God created this world for the pure and the God fearing people. Since revelation of Divine religions, every prophet told his people to establish clean and pure relations with each other. Since sex is inbuilt in every living being for through it future generations are born, strict guidelines have been drawn for the intimate relations of man and woman so as not to abuse the sacred relationship.
But man, as rebellious as ever, has never followed the Divine commands in true letter and spirit and has always deviated from these and violated the spirit behind the Divine wisdom. One of the deviations from the sacred, pure and dignified relation of man and woman, has been the lust for same sex. In fact the bane of same sex is as old as recorded human civilization — in fact, even older, because same-sex behavior is documented in ancient human societies and in animals throughout nature.
The earliest written references to same-sex relations come from Sumerian and Akkadian texts. For example, The Code of Ur-Nammu (c. 2100 BCE) indirectly mentions male–male relations. Some myths (e.g., Gilgamesh) have been interpreted as containing homoerotic undertones. Mesopotamians acknowledged the behavior but had mixed moral views depending on city and era.
Ancient Greece is the most documented early civilization regarding same-sex relationships. Same-sex relations (especially between men) were openly practiced, though culturally structured. Philosophers like Plato discussed male–male love. Despite this, Greeks still saw marriage between a man and woman as the social foundation.
While the bane of homosexuality has since continued unabated, in present times, there has been an escalation beyond an unimaginable proportion. A practice that was hitherto fore was generally behind closed doors, has now become an open act and even laws have been enacted to legalize this abhorrent act.
While many today think that it is only Islam that rejects the bane of homosexuality, the truth is that this abhorring act has been rejected by all previous Divine religions. The story of Prophet Lot (Lūṭ) — shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — is one of the earliest moral discussions on homosexuality. This places moral commentary on homosexual acts at 3,500–4,000 years ago. This is where we see the earliest description of homosexual acts linked to religious law and societal norms.
Before we discuss why Islam abhors the bane of homosexuality, let have a quick rewind of the rejection of the same by Judaism and Christianity. (The focus is on scripture, classical theology, and historical teaching, not modern reinterpretations.)
- Judaism
- The Scriptural Basis The Torah explicitly prohibits homosexual acts:
- Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
- Leviticus 20:13: “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination…”
- These two verses form the foundation of the Jewish view.
- Why It Is Forbidden in Judaism Traditional Jewish reasoning includes:
- Violation of God's created order,
- Threat to family and lineage,
- Importance of procreation in fulfilling the command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28)
- Rabbinic Interpretation Classical Jewish law (Halakha) unanimously prohibited homosexual intercourse. However:
- Judaism distinguishes between inclination and action.
- A person with same-sex attraction is not condemned — the act is forbidden.
- Many modern Jewish movements (especially Reform and Reconstructionist) have reinterpreted these verses and now accept same-sex marriage.
- Thus, Traditional Judaism forbids homosexual acts, based on explicit Torah law, but does not condemn the person as inherently sinful.
- Christianity Although Christian views differ between denominations, but traditional teachings share a common basis.
- Scriptural Basis - Old Testament (shared with Judaism): (1) Leviticus 18:22 and (2) Leviticus 20:13
- Scriptural Basis - New Testament
- The Apostle Paul writes: “Men committing shameless acts with men…” — Romans 1:26–27, and
- “Do not be deceived… neither adulterers nor men who practice homosexuality will inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:9–10
- These passages strongly shaped Christian teaching.
- Traditional Christian Teaching Historically, for 2000 years, all major Christian traditions agreed: (1) Homosexual acts are sinful, (2) Marriage is only between male and female, (3) Sexual relations must be within marriage, (4) Same-sex relationships violate God’s design
- The reasoning is similar to Judaism and Islam: That is (1) God created male and female as complementary, (2) The union represents divine symbolism (e.g., Christ and the Church in Ephesians 5), (3) Children and family structure reflect God’s plan
- Modern Christian Trends Many modern Protestant denominations have changed views. While some fully affirm same-sex marriage (Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, ELCA), some allow same-sex unions but not clergy participation. However, Catholic Church still holds traditional doctrine but emphasizes compassion and pastoral care and Eastern Orthodox Churches maintain strict traditional teaching
- Summary Traditionally, Christianity condemned homosexual acts, However, many modern interpretations vary widely.
Why Islam reject the very concept of Homosexuality
Having known the viewpoint of same sex in Judaism and Christianity, let us dwell in detail about the Islamic viewpoint on the subject. Islam’s rejection of homosexuality is not based on hatred of individuals — rather, it is based on moral principles, natural design, family structure, and spiritual well-being taught by Allah. Below is a clear, respectful, and evidence-based explanation.
