In our series of posts on Prohibited means of earning in Islam, we share our fourth post today on the subject of earning from prostitution and means related to it.
Prostitution is one of the oldest thriving profession the world over. It is often associated with exploitation, especially when individuals are coerced into it due to poverty, lack of alternatives, trafficking, or manipulation. However, it can also be seen as a voluntary exchange between consenting adults, depending on the legal and societal contexts in which it occurs.
Before we give our view on prostitution, let us define it:
Prostitution is the practice of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money, goods, or services. It typically involves individuals (commonly referred to as "sex workers") offering sexual services to others for financial compensation or other forms of remuneration. This practice can take many forms, including street-based prostitution, escort services, or being employed in brothels.
Since it involves selling one's body, thus honour and modesty in exchange for money, earning from prostitution and related practices is unequivocally not acceptable in Islam. Islam condemns zina (fornication), and any actions or earnings derived from illicit sexual activities are prohibited. The Qur'an and Sunnah emphasize the dignity of the human being, the protection of personal honor, and the prevention of exploitation. Prostitution undermines these values and is seen as a serious sin.
Let us now see how and why prostitution in all its forms and related means is condemned prohibited in Islam:
Prohibition of Zina (Fornication and Adultery): The primary reason that prostitution and related practices are not permissible in Islam is the prohibition of zina itself. Zina is a major sin in Islam and is explicitly forbidden in the Qur'an and hadith.
In the Qur'an, Allah commands:
- “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:32). This verse forbids not only committing zina but also encourages Muslims to avoid anything that could lead to such actions, which includes engaging in prostitution.
- Surah An-Nur (24:2) also states: “The [unmarried] woman and the [unmarried] man guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse – flog each of them with a hundred stripes...” The punishment of zina is mentioned as a serious deterrent to this behavior, further highlighting the sinfulness of engaging in illicit sexual relations.
In the Sunnah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
- “There is nothing more deserving of Allah’s punishment than a person who commits illegal sexual intercourse.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
- The Prophet's ﷺ warning underscores the severity of the sin and the importance of avoiding any actions that promote or facilitate such behavior.
Earning from Prostitution is Forbidden: Since zina itself is strictly prohibited, it follows that earning money through prostitution or any related activities is also haram (forbidden) in Islam. Any activity that facilitates, promotes, or is based on illicit sexual relations is regarded as unlawful.
The Qur'an:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275):
- “Those who consume usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Devil has driven to madness by [his] touch.”
- While this verse specifically refers to usury (riba), the underlying principle is clear: Islam strictly forbids any means of gaining wealth that is built upon sin or immoral activities. Just as earning through usury is prohibited, so too is earning through illicit sexual activities.
- Surah At-Tawbah (9:34-35):
- “O you who have believed, indeed, many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah…”
- This verse highlights how wealth gained through injustice or wrongdoing, including sexual exploitation, is sinful. This can be extended to earning money from prostitution, as it involves exploiting others in an immoral way.
In the Sunnah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explicitly condemned the act of prostitution and anything related to it. He said:
- “Allah has cursed those who do zina, those who take money for it, and those who engage in zina.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
The Prophet ﷺ made it clear that those who engage in the act of zina, or those who profit from it (such as pimps, brothel owners, or individuals in the business of facilitating prostitution), are cursed.
Prostitution and Exploitation: In Islam, exploitation of others for financial gain is not permissible, especially when it comes to sexual exploitation. Prostitution often involves exploitation of the poor, vulnerable individuals, and those who are coerced into such acts due to circumstances beyond their control. Islam teaches the value of human dignity and the importance of safeguarding personal honor.
The Qur'an:
- Allah says in Surah Al-Isra (17:70): “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam…”
Islam promotes the dignity, respect, and honor of every individual, and prostitution directly contradicts these values, as it reduces people to objects for physical pleasure.
- In Surah An-Nisa (4:29), Allah forbids harming others for personal gain: “O you who have believed, do not consume each other’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].”
- This verse reinforces the idea that gaining wealth at the expense of others' dignity and rights is unjust and forbidden.
Running and operating a brothel: Not only prostitution is prohibited but also running and operating brothel too is prohibited. For such operators aid exploitation of the people into prostitution to earn money. Even otherwise morally it is an detestable act of earning money that stems from fornication which is strictly prohibited.
Alternatives and Solutions in Islam
Islam emphasizes honor and protection of the individual. If someone is involved in prostitution, Islam teaches them to seek repentance, change their behavior, and turn to Allah for forgiveness.
- Repentance (Tawbah):
- Islam encourages sincere repentance for those who have fallen into sinful behavior. Allah promises to forgive those who genuinely regret their actions and seek to change their ways:
- Surah At-Tawbah (9:104): “And know that Allah accepts repentance from His servants and that He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.”
- The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The one who repents from sin is like the one who did not sin.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
- Those who have been involved in sinful behavior, including prostitution, are encouraged to repent and leave such activities. Through sincere repentance, they can return to a righteous life.
- Helping the Needy: Islam advocates for programs that help individuals escape from poverty, coercion, or exploitation. This can include providing education, employment, social support, and services to help people live dignified lives.
Prostitution is generally attributed to poverty and also exploitation of the poor. Left out or poor women who cannot find work or even find work are subjected to sexual harassment and exploitation. That is why the institution of Zakat / Charity is one of the five pillars of Islam to help the needy and give them a decent life lest they are forced to sell their bodies to make their ends meet. In a Muslim society where individuals are forced into prostitution, other than them, those around them who fail to help them out will also be liable to questioning and Divine admonishment on day of judgement.
For those who may be involved in such activities, Islam encourages repentance, seeking forgiveness, for mercy of Allah is far too great than the acts of individuals:
Does Allah forgive prostitutes? Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that." (Bokhari 3321)
To avert chances of individuals falling prey to prostitution, Islam promotes providing alternative means of support, such as charity, education, and employment, to prevent people from falling into such situations. This would certainly help them toward a life that honors the principles of modesty, chastity, and respect for others.
Let us pray for these exploited people, help them out of this exploitive profession and let them live with honour and dignity. Even otherwise we should help the poor and needy lest they are compelled to opt for means that may entail selling their bodies and souls.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to Prohibited means of earning in Islam
For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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