June 2004: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

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]

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.

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