This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/447

Queer Jihad vs.Islam - Muslim 'civil rights' organisations condemn homosexuality as "abnormal human act"

February 18, 2005

MIM: Muslims claim that Islam is welcoming (when it comes to recruiting converts), and American Muslim groups are attempting to spread Islam by falsely stating they want people to learn about their religion in the name of 'diversity' 'tolerance' and 'understanding'. A look at the Islamic view on homosexuality, through fatwas and the statements of the heads of major US Islamic Centers and organisations, proves that far from being the benign, tolerant, 'religion of peace' Islam has a very strict code of conduct regarding interaction between Muslims and non Muslims .

One of the most glaring negations of Muslims claims that they are in favor of tolerance, diversity and human rights, is their stance on homosexuality.

Besides groups set up by Muslim homosexuals, every organisation condemns homosexuality and states that "a painful human punishment (will be their lot) as well as severe painful punishment in the hereafter".

The information below was taken from Islamic websites and was written by well known Islamic scholars and leaders of the Muslim community. Some, as in the case of Muzzamil Siddiqui,former president of ISNA (The Islamic Society of North America ) head of the Islamic Center of Orange County California, likes to present himself as a moderate.

".... M. Siddiqui observes:

Since God condemns homosexuality, then we have to believe that a man or a woman with homosexual feelings is expected to behave like any other human being and follow God's laws if he/she truly believes in them. He/she shall resist his/her feelings, maintain abstinence, use all available resources of help including medical, social, and behavioral therapies to overcome their behavior and feelings. They should pray to God to help them getting over it and submit to God's law that sees homosexuality as gross sin" ("Homosexuality and Islam," www.submission.org/sex/homosexuality.html)..."

"...The Hadith literature is even more explicit in its condemnation of homosexuality. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have commanded, "Kill them [homosexuals] wherever you find them" (www.gay.net/cruise/home_queerjihad_000201.html)..."

"...Another hadith observes "Lut's [Lot] people did kill the one who's doing it, and kill the one it's being done to" (gaytoday.badpuppy.com/garchive/world/010600wo.htm).

The hadith literature also observes, "Homosexuals should be thrown off the tops of high buildings or cliffs" and "you should drive them (effeminate men or masculine women) from your homesand families"..." (gaytoday.badpuppy.com/garchive/world/010600wo.htm).

http://bcis.pacificu.edu/journal/2002/03/islam.php

The fatwa on the Islamic view of homosexuality which was published on Islamonline (se below ) was written by among others Taher Jaber Al Alwani is head of the GIISS,Graduate School of Islamic Social Sciences, an institution under investigation for ties to terrorism funding and Yusuf Qaradawi, a cleric based in Qatar who issued a fatwa stating that women should fulfill their religous obligations in Islam by becoming suicide bombers. Qaradawi is a trustee of MAS - the Muslim American Society, (MAS/ICNA) one of the largest Muslim organisations in North America.

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MIM: The 'mission statement of Queer Jihad' one of several Muslim homosexual organisations.

http://www.well.com/user/queerjhd/aboutqj.htm

What is Queer Jihad?

Queer Jihad is the queer Muslim struggle for acceptance: first, the struggle to accept ourselves as being exactly the way Allah has created us to be; and secondly, the struggle for understanding among Muslims in general.

'Jihad' is a misunderstood word: it means to struggle, to endeavor. Traditionally, the first and most important jihad is the struggle with one's self, one's nafs, one's selfish desires, the struggle to do good, to be good, to put into practice the beliefs and values we claim to possess. 'Queer jihad' is our own struggle with sexuality, with accepting it and dealing with it, and moving on, but it is also an endeavor to provide knowledge and foster understanding within the larger community.

Queer Jihad is not a formal organisation: it's an idea. We have no mosques; we are not a movement; we request no donations, neither do we accept them. We are not funded by any government or organisation.

