The Islamic Perspective on LGBTQ Rights and Religious Freedom

Ikkz Ikbal ✉

The LGBTQ term encompasses a wide range of identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer. In Western societies, LGBTQ is advocated as an inclusive movement. However, Islam maintains a distinct perspective on these communities. The discussion on LGBTQ rights and religious freedom is gaining significance in today's world.

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The genders listed are constructs of society and pertain to psychological aspects rather than being inherently natural. Psychological origins do not always equate to natural occurrences. While we value diversity and peaceful coexistence, our acceptance aligns with Islamic Law. As Muslims, we may not endorse or agree with all societal norms that conflict with our religious convictions.

As Muslims, we maintain that God and His Messenger ﷺ alone are the legislators of what is right and wrong, permitted and prohibited. Allah SWT mentions in the Qur’an:

“It is not for a believer, man or woman when Allah and His Messenger ﷺ have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger ﷺ has indeed strayed into a plain error.” (Quran, al-Aḥzāb:36).

As Muslims, we refuse to be coerced into believing something our faith categorically condemns. This is not a political stance. It is a moral principle. Muslims draw all the rules from the Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad ﷺ.

The Quran has explicitly stated that mankind has been divinely created from a male and a female. Allah states clearly in Surah Al-Hujurat:

“O humanity! Indeed, we created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware: (AlQura’n, Alhujrat 13.)

This verse of the Qur’an clearly says that it requires two opposite genders ___ a man and a woman to form mankind and raise children.

In another verse of the Qur’an, Allah SWT mentions:

“O Humanity! Be mindful of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and He created its mate, and through both, He spread countless men and women. And be mindful of Allah—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and honour family ties. Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you” (AlQura’n 04:01.)

In these and many such verses, the Qur’an recognize two genders, distinct yet complementary, that were created by intentional design to be companions of one another.

Islam does not recognize any “psychological gender” but rather identifies only “biological gender.” Biologically, men and women differ from one another in many ways_ physically, biologically, medically, emotionally etc.

As such, it is not permissible for Muslims to identify themselves or others as sinful man-made categories. Cultivation of behaviour that accords with one’s biological gender is an Islamic obligation, and deliberate imitation of the opposite sex in dress and behaviour is forbidden.

The Prophet ﷺ   cursed men who purposely imitate women and women who purposely imitate men. ( Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 5885.)

Islam, as a rule, is not overly prescriptive concerning the specifics of what counts as masculine versus feminine.

“It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, he has indeed gone manifestly astray.” (Qur’an 33:36.)

Islam strongly emphasises adhering to Biological Gender and completely avoiding behaviours that are deviating. The Guiding Principles of Islam_ The Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad ﷺ, guide personal conduct and behaviour, emphasizing the importance of modesty, decency, and conformity to traditional gender roles. Thus, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate behaviours that align with their Biological Gender and refrain from all other man-made categories. These acts are considered forbidden in Islam.

It Is crucial to approach the issue of same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria with compassion and empathy. The people who contend with same-sex attractions and gender dysphoria must be provided with an Islamic paradigm and language through which to conceive and express their experiences, we reassure them that their faithful struggle with such challenges may even be a means for them to attain the rank of true mujāhidūn in the path of God, Inshallah. Provide them with all the necessary support and guidance according to Islamic principles of mercy and justice. 

 

References:

1. “Navigating Differences: Clarifying Sexual and Gender Ethics in Islam”, A draft signed and endorsed by more than 300 Islamic scholars and preachers across North America. June 07, 2023.

2. “Islam and the LGBT Question: Reframing the Narrative” Yaqeen Institute, October 07, 2022.

3. “What Islam says about LGBT?  Education in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah

4. “Sexual Diversity in Islam” Muslims for Progressive Values. March 11, 2010

 

Note: Ikkz Ikbal has a PG in Biotechnology and is an Administrator in Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad

Email: ikkzikbal@gmail.com