By Puteri BalkishÂ
Have you ever wondered how people, besides heterosexuals, actually develop their feelings towards the same sex? Does it happen subconsciously, like any other love relationship or is it based on choice?
Too often, the society, especially in Muslim-dominated ones, condemns the act of homosexuality or the slightest thought of being in a relationship with the same-sex. According to Islamic values, it is haram (impermissible) for Muslims to attribute or involve themselves in same-sex relationships as it is against the fitrah (human inclination).
The sole reason for mankind to be created in pairs, namely a man for a woman is for the sake of reproduction. Islamic beliefs work based on purpose and having same-sex relationships goes against the purpose.
The descent of Prophet Adam as the first human being on the face of the Earth divulged the beginning of mankind when Allah made Hawa from his ribcage as his companion for life. Based on the holy Quran, this is claimed by the Muslims to be authentic and of truth.
There is a difference of opinion among Muslim jurists whether this is a punishable crime or not. Muslims are not allowed to impose their beliefs on non-Muslims. As Muslims we must believe in equality and inclusiveness. “People should not be discriminated for any reason. It is important to humanise people and not to dehumanise, said Sheikh Umar Qadri.
However, here are some things to ponder. How do these relationships actually develop if it really is impermissible or deemed wrong? Why is it that a lot of people are falling for the same-sex? In the case of non-Muslims, where do they stand? Do Muslims in the LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex) community belong in hell? Is homosexuality a mental illness?
To people in the LGBTQI community, the feelings they have towards the same-sex comes naturally. To them, it is not a choice but rather something they were born with. Unlike heterosexuals, they are only triggered emotionally and mentally by the same-sex. It’s not like they woke up one day and told themselves ‘Oh, I choose to be gay.’
In their opinion, sexuality is a social construct, like how they perceive gender. They believe that a woman or man should not have limits as to what society demands them to behave like and in this case, in terms of who they fall in love with. Most of the time, they are perceived to be suffering from an incurable mental illness and is seen to have a deteriorating relationship with the Creator.
Being shaken and lack of faith is often attributed to these people but are they really at fault for being so? Regardless of the verdict, the views by some is that staunch ‘religious’ people have been promoting hate crime in response to their disagreement of the existence of the community. Rape threats, harassment and public shaming towards them would only make them retaliate towards the society instead of birthing a nurturing and harmonious environment. Muslim or not, no religion advocates hate, only love.
You can always agree to disagree but respect should be constantly maintained, especially with people of different beliefs and lifestyles. Different opinions, beliefs and ideologies make the world a kaleidoscope filled with technicolour, so they think.
While there should be respect for the LGBTQI people to choose their lifestyle and to regard themselves as not at fault at such natural inclination, their doing it as a way of life would definitely be against Islamic principles. ***
References:
http://www.civilrights.org/publications/hatecrimes/lgbt.html