We are interested in the spiritual lives of gay and lesbian Muslims, and other queer Muslims. We are interested in encouraging queer people to remain true to their Creator, to grapple with the issues, to come to terms with who they are in whatever manner and fashion they are capable of doing so.

The issue of Islam and homosexuality is complicated and there are no easy answers. If we can begin to talk about ourselves and share our experiences and ways of coping, we will have made a start in the right direction.

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MIM: A review of the show "Allah Made Me Funny" reveals anti homosexual Muslim attitudes. The group, whose repetoire also includes jokes about suicide bomging and plane hijackings, claims that their show is meant to 'build bridges and increase tolerance'. http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/291

Scenes : Unveiling Homophobia

BY JON KAPLAN and GLENN SUMI

Caught the final performance of Allah Made Me Funny , the Official Muslim Comedy Tour at Yuk's Downtown. What began as a refreshing and diverse comedy night – it's rare to see one Muslim, let alone five, on a mainstream comedy stage – turned into a display of bigotry..."

"...But headliner Preacher Moss ended his set with several unfunny anti-gay comments – you couldn't call them jokes – that wrecked the night and made everyone's pleas for acceptance and seeing beyond stereotypes seem hypocritical.

Moss claimed homosexuals are "like Visa, everywhere I want to be," dismissed gay rights with an impression of a man cooing, "I have a dream, too!" in reaction to Martin Luther King's civil rights speech, and implied that gay men like the prostrate Muslim praying stance and wear the hijab.

Two steps forward, three back.

NOW | JUN 3 - 9, 2004

http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2004-06-03/stage_scenes.php

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The website of the American Muslim Association of North America - illustrates how how a Muslim organisation whose logo proclaims"Islam honors human and civil rights we honor them too!" also lists the civil rights groups affiliations of its' director, Sofian Abdelaziz Zakkout. At the same the AMANA website boasts essays such as the one below entitled " Homosexuality is not O.K " which highlights the true position on homosexuality according to Islam.

In a perversely amusing twist the author of the essay complains that homosexuals "Shield themselves with the Greatest Nations constitution" and criticises the fact that they are accepted because "it is a free country" and that "the American public has no choice but to accept them and their deadly act". http://al-amana.org/article.php?id=51

http://al-amana.org/aboutus.php

AMANA IS THE CENTER FOR REACHING & PREACHING"
Director's Message
Islam honors human & civil rights! We honor them too! (The Director of AMANA).

Homosexuality is not O.K.
Warning Dear Parents Warning


They try to convince our children to accept the Idea of this Disease, they try to convince our children to feel comfortable with this "Abnormal Human Act".

They started to come out from the hide with a proud feeling that it is to honor to come out and say, "I am gay, or I am lesbian, and I am bi and others are not in fashion yet."

After they shield themselves with the Greatest Nation's constitution and after they feel that they are accepted by the "It is a free country," slogan, then the second stage they started to come back with a disease created by God, especially for them, asking the American public to accept them whether they like it or not.

The American public does not have no choice but to say O.K. "we are going to support them, and their deadly act."

The third stage they started to come public for their rights, which they were born with anyhow by being US citizen's in the first place.

The forth stage they started to force themselves on the society claiming that we must get to know them better by accepting them as a human with normal acts. If not we might end up in a court of law.
Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) before 1400 years ago said: "Whenever you find in a society the act of homosexuality you will find disease and death."

Also, if you go to Jordan you will find "The DEAD SEA", And the story of the people of Prophet Loot (Louk), peace be upon him and what Allah (GOD) did to them because they insisted upon practice the abnormal Human Act. Allah sent them the Deadly Wind and ordered Angel Jibril (Gabriel) to fly with one of his wings under the cities of these sinful people to turn them upside down and Allah kept The DEAD SEA till today and will stay to the day of Judgement for the people to learn and to witness how great the sin of homosexuality is.

Also, I would like to mention that you can find the full story in the Qur'an, and the non-Muslims can check in both the Jewish scriptures and the Bible.

