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Homosexuality in Islam
It is well known that, in Islam, sexual relations are strictly limited to those between men and women. This is considered the only legitimate and natural type of relationship in the eyes of Islam, and even then, it is only allowed within very specific frameworks that vary according to different sects. Thus, we find multiple forms of marriage, as well as the right of ownership over slaves and women captured during wars against Islam’s enemies. Any relationship outside these contexts is strictly forbidden and severely punished, potentially even by execution, as it is considered a violation of the natural order created by Allah—an outright insult to His will.
Despite homosexuality being prohibited in Islam, the history of the Islamic world has seen many famous homosexual figures, especially among poets and other intellectuals, who openly expressed their sexuality without being condemned or punished. This raises an important question: Why have we not witnessed consistent punishment of homosexuals throughout Islamic history, despite the explicit prohibition?
Contradictions in Islamic Teachings
Islamic law, as we know, advocates strict segregation between the sexes. This creates separate male-only and female-only social groups in all aspects of life, indirectly encouraging homosexual behavior despite simultaneously prohibiting it as unnatural. So, is it natural to separate men from women in the first place?
This is just one of many contradictions in Islamic law, which is full of inconsistencies. On one hand, Islam forbids homosexual behavior, while on the other, it fosters an environment that encourages its development through enforced gender segregation. If Islam truly considered homosexuality unnatural, it should have encouraged mixed-gender education and interactions to counteract this tendency. Instead, it did the exact opposite.
Those familiar with Islam and its inconsistencies realize that its laws often seem to have been developed in isolation, proving that they were hastily constructed by humans rather than divinely ordained. Either these Islamic laws existed long before Islam and were merely adopted by Muhammad, who then gave them a sacred and divine status, or they stemmed directly from Muhammad’s personal mindset and preferences, which he sought to impose on all Arabs without considering the diversity of human nature.
Disparities in the Treatment of Homosexuality
One clear inconsistency is the differentiation between male and female homosexuality. Islam treats male homosexuality as an unforgivable crime, while largely ignoring lesbian relationships. Furthermore, the punishment for a passive homosexual man is harsher than that for the active partner, as Islam perceives passive homosexuality as a complete deviation from nature. However, modern science has shown that some people are born with different sexual orientations, while others develop them through personal choice.
Everyone is free to choose their own sexual life, so by what right does Islam impose its laws on individuals, forcing them to deny their true nature and live in hypocrisy—just to comply with Islamic law, which Muhammad copied and enforced as divine rules?
Homosexuality During Muhammad’s Time
One might wonder: Did homosexuality exist during Muhammad’s time? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Homosexuality has existed in all societies throughout history. Even the Quran addresses this issue, particularly in the story of the people of Lut (Lot), who were condemned for their homosexual practices. However, as we know, this story was taken from the Old Testament.
The Quran explicitly condemns homosexuality in Surah Al-A’raf (7:80-81):
“And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no people before you have ever committed? You approach men instead of women to satisfy your desires. Indeed, you are a transgressing people.’”
Punishment for homosexuality is clearly stated in the Quran and further elaborated in Hadiths. However, executions or severe punishments for homosexuality are rarely recorded in Islamic history, mainly because the conditions for enforcing these punishments are difficult to meet (e.g., requiring multiple witnesses). Despite this, individuals cannot openly practice or express homosexuality freely—everything must be done in secrecy. This reflects a fundamental rule in Islam regarding behaviors that contradict Sharia: to be a “good Muslim” and earn social respect, one must be a master of hypocrisy.
Homosexuality in Paradise?
Finally, let’s examine some peculiar Quranic verses about those who will serve believers in Paradise. Strangely enough, they describe beautiful young boys!
Surah At-Tur (52:24):
“And there will circulate among them [servant] boys for them, as if they were pearls well-protected.”Surah Al-Waqi’a (56:17-18):
“There will circulate among them young boys made eternal, with cups, pitchers, and a drink from a flowing spring.”Surah Al-Insan (76:19):
“There will circulate among them [servant] boys [especially] for them, as if they were pearls scattered.”
One must wonder: Is homosexuality prohibited on Earth but permitted in Paradise? Just like alcohol, which is forbidden in life but flows freely in the rivers of Paradise? Or did Muhammad include these descriptions to appeal to followers who enjoyed such practices?
In any case, it is clear that to survive under Islamic rule, one must learn to live as a professional hypocrite—pretending to comply while secretly following one’s true nature.
