Homosexuality
Is a Major Sin
Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
06/Dec/2003
Question: Could you please tell me
the ruling on homosexuality: sodomy and lesbianism. And if it is haram,
what is the punishment for it in Islam?
Answer by Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi:
Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great
confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His
cause and render our work for His Sake.
We must be aware that in regulating the sexual drive Islam has prohibited not
only illicit sexual relations and all what leads to them, but also the sexual
deviation known as homosexuality. 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 same applies equally to the case of lesbianism)
Responding to the question, the eminent Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf
Al-Qaradawi, states the following:
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 (Lot) (peace be upon him), as narrated in
the Qur'an should be sufficient for us. Prophet 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' 26:
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 upon him); these guests 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 thus: (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 11: 77-81)
Having said this, I should stress here that Muslim jurists have held differing
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.
You can also read:
Death Fall as Punishment for Homosexuality
Homosexuality and Lesbianism: Sexual Perversions
How Islam Views Homosexuality
How to Give Up Homosexuality
Islamic Manners in Dealing with Homosexuals
Islam's Stance on Homosexual Organizations
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to
write back!
May Allah guide you to the
straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen.
Allah Almighty knows best.
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