If somebody commits a sin it will be for our Creator to judge and to punish. But we have the right not to be forced to accept any religion, any social cultural, language, style of living etc

Dear parents we are obligated to teach our children what is right and wrong and why. We are obligated to teach our children the stories of the Prophets. We do not want to leave our children to get brain washed by someone who are saying to God that "the People of prophet Loot (Louk) were O.K. and Homosexuality is O.K. as well.

Next stage they will tell our children that Homosexuality is O.K. and everybody should try it, and the proof is that they are all around the TV children shows, and the cartoons and children books.

We pray that every sinful person go back to his creator and try to ask for forgiveness before it is too late and be guided. And if not, they should keep low profile about their abnormal human activities.
Post Date: 2002-11-10 News Source

MIM: Ironically AMANA devotes an entire webpage for "any case of discrimination against you" and brags that the director of AMANA, Sofian Abdelaziz Zakkout is serving as amember of the Florida State Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights (!)

http://al-amana.org/complaint.php

In case of any discrimination against you, please fill out this form and submit it. If you feel that your application to rent an apartment or to apply for a job was rejected due to your race, religion or color, if you feel that someone mistreated you or refused to give services due to your race or color please report it. Report your claim against any one, any company, any private or public agency or government office. The Director of AMANA is serving as a member in the Florida State Advisory Committee (FL SAC) to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, USCCR.

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Islam's Stance on Homosexual Organizations

Date of Fatwa 17/ May/ 2004
Date of Reply 17/ May/ 2004
Topic Of Fatwa Homosexuality

Question of Fatwa

http://www.islamonline.net/fatwa/english/FatwaDisplay.asp?hFatwaID=72432

As-Salaam `Alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh!

I do not know whether you've heard about an announcement of establishing a sexually stray organization consisting of gays and lesbians who claim affiliation to Islam. Its ideas are disseminated and promoted by means of their site on the World Wide Web.
Some of the affiliates and sustainers of this organization allege that there is no proof in the Qur'an that forbids this sort of sexual conduct and that those who engage in such activities are excused because this issue is dependent on the genetic make-up of humans. Furthermore, they engage in these activities with mutual consent of both parties without any coercion or harm. They argue that some other religions have permitted their followers (who have this orientation) to establish places of worship specifically for themselves. This group claims that it is permissible for them to establish special masjids for themselves whereby one of their members can act as an Imam. This way they can satisfy their spiritual needs after satisfying their need for homosexual conduct.

What is the position of Islam on this conduct? And what is Shari'ah verdict on this affair? And is it true that some Muslim scholars do not view stray sexual conduct as a crime detested by the Shari'ah or punishable by Islamic law? Benefit us, may Allah have mercy on you.
Name of Mufti Dr. Taha Jaber Al-`Alwani
Content of Reply Wa `Alaykum As-Salaam Waramatullah Wabarakatuh!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

All thanks and praise are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


Dear brother in Islam, thanks for posing this question, which reflects your great concern about Islam and your keenness to get acquainted with the teachings of this noble religion. May Allah Almighty help us all stick firm on the Right Path, Ameen!

As for your question, it should be clear that homosexuality is sinful and shameful. In Islamic terminology it is called 'Al-Fahsha' or 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-Nur: 19)

Dr. Taha Jaber Al-`Alwani, President of the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences and President of the Fiqh Council, states:

"Before we elucidate the details of the Shari'ah verdict on this conduct we would like to mention what is stated in the Noble Qur'an about it and about the people who engage in this activity as well as what befalls them of painful worldly punishment before the severe punishment of the Hereafter.

