The
mainstream interpretation of Qur'anic verses and hadith condemn
homosexuality
both male and female. In this, Islam resembles mainstream
interpretations of
other Abrahamic religions such as Judaism and Christianity.
The only
reference in the Qur'an cites the story of the "people of Lot" (also
known as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah), destroyed by the wrath of
God
because they engaged in "lustful" carnal acts between men. See below
for actual verses.
There is no
other mention anywhere in the Quran. There
is no punishment prescribed in the Quran for
homosexuality male or
female.
Persecution
of gays in Muslim countries is shameful and must be denounced by all
Muslims. This
persecution has very
little to do with the teachings of Islam but more to do with how
socially these
acts are still not tolerated in many countries.
Muslims who
rush to judge and punish others should remember that everyone will need
to
answer for their actions on the Day of Judgment. If God did not deem it
necessary to prescribe a punishment for this who are we to do so?
Islam
teaches tolerance and mercy so do not show hatred towards those that
are
different from you. This said the gay community also has
responsibilities; it
needs to act in a responsible way and not act in such a manner as to
incite
acts of hatred towards itself.
Finally
remember that homosexuality has been part of human life throughout the
history
of human kind. Records exist from ancient times of people engaging in
these
acts. Even today it is wide spread, even in the Muslim world from the
Arab
nations to the Asian continent. Denying its existence will not make it
disappear! People need to understand and come to terms with it and deal
with it
in an intelligent way. This begins with acknowledging its existence and
education of people.
All Muslims
if you meet a gay man or woman treat them as you would any other
person. Show
them kindness and understanding as is the way of Islam.
The verse of the
Quran that deal with this matter are,
Chapter (7) sūrat l-aʿrāf (The
Heights) Verse 7:80-84
And he turned away from them and said, "O my people, I had
certainly conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but
you do not like advisors."
Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are
a transgressing people."
But the answer of his people was only that they said, "Evict them from
your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure."
So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those
who remained.
Chapter (11) sūrat hūd
(Hud) Verse 11:77-83
And when Our messengers, came to Lot, he was
anguished for them and felt for them great discomfort and said, "This
is a trying day."
And his people came hastening to him, and before they had been
doing evil deeds. He said, "O my people, these are my daughters; they
are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my
guests. Is there not among you a man of reason?"
They said, "You have already known that we have not concerning
your daughters any claim, and indeed, you know what we want."
He said, "If only I had against you some power or could take
refuge in a strong support."
The angels said, "O Lot, indeed we are messengers of your
Lord; they will never reach you. So set out with your family
during a portion of the night and let not any among you look back -
except your wife; indeed, she will be struck by that which strikes
them. Indeed, their appointment is the morning. Is not the morning
near?"
So when Our command came, We made the highest part its lowest
and rained upon them stones of layered hard clay,
Marked from your Lord. And Allah 's punishment is not from the
wrongdoers far.
Chapter (21) sūrat l-anbiyāa (The
Prophets) Verse 21:74
And to Lot We gave judgement and knowledge, and We saved him
from the city that was committing wicked deeds. Indeed, they were a
people of evil, defiantly disobedient.
Chapter (26) sūrat l-shuʿarā (The
Poets) Verse 26: 165-175
Do you approach males among the worlds
And leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you
are a people transgressing."
They said, "If you do not desist, O Lot, you will surely be of
those evicted."
He said, "Indeed, I am, toward your deed, of those who detest.
My Lord, save me and my family from what they do."
So We saved him and his family, all,
Except an old woman among those who remained behind.
Then We destroyed the others.
And We rained upon them a rain, and evil was the rain of those
who were warned.
Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be
believers.
And indeed, your Lord - He is the Exalted in Might, the
Merciful.
The companions of the thicket denied the messengers
When Shu'ayb said to them, "Will you not fear Allah ?
Chapter (27) sūrat l-naml (The
Ants) Verse 27:56-59
But the answer of his people was not except that they said,
"Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who
keep themselves pure."
So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; We
destined her to be of those who remained behind.
And We rained upon them a rain, and evil was the rain of those
who were warned.
Say,Praise be to Allah , and peace upon His servants whom He
has chosen. Is Allah better or what they associate with Him?"
Chapter (29) sūrat l-ʿankabūt (The
Spider) Verse 29:27-33
And We gave to Him Isaac and Jacob and placed in his
descendants prophethood and scripture. And We gave him his reward in
this world, and indeed, he is in the Hereafter among the righteous.
And Lot, when he said to his people, "Indeed, you commit such
immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds.
Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road and commit in
your meetings evil." And the answer of his people was not but they
said, "Bring us the punishment of Allah , if you should be of the
truthful."
He said, "My Lord, support me against the corrupting people."
And when Our messengers came to Abraham with the good tidings,
they said, "Indeed, we will destroy the people of that Lot's city.
Indeed, its people have been wrongdoers."
He said, "Indeed, within it is Lot." They said, "We are more
knowing of who is within it. We will surely save him and his family,
except his wife. She is to be of those who remain behind."
And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was distressed for
them and felt for them great discomfort. They said, "Fear not, nor
grieve. Indeed, we will save you and your family, except your wife; she
is to be of those who remain behind.