Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the MG staff.
The subject of LGBTQ+ presence in Muslim communities is an incredibly complex issue and one that is still studied extensively by Islamic scholars around the world. There is a widely held belief that Islam has no space for its LGBTQ+ Muslims, or that these individuals are forever persecuted by a religion that abhors their very existence. But to assume these things is to do so from a place of ignorance, and prejudice. So here are a few things that everyone, Muslim or non-Muslim, should consider or learn about in regards to sexuality and Islam:
1. The Quran Doesn’t Condemn Homosexuality
The Quran does not explicitly mention the word homosexuality (as sexuality is a modern concept), but does acknowledge sexual diversity (Surah Al-Nur 24:31-24:33) without condemning it. Therefore, citing the Quran to argue that homosexuality is “unnatural” is not actually based on anything within the scripture, and is an idea that was actually first introduced by European Christians.
What about the story of Lut (or as he’s referred to in the Bible, Lot)? All three Abrahamic religions mention this story and followers have referenced this example of divine retribution to justify anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Yet Islamic scholars have found that the story of Lut and the people of Sodom is one that condemns greed and rape, while promoting the value of hospitality and kindness (here is an excellent resource to further elaborate on this interpretation).
Families, faith leaders and authoritarian governments cherry pick verses or ideas and force them down the throats of an impressionable audience, nurturing a society of bigotry and discrimination that seems almost intrinsic.
Along with the Quran, Muslims often to turn to the life lessons and stories (Hadith) about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for guidance on how to lead fulfilling lives and to discuss issues like homosexuality and faith with historical context. However, there is no record of the Prophet (PBUH) discriminating or condemning sexual diversity, nor is there any indication of the Prophet (PBUH) describing homosexuality as a crime to be punished for (a common misconception that many have about Shariah, which is just a set of moral and ethical guidelines within Islam).
2. Homophobia is Man-Made, Not a Divine Commandment
Now, I’m not going to lie and say that all the evidence stated above completely eradicates any and all homophobic sentiment within Muslim communities. It should, but that’s not the case.
There are a number of contributing factors that play a role into the presence of homophobia within Islamic communities. There is personal prejudice stemming from a place of fear or ignorance, or even a lack of personal interaction with any LGBTQ+ Muslims. Not to mention skewed interpretations of the Quran or Shariah and the refusal to move away from what early Islamic scholars spoke of on the topic that also play a role.
Adhering to archaic teachings of the past in modern society, is to do so without regarding historical context. Families, faith leaders and authoritarian governments cherry pick verses or ideas and force them down the throats of an impressionable audience, nurturing a society of bigotry and discrimination that seems almost intrinsic. But it’s not. It’s learned behavior, toxic and festering.
To claim religious justification for the discrimination or persecution of diversity is not an expression of faith, it’s blasphemy.
3. LGBTQ+ Muslims Aren’t Going Anywhere
Faith and discussions of faith are constantly evolving. But queer Muslims have always been a part of the ummah (community of followers of Islam). Our visibility is something that has yet to be acknowledged by members within our faith as well as those outside of it.
So to my non-Muslim readers: Do your best to understand and learn more about Islam as a whole, and educate yourself on the intersectionality within both Islam’s many sects/spheres of belief as well as within the queer Muslim community.
And to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters: Embrace your LGBTQ+ Muslims for who they are. If we’re able to marry our faith and our sexuality or gender identity without conflict, why can’t you?
The core values of Islam and the principles of Shariah look to uphold justice, civil liberties, kindness and human rights.
Islam celebrates diversity, whether it is referring to religion or sexuality. The core values of Islam and the principles of Shariah look to uphold justice, civil liberties, kindness and human rights. Public speaker and community organizer Mahdia Lynn writes that, “the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever Follows a Path in the pursuit of knowledge Allah will make a path to Jannah easy for them’— consider, how can this tradition remain true to itself while enacting bigotry and exclusion at the same time?”
LGBTQ+ Muslims exist. We always have, and we’re not going anywhere.
Assalamualaikum
In the first point the author states that the word “homosexuality” is not mentioned in the Qur’an.
It is true.
However, the concept of homosexuality IS mentioned in the Qur’an.
In Surah Al A’raf
And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds? [7:80]
Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people [7:81]
And in Surah Al Shu’ara
Do you approach males among the worlds [26:165]
And leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing. [26:166]
(Note: [26:165] and [26:166] is directed by Lut to his people.)
Obviously by reading these verses we can understand that indulging in the concept of homosexuality is transgression and the Qur’an repeatedly states that Allah doesn’t like transgressors.
The Qur’an contains words of Allah we cannot simply make opinions on it.
Lot’s people were punished for a variety of reasons (a.k.a greed and rape). Based on the context of above verses one of the reason was for being homosexuals.
Lot’s wife was among the people punished because she supported the views of her people. (Same goes for other women who got punished.)
I was gonna let this pass but MG has a lot of influence.
And I didn’t want people to base their beliefs based on an article.
The translations are from Saheeh international.
Brother Mohammed, I could not have provided be JazakAllah Khair for the proofs to help squash the belief that homosexuality is not only NOT acceptable in Islam but by The Creator, Allah SWT. That is the same plot of the Shaitan (Satan) that people nowadays, just little back during the time of the Prophet Lut AS, plotted to make people believe that homosexuality was permissible. When, in fact, it is just another one of Shaitan’s plots to drive more and more of mankind to Jahannam (Hellfire). May Allah SWT Guide us all. AMEEN.
you are cordially invited to comment:
https://disqus.com/home/channel/globalreligions/discussion/channel-globalreligions/islam_by_the_numbers/#comment-3412574979
you are invited to comment:
https://disqus.com/home/channel/globalreligions/discussion/channel-globalreligions/islam_by_the_numbers/#comment-3412574979
I COMPLETELY DISAGREE with that nonsense talk. AlMighty destroyed the people of Prophet Lut alehis salam because of this disgusting perversion. Please don’t misguide others and ask Allah to guide you. You’re trying to impose your devilish belifs on people.
you are invited to make a comment:
https://disqus.com/home/channel/globalreligions/discussion/channel-globalreligions/islam_by_the_numbers/#comment-3412574979
Ugh a classic haram police, the author is just trying to spread awareness, and your spreading hate I understand that your trying to convey your opinion but with this attitude it won’t work like that unfortunately. So spread your haram stuff somewhere else as this place doesn’t have space for people like you
From an angry Muslimah
Isra ❤️
I smell something burning….
testing