The intent here is to show the great deception placed by those who allege that the Qur'an does not find this homosexual crime reprehensible. Allah, the Almighty, says: "We also (sent) Lut: 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.' And his people gave no answer but this: they said, ‘Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!' But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who legged behind. And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime!" (Al-Araf: 80-84)

Allah also says: "(We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, ‘Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)?' Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, ‘Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!' But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind. And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)" (Al-Naml: 54-58)

Almighty Allah also says: "(And (remember) Lut: 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 Allah if thou tellest the truth.' He said: ‘O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!' When Our Messengers came to Abraham with the good news, they said: ‘We are indeed going to destroy the people of this township: for truly they are (addicted to) crime.' He said: ‘But there is Lut there.' They said: ‘Well do we know who is there: we will certainly save him and his following-except his wife: she is of those who lag behind!' And when Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account, and felt himself powerless (to protect) them: but they said: ‘Fear thou not, nor grieve: we are (here) to save thee and thy following, except thy wife: she is of those who lag behind. For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a Punishment from heaven, because they have been wickedly rebellious.' And We have left thereof an evident Sign, for any people who (care to)understand." (Al- Ankaboot:28-35)

In all of these glorious verses, Allah, the Almighty, revealed the actions of the people of Lut with the term "abominable" [lewd, atrocious] and their village were named as villages that committed "wickedness". Furthermore it is known that the word "fahisha" (abominable) in this context means the act of adultery and the actions committed by the people of Lut of (male) sodomy and (female) lesbianism.

These groups claim that these verses do not indicate that this type of sexual conduct is prohibited but merely discouraged. They claim that if this conduct had been prohibited the Qur'an would have stipulated explicitly a legal punishment for such an affair and therefore the lack of any text that stipulates a punishment for such conduct shows that it is something allowed.

But a necessary connection between legal punishment on the one hand and something being prohibited on the other hand is not an accurate observation because (as we know) polytheism is a grave injustice and it is considered the greatest sin by Allah, despite this there is no Shari'ah statute or legal punishment that can be applied to polytheists whether they are Magians, cow worshipers or any other polytheists. Thus a punishment is one thing and an action being sinful is another thing.

In fact, great sins like that of Lut's people are often punished in the Hereafter because its punishment is greater than this worldly punishment and the humiliation of the Hereafter is greater than the humiliation in this world. Furthermore, punishment in the Hereafter, like entering the Hell-Fire and incurring Allah's curse - may Allah save us from it - and the banishment from Allah's mercy, is more harmful and burdensome than any other worldly punishment.

The scholars of this Ummah are in agreement and have reached consensus - based on what has been revealed in the Qur'an and what has been authenticated in the Prophetic Tradition (Sunnah)- on prohibiting both behaviors (gayness and lesbianism) because in each of two actions there is an assault on the humanity of a person, destruction of the family and a clash with aims of the Lawgiver, one of which is the establishment of sexual instincts between males and females so as to encourage the institution of marriage.

Islam does not view sexual desire as the main aim of marriage; for marriage is a means to acquire tranquility and to actualize the love and mercy between spouses. Furthermore, it is a means for the survival of human kind and fostering a web of sound relations that aid in building sound families that constitute the smallest units for the society at large; this healthy society being the final aim of Islam.

Actually, humans are not animals controlled by their sexual instincts, answering the call of sexual desires every time it is aroused in them. Rather, it is their responsibility to know how they can orient this craving, which is a trust Allah has implemented in them, both male and female, in addition to the will and power to choose, a blessing Allah has bestowed on humans; all this is what distinguishes them from the rest of the creatures in that they orient their conduct and do what is good.

So, viewing (material) desires as aims in themselves is a deviation from one's natural disposition and a departure from the natural order. If the trend in the West is to legalize this conduct, it should be noted that such things did not materialize until after religious values had been diluted and had been changed to relative values that glorify individuality and make pleasures as an end and aim.

Furthermore the confusion about the concept of the Hereafter and other issues gives rise to confusion about sexuality and hence the occurrence of this anarchy; From here covetousness and greed arose to push for the establishment of numerous industries built for the purpose of stirring up passions such as sexual tourism, the making of lewd films, the promotion of sexually gratifying instruments and other things. The result is the destructions of the concept of family and its values and confusion arose about appropriate kinds of relationships between males and females to the point that we see families being formed from two males or two females.

