The Straight Struggle

While a good summary of Islamic rulings, as explained by possibly the greatest living scholar, this section raises questions while attempting to answer them.

The word “homosexuality” is used in translation, but which words did Dr. Qaradawi use in Arabic? Do we find a word exactly equivalent to “homosexuality” in the Qur’an or Sunnah? The Qur’anic passages quoted all refer to the actions of the people of Sodom, not their “orientation”. One sentence from which we can see that the respected sister has confused the two concepts is: “Their actions are described as a wild intoxication, which can be, by no means, an explanation of something one is naturally born with.” Surely we do not say that someone is born with certain actions?

Similarly, she says: “As for the claims of some that homosexuality is a normal disposition in some people, Dr. Qaradawi explains: ‘This sin was not described before the People of Lut.’” So, we go from asking about a “disposition” to answering in terms of a “sin”. However, we know that Allah does not punish people on the basis of their temptations or simply due to the way they are. Rather, He (SWT) judges mankind based on what they do.

So what is going on here? I believe Sr. Nadia is displaying a misconception that is so widespread that very few people nowadays question it. Even many of the most learned people seem to have missed the point somewhat, which is why their answers to questions about homosexuality often seem to be harsh or unfeeling. This misconception has become entrenched in the modern mind due to a persistent effort on the part of homosexualist campaigners and the media.

What am I talking about? My research so far has shown the following:

1. There is no equivalent word to “homosexuality” in the Islamic sources.
2. Even in the English language, terms like “sexuality” and “sexual orientation” did not appear until fairly recently.

Even an article hosted on the site of the Al-Fatiha Foundation, the most notorious “Gay Muslim” group, admits the following: “The only ayat and the only hadith that mention same-sex acts, mind you they are actual sex, not the identity of being gay (which is a very new and Western phenomenon, and a discussion for another time)…” [Emphasis mine]

By using this terminology we are falling into a trap – the word “homosexuality” carries with it the burden of a philosophy alien to Islam, which I call “orientationism”. It is inaccurate to say that "Islam forbids homosexuality" because Islam does not recognise that concept. Instead, there are at least three main concepts related to "homosexuality" that we can evaluate in the light of the Shari'ah:

1.  Sexual attraction to members of the same sex.

2.  Sodomy and other sexual acts between members of the same sex.

3.  Gender-blurring lifestyles, e.g. effeminate men.

Therefore, we should discuss whether a person is held accountable for the attractions they are faced with, and if so, which attractions are acceptable. We should discuss whether sexually-charged acts, such as passionate kissing or anal intercourse, are permissible between members of the same sex. We should discuss how a man should behave and how a woman should behave, for example in dress. There are also related issues that could be addressed.

[Please see Identifying a Homosexual... for more discussion of this subject.]

VOCALISATION OF SEXUAL PREFERENCES

This is a very important topic for the “Gay Muslims” to wise up to. They may claim all sorts of things about what Islam does or does not allow, but they must still, if they are sincere, follow the guidelines of modesty that Allah (SWT) has taught us.

I have read various outrageous things such as a man explaining his liking a particular Muslim scholar partly because he finds him handsome, and people discussing what illicit acts they wish to perform to each other, followed by the words “insha-allah”! (And we seek refuge in Allah from these actions.)

If these people are sincere in their belief that homosexual relationships are allowed in Islam, they should still not transgress and disregard the rest of the Islamic morals. Otherwise, they will demonstrate that they have no real care for Allah’s law, and they call themselves Muslims just for a joke. The Prophet (SAW) said that the defining characeteristic of Islam is MODESTY.

HOMOSEXUALITY-RELATED RESEARCH

In the beginning, Sr. Nadia states that “homosexuality is a matter of choice”. If we define “homosexuality” as a sexual orientation, a definition implied in the very term itself, then surely it cannot be described as a choice. People are free, of course, to choose whether or not to perform various actions.

We must acknowledge that the vast majority of people who feel same-sex attractions (SSAs) do not do so out of any choice. If anything, most of them would much prefer not to feel that way, as a “heterosexual” (also a loaded term!) life would work out much simpler, especially as a Muslim, and in a Muslim community.

We should stop talking about “orientation”. Muslims who have SSAs should understand that Satan is working on them, and inviting them to sin. They should reject his call and turn to Allah. Surely He is the best Guide and the Most Merciful.

Understanding the role of Satan does not preclude other explanations, e.g. biological or psychological. We need to look into the possible causes of a person’s preference towards the same sex. If this will lead to a person’s “cure”, then all the better. If not, then the person must strive against the lower desires of his/her soul.

CONCLUSION

I shall conclude my comments here, as the rest of Sr. Nadia’s compilation, while interesting and important, would require a completely different sort of scrutiny from that which I have been attempting here.

I ask that Allah blesses the sister for her efforts, and increases us all in knowledge, understanding, love and mercy towards each other, and guides us on His Straight Way, ameen.

AFTERWORD

The following is excerpted from Dr. El-Awady's reply to me:

Dear Brother Mujahid,

I thank you very much for your comments and am very much interested in hearing more.  

It seems I did, unknowingly and ignorantly, fall into a trap without realizing it!  The word homosexuality is the one used in the English language and the one I used in the article.  The word used by Dr. Qaradawi was, of course, not homosexuality.  The word he used was "shuzooz" which might be translated to "perversion" or "deviation".  I never once thought to correctly translate that word to its exact English equivalent.  Instead I used the word most commonly used in the West.  I apologize for that mistake.

My attempt to cover the issue was out of a realization that it has not been properly discussed amongst Muslims as of yet.  I am no expert on the issue. [...] Again, I thank you for your input and encourage more.

Nadia