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Question:
I have two questions about homosexuality. What is the adab (Islamic manner) of talking about it amongst Muslims? Is it something we should feel comfortable discussing freely, or is it something we should avoid? Also what is the adab for dealing with homosexuals? Is the sin that grave, that we should disassociate ourselves from them? Or can we remain friends with them
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Answer:
Homosexual behavior is sinful and shameful. In Islamic terminology it is called "al-fahsha'" (an atrocious and obscene act). Islam teaches that believers should neither do the obscene acts, nor in any way indulge in their propagation. Allah says, "Those who love (to see) obscenity published broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows, and you know not. (al-Noor 24:19) Normally Muslims avoid such discussions in public discourse, because we know that sometimes evil is spread by its discussion also. When people hear a wrong and sinful act mentioned repeatedly, they get used to it and then slowly it looses its disgusting effect on their minds and souls.
But now a days this evil is every where. There are agencies and lobby groups that are working hard to propagate it and to make it as an acceptable and legitimate lifestyle. For this reason it is important that we should speak against it. We should warn our youth and children about the evil of this lifestyle. We should make it very clear that it is Haram and absolutely forbidden. It kindles the wrath and anger of Allah.
The word "homosexuality" is a neutral word. It does not convey its pejorative and sinful nature. This word is used now a days as if it were just another type of normal sexual behavior. In the Islamic literature, however, it is always referred to with its negative connotations. In modern Arabic literature it is called "Shudhudh" which means "abnormality". In our Fiqh literature it is referred to as the "Behavior of the People of Lut" ('amal qawmi Lut). This immediately reminds a person that this is something bad and it may bring the punishment of Allah. Once our minds get used to this idea then we develop a natural abhorrence towards this behavior. Furthermore when Muslims discuss this or similar Haram acts, they often say, "A'adhana Allah min dhalik" (May Allah protect us from this). This is the Adab that we should use when talk about it. We should call this behavior with its negative title and we should ask Allah's protection from it when we speak about it.
As far your second question about how should we deal with those who are homosexuals? We should deal with them in the same way as we deal with any people who are involved in sinful behavior. How do we deal with the alcoholics, gamblers or adulterers? We dislike their acts and we remind them and warn them. Those who insist on this lifestyle, consider it legitimate and feel "gay pride", we should not associate with them and should not take them as friends. We should certainly avoid those people. If we see a person who has committed this sin and wants to repent then we should help that person as much as we can to get out of this evil. We should not leave him/her to the temptations of Devil. |
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