In their commentaries on Allah's words: "If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful" (An-Nisa:15-16), some scholars have stated that the meaning of the expression "Al-lati" (in the verse) is Lesbians who practice deviant conduct amongst themselves and the meaning of the expression " Al-ladhani" in the verse is homosexuals who practice this conduct amongst themselves; and their punishment being through words and action.

In Hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarifies the gravity of this abomination by saying: "Allah curses the one who does the actions of the people of Lut" repeating it three times; and he said in another Hadith: " If a man comes upon a man then they are both adulterers"

Here, he considered homosexuality tantamount to adultery in relation to the Shari'ah punishments because it is an abomination on the one hand and the definition of adultery applies to it on the other hand. It has also been narrated from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) that this crime deserves severe punishment more than that of adultery to insure its deterrence and restraint. Verily, the punishment here is the burning of both homosexuals (the actor and acted upon) or stoning them with rocks till death because Allah Most High stoned the people of Lut after demolishing their village.

As for lesbians, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said about them: "If a woman comes upon a woman, they are both Adulteresses". The scholars mentioned that it is incumbent on the authority to enact a reprimand on lesbians that is fitting to the crime committed.

It is true that some of the scholars disagreed with these punishments not because of doubt that these actions constitute a crime, but because of a lack of divine textual stipulation for a worldly punishment. But the actions of the Prophet's Companions do indicate that in fact this crime has a worldly punishment, to be carried out by those in authority among the Muslims. The story of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq when Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed wrote to him on this matter is famous and can be referenced in many sources.

[The story referred to above goes as follows:

"In his book Fat-h al-Qadir, the famous Hanafi scholar, Ibn al-Humam states:

"Al-Bayhaqi reported in his book Shu`ab al-Iman on the authority of Abu ad-Dunya that Abd al-`Aziz ibn Abi Hazim related from Dawud ibn Bakr who related from Muhammad ibn al-Mukadir the following:

"Khalid Ibn al-Walid wrote to Abu Bakr [seeking the legal ruling] concerning a man with whom another man had sexual intercourse. Thereupon, Abu Bakr gathered the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and sought their opinion. `Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, was the strictest of all, saying, 'Only one nation disobeyed Allah by committing such sin and you know how Allah dealt with them. I see that we should burn the man with fire.' The Companions unanimously agreed on this." This incident is also mentioned by al-Waqidi under the subject of apostasy at the end of the section on the apostasy of Bani Salim.]

In brief, verily this conduct, whether it comes from two males or females, is considered an abomination and a crime. Therefore, what these lewd people allege is not accepted by Islam at all and is rejected completely. Moreover, the fact that some religious groups, due to being pressured, have allowed their followers to engage in this conduct cannot be considered as justification for prohibited actions. There is precedence in history of some people changing their religions by adding and subtracting from them. As for Islam, it is unequivocal in this matter, for it does not accept any bargaining in any situation whatsoever.

The Muslim needs to take precautions against these deviants and not to give them any opportunity to mix with and corrupt their children. Furthermore, they are neither fit to establish masajid and frequent them, nor are they fit to lead those who frequent the masjid whomever they may be. More importantly for them is to seek a cure for themselves from their own illness, to purify their souls from whatever filthiness became attached to it, and return to a sound path instead of mocking and ridiculing the sentiments of Muslims."

You can also read:

How to Give Up Homosexuality

Homosexuality and Lesbianism: Sexual Perversions

Homosexuality: The Nature of Perversion

Allah Almighty knows best.

