Homosexuality
Cont’d from page 2
God gives human beings freedom of religion (Quran 2:256; 18:29).
We cannot take that away from them. Instead, we can inform them
of God’s teachings and invite and debate in the best possible
manner (Quran 16:125).
Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,”
then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve.
We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that will completely
surround them. When they scream for help, they will be given a liquid
like concentrated acid that scalds the faces. What a miserable drink!
What a miserable destiny! [Quran 18:29]
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You shall invite to the
path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate
with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who
has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided
ones. [Quran 16:125]
Perhaps the question of social oppression is easier to understand
in light of other prohibitions by God. Since homosexuality is referred
to as an abomination (Leviticus 18:22, Quran 7:80-81), let us examine
a few other sins termed as abominations.
O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and
the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of
the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. [Quran 5:90] |
Of these, idol-worship is the most deadly
sin, and the only unforgivable offence (Quran 4:48, 116) if maintained
until death. Intoxicants, gambling and games of chance are also
listed as abominations, as is eating food upon which the name of
God is not mentioned (Quran 6:121). However, those who commit these
sins are not persecuted by society. Instead their judgment is left
to God.
To conclude, we observe that same-sex marriages and homosexuality
are prohibited by God’s religions. This is made clear in the
Old Testament, New Testament and the Final Testament (Quran).
Faiz C.
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Dealing with homosexual tendencies
There is conflicting evidence as to whether there is a human
gene which predisposes a person to homosexuality. I believe
there is, because of my own personal experience. I believe
the gene is the same as genes that predispose people to certain
addictions. Two people may drink the same amount of alcohol,
yet one will become alcoholic and the other will simply be
a heavy drinker. The heavy drinker, as things change in his
life and he becomes older and more settled, will likely slow
down his consumption, and may even stop altogether. The alcoholic
will consume more and more, until the alcohol becomes the
most important thing in his life. With help from an organization
like AA, he may be able to stop drinking and turn his life
around, but he will always be an alcoholic; the addiction
will always be part of him.
I think the same thing exists with “sexual preference.”
Most of my fellow Muslims would probably disagree, but I say
this because I believe that I have that predisposition.
So, does that mean I am a lesbian? Yes and no. I think that,
had God not saved me, that’s where I would be now—in
a destructive, difficult, unhealthy lifestyle. But God did
save me. He taught me right from wrong, weakness from strength.
God condemns homosexuality. Not mildly, but strongly. He calls
it an abomination [Editor’s note: see Quran 7:80, 29:28,
etc.].
So why would God incline certain people toward a lifestyle
that’s destructive and goes against His commands? It’s
a test. The same as the alcoholic or the drug addict or the
compulsive gambler. All of those addictions are against God’s
commands, yet it’s recognized that those addictions
are part of a person’s genetic makeup. The alcoholic
can choose not to drink; the drug addict can choose not to
snort cocaine; the gambler can choose not to bet. I can choose
not to participate in the lesbian lifestyle. And I do choose
that, because of God’s mercy in showing me the right
way. I thank Him every day that He showed me the Truth and
gave me the strength to say, “Yes, I’m a homosexual,
but I choose not to practice something that will hurt my soul.”
God doesn’t condemn homosexuals, anymore than He condemns
alcoholics. He condemns the actions, and rewards those who
fight and pass the test. It’s turned out to be an easy
test for me. I don’t need sexual acts of any kind to
make me a whole woman. I just need God. And I know that He
is there for me.
Evah
[Ed.’s note: Evah's story is taken from the book Women's
Rights, The Quran And Islam by Lisa Spray (ISBN
0-9714813-3-4). This book can be ordered through ICS/Masjid
Tucson. See our catalog at http://www.masjidtucson.org/catalog/index.html |
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