-Haithami on the authority of Abu Hurairah in Majma Al-Zawa`id.
[8]It is subsumed under weak hadiths.