Homosexuality and Lesbianism: Sexual Perversions
Date of Fatwa 17/ May/ 2004
Date of Reply 17/ May/ 2004
Topic Of Fatwa Homosexuality
Question of Fatwa In a recent TV show, some lesbians and gays appeared and the announcer said that we should show some more respect to the feelings and behavior of others. He further commented that we should know how to live together and accept others. Myself, I was stunned by such words and could not utter a word. Please enlighten me on Islam's stance and reply to such deviation.
Name of Mufti Group of Muftis
Content of Reply In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

All thanks and praise are due to Allah and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


Dear brother in Islam, may Allah bless you for this great love for your religion and search for true knowledge and purity in a world where perversion has become the norm and immorality has spread like wild fire.

In the first place, we would like to make it clear that sexual perversion—homosexuality and lesbianism—finds a great resort and refuge in the Western countries where it is accepted and legalized by the laws of these countries that put man in a position even worse than animals under the pretext of protecting human rights.

In such countries that credit civilization and progress to itself, those people are free to establish their own unions, clubs and forums where they can gather together to discuss their problems and work for further forms of perversion and deviation.

To accept such ignominies as a substitute for the natural human relation between males and females is no more than a big leap towards chaos and following animal instincts. The outcome of accepting such manias will be no less than more destruction, disgrace and degradation brought to the face of mankind.

This act of accepting such perversion is a fierce attack against the rights of women and deep involvement in filthiness.

In his book Problems of Young People: Suggested Solutions Versus Islamic Ones, Dr. `Abbas Mahgoub, states:

"Sexual perversion (homosexuality and lesbianism) can be traced back to the following reasons:

1- The lack of that kind of education that is based on a genuine flexible understanding of Islam. Such an understanding should be free from suppression, compulsion or depression. Due to the widespread misconception that all kinds of contacts between members of the opposite sex are sinful, there is a big sensitivity in this regard.

2- The bad friends who come from different age stages and exchange the social and spiritual emptiness.


3- The lack of proper sex education that informs young men and women about how to satisfy their innate sexual desires according to the laws established by Almighty Allah and keep themselves far remote from any kind of unnatural behavior.

4- The carelessness shown in meeting young people's demands for buying anything they desire and giving them excessive freedom. Such carelessness leads them to deviate, and it is really the responsibility of fathers and mentors to enlighten their children and young people on the importance of moderation in fulfilling such needs.


5- The lack of monitoring. Parents should monitor their children without giving them extreme freedom or suppressing them. A balance should be struck between them and should go hand in hand with guidance and mutual trust and consultation.

6- The lack of true understanding and explanation of the physical and psychological dangers and hazards of adultery, fornication, and sexual perversion in this world and the great punishment of the Hereafter."

In the West, homosexuality is on the increase because youngsters are encouraged by society to date at earlier and earlier ages. When adolescents or even pre-adolescents are not comfortable with the opposite sex, they are not told that this is due to natural shyness at a young age but that they might be homosexual, and they are encouraged to experiment sexually with their same sex.

Sexual perversion, as previously stated, has two main types, namely male homosexuality and lesbianism. Following is a clear discussion of both:

First: Male Homosexuality

The Qur'an tells us the story of the people of Lut (Lot), who deviated from the natural way and got involved in this abnormality, refusing every word of advice from their Prophet Lut. Thus, their destiny was destruction and punishment. Almighty Allah says: "And Lo! (Remember) when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination such as no creature ever did before you? Lo! ye come with lust unto men instead of women. Nay, but ye are wanton folk. And the answer of his people was only that they said (one to another): Turn them out of your township. They are folk, forsooth, who keep pure. And We rescued him and his household, save his wife, who was of those who stayed behind. And We rained a rain upon them. See now the nature of the consequence for evil doers!" (Al-A`raf: 80-84)

The eminent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, states:

"Almighty Allah has prohibited illegal sexual intercourse and homosexuality and all means that lead to either of them. This perverted act is a reversal of the natural order, a corruption of man's sexuality, and a crime against the rights of females.