- Islam’s stance begins with the belief that Allah creates with purpose
- Allah says: “Does He not know whom He created? And He is the Subtle, the All-Aware.” (Qur’an 67:14)
- Islam teaches that: (1) Allah created human beings with a fixed natural design (fitrah), (2) Sexual relations are ordained only within heterosexual marriage, (3) Anything that contradicts this design damages individuals and society - Thus the Islamic position begins with a Creator-based morality, not human preference.
- The Qur’an refers to homosexuality as a deviation from human fitrah In the story of Prophet Lūṭ (Lot), Allah commands: “Do you approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people transgressing.” (Qur’an 7:81), and “You approach men with lust instead of women. No, you are a people exceeding all bounds.” (Qur’an 26:165–166). These verses show three points:
- It is described as reversing the natural order,
- It is called a transgression of moral limits, and
- It is not portrayed as an innate identity, but a behavioral choice arising from moral decline
- That is Islam condemns the act, not the person.
- Islam protects lineage, family structure, and civilization One of the five maqāṣid (objectives) of Islamic law is Hifẓ al-nasl — protection of lineage. Which clearly mean the Homosexual relations: (1) Cannot produce families, (2) break the natural chain of ancestry, (3) undermine marriage, and (4) replace complementarity with sameness. Therefore, from the Islamic lens, this weakens society because family is the building block of moral stability.
- Islam rejects behaviors that cause societal harm — even if they are done with consent Islam is not built on the idea of “if two adults consent, everything is acceptable.”
- Rather, Islam in same sex relations sees: (1) moral harm, (2) spiritual consequences, (3) societal damage as more important than consent.
- Many things are forbidden even if consensual, like (1) adultery, (2) gambling, (3) usury, (4) drugs, (5) pornography, (6) incest, and of course (7) homosexuality
- Why? Because Islam’s morality is based on long-term wisdom, not short-term desires.
- Islam teaches that sexual desires are a test — not an identity
- Islam teaches: “The soul indeed inclines to evil except whom my Lord has mercy upon.” (Qur’an 12:53)
- Humans have: (1) anger, (2) greed, (3) lust, and (4) envy - yet These impulses do not define our identity. Islam asks humans to discipline impulses, not be ruled by them.
- Therefore: while feeling attraction is not sinful, acting on forbidden attraction is sinful. This is the same rule applied to heterosexuals with unlawful desires (zina).
- The story of Prophet Lūṭ
- The story tells us that homosexuality was tied to moral corruption. Their sins included: (1) sexual aggression, (2) rejection of the prophet, (3) public shamelessness, (4) mocking purity, (5) normalizing immorality
- Prophet Lūṭ himself said: “You commit such immorality as no people in all the worlds have done before you.” (Qur’an 29:28)
- Thus, the Qur’an shows it as part of a larger moral collapse, not just a private act.
- Islam condemns the act, not the person Islam commands Muslims to: (1) treat all people with respect, (2) never oppress sinners, (3) invite with wisdom, (4) maintain modesty in public morality and (4) dislike the sin but not hate the human being for Allah says: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good preaching.” (Qur’an 16:125) - So Islam’s position is moral, not hateful.
Summary
Islam rejects homosexual acts because:
- They contradict the natural design (fitrah) Allah created.
- The Qur’an explicitly forbids the behavior in multiple verses.
- Islam protects family structure, lineage, and societal stability.
- Morality is based on divine wisdom, not personal desire.
- Desires are a test — not a permanent identity.
- The story of Prophet Lūṭ shows its link to moral corruption.
- Islam condemns the act but respects and invites the person to purity and honourable way of living by having intimate relations with the opposing sex AND NOT the same sex.
An effort has been made to explain the Divine wisdom behind the sanctity of human relations between man and woman and that any relation based on same sex is not only against the Divine wisdom but is also detrimental to ensuring healthy and clean social environment in the society.
To sum up, I would like quote Sola Resna, who sums the issue in a very convincing and understandable way:
The Muslim should not doubt, even for an instant, that what Allah has prescribed is wise. He should know that there is great wisdom in what Allah has commanded and what He has forbidden; it is the straight path and is the only way in which man can be safe and at peace, protecting his honour, his mind and his health, in accordance with the natural disposition (fitrah) with which Allah has created man.
They (gays and lesbians) both go against the natural disposition (fitrah) which Allah has created in mankind – and also in animals – whereby the male is inclined towards the female, and vice versa. Whoever goes against that goes against the natural disposition of mankind, the fitrah.
The spread of homosexuality has caused man diseases which neither the east nor the west can deny exist because of them. Even if the only result of this perversion was AIDS – which attacks the immune system in humans – that would be enough. It also causes the breakup of the family and leads people to give up their work and study because they are preoccupied with these perversions.
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.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
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.
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.
Photo | Resource Reference: Exclusive help ' input from ChatGPT has been taken to expand the scope of this publication | Please read our previous post: Bane of Same Sex Relations and Condemnation in Islam based on similar theme. | The views by Sola Resna quoted above have been taken from Quora - for link click here. |
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