The spread of this depraved practice in a society disrupts its natural life pattern and makes those who practice it slaves to their lusts, depriving them of decent taste, decent morals, and a decent manner of living. The story of the people of Prophet Lut as narrated in the Qur'an should be sufficient for us. Lut's people were addicted to this shameless depravity, abandoning natural, pure, lawful relations with women in the pursuit of this unnatural, foul and illicit practice. That is why their prophet, Lut (peace be upon him) told them: "What! Of all creatures, do you approach males and leave the spouses whom your Lord has created for you? Indeed, you are people transgressing (all limits)!" (Ash-Shu`araa: 165-166)

The strangest expression of these peoples' perversity of nature, lack of guidance, depravity of morals, and aberration of taste was their attitude toward the guests of Prophet Lut (peace be on him), who were angels of punishment in human form sent by Allah to try these people and to expose their perversity. The Qur'an narrates the story: "And when Our messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account and did not know how to protect them. He said, 'This is a day of distress.' And his people, who had long since been practicing abominations, came rushing toward him. He said, 'O my people, here are my daughters. They are purer for you, so fear Allah and do not disgrace me in front of my guests. Is there not a single upright man among you?' They said, 'Thou knowest well that we have no right to thy daughters, and certainly thou knowest what we want.' He said, 'If only I had strength to resist you or had some powerful support!' Said (the angels) 'O Lut, truly, we are messengers of thy Lord; they shall not reach thee....'"(Hud: 77-81)
Muslim jurists hold different opinions concerning the punishment for this abominable practice. Should it be the same as the punishment for fornication, or should both the active and passive participants be put to death? While such punishments may seem cruel, they have been suggested to maintain the purity of the Islamic society and to keep it clean of perverted elements."

Moreover, Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi scholar and lecturer, adds:

"Islam emphatically forbids this deed [homosexual sex] and prescribes a severe punishment for it in this world and the next. How could it be otherwise, when the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Whoever you find committing the sin of the people of Lut, kill them, both the one who does it and the one to whom it is done.' (At-Tirmidhi: 1376) That is, if it is done with consent."

The scholars of Islam, such as Malik, Ash-Shafi`i, Ahmad and Ishaaq said that (the person guilty of this crime) should be stoned, whether he is married or unmarried.

There is no doubt that this act, which goes against the pure human nature created by Allah, by making men content with men and women with women, destroying families, adversely affecting the birth rate, causing the spread of killer diseases, harming the innocent when children are raped, and generally spreading corruption on earth, should be uprooted and stamped out."

Thinking of the wisdom behind prohibiting homosexuality and lesbianism, the following can be said:

First, such acts lead to the spread of passivity among the young generation and destroy their morality, since they cannot practice such perversion except after taking some drugs to create for themselves a virtual atmosphere where they feel fake joy. Sufficient unto any person to feel that his manhood is lost.

Second, it destroys the lives of women whose husbands leave them in pursuit of this perversion and they, in turn, try to find a way to satisfy their sexual needs. In such case, the whole society will be no more than chaos.

Third, it is a fierce attack on progeny and pregnancy, which increases the human race.

Fourth, the dangerous diseases that are caused by it are unavoidable and fatal. Topping these illnesses is HIV/AIDS.

It is because of all these things that Almighty Allah prohibited homosexuality.

Lesbianism

As for lesbianism, it is also no more than a perversion and an attack against the natural relation between a man and a woman.

There is no certain punishment for lesbianism. Still, disciplinary punishment is there for any perverted person who commits it. The Kuwaiti Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence states:

"Muslim jurists agree that there is no certain hadd (punishment) for lesbianism. However, they agree that disciplinary punishment should be administered since it is a sin."

Such an act spoils the doer's character and make her testimony unacceptable, as stated in the above named encyclopedia:

"Muslim Jurists agree that a witness should be morally sound. A pervert cannot be taken as a witness. Since lesbianism is an act of perversion, a lesbian cannot be a witness. Even with the jurists not declaring this openly, it can still be understood from their words and conditions."

You can also read:

Homosexuality in a Changing World: Are We Being Misinformed?

Almighty Allah knows best.

This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/447