• This article examines the permissibility of Muslims experiencing same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria.
• It explores Allah’s commands on this matter, outlines how Muslims should respond towards affected individuals, and reviews numerous studies on the topic.
If you are a Muslim grappling with same-sex attraction or body dysphoria; if you sincerely believe in Allah and the final messenger of Islam, and recognise that practicing such things is haram, then you are my brother or sister and are one of us. Just as we have Muslim drug dealers and Muslims who commit Zina, we also have individuals in our community who are contending with such matters.
Conversely, if you believe that such things are permissible within Islam and freely act upon your desires without any remorse, then you have departed from the fold of the faith.
I firmly assert that this subject is inadequately addressed within our ummah. Moreover, to dismiss the reality of these issues within our communities is both misguided and willfully blind.
I recently engaged in a conversation with a secondary school teacher who recounted the experience of a Muslim girl in Year eight, who, despite being adorned in hijab and belonging to a very practicing family, confided to her non-Muslim teachers that she is a lesbian, all while her parents remained oblivious. This is incredibly concerning.
Labels belong on Jars not on People. In Islam we are Taught to hate the sin, not the sinner
Islam does not recognise identities such as a “Gay Muslim” or an “Alcoholic Muslim.” The wisdom (hikma) behind this may lie in the understanding that human beings have the capacity to evolve and transform over time.
For instance, I am personally acquainted with individuals within the dawah scene who have previously contended with struggles related to same-sex attraction. They have since risen to prominence as respected da’ees, handling their trials in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.
Helping Muslims Battling same sex attraction
“A young man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, give me permission to commit zina.’ The people turned to him and rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet! Be quiet!’ But the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Come closer.’ The young man came closer and sat down. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him, ‘Would you like it for your mother?’ He replied, ‘No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.’ The Prophet said, ‘Neither do people like it for their mothers. Would you like it for your daughter?’ He replied, ‘No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.’ The Prophet said, ‘Neither do people like it for their daughters… Would you like it for your sister? … your aunt?’ And each time, the young man replied, ‘No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you,’ and the Prophet replied, ‘Neither do people like it for them.’ Then the Prophet placed his hand on him and said, ‘O Allah, forgive his sins, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.’ After that, the young man never again had any inclination toward such acts.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
This Hadith teaches us how we ought to use maturity and emotional intelligence in such situations, be compassionate and helpful to those during their trials. However, having said this, true compassion towards your brother isn’t to override Allah’s judgement or His laws— it is to guide them towards the truth and that which is best for them, ie the guidance of Allah and laws stipulated by Him.
Desire v Action
It’s important to note, in Islam, initial desires are beyond our control and we are held accountable for our actions alone. Moreover, if we experience a fleeting thought that is evil that we do not act upon, it is turned into a good deed. This is the overwhelming mercy of our creator.
Children’s Exposure to Pornography Reaches Unprecedented Levels
A 2023 survey of 2,419 secondary schools students aged fourteen to eighteen across South West Hertfordshire found that one in ten reported an addiction to pornography, one in five admitted to habitual use, and one in ten had viewed such content by age nine. The average age at which young people first encounter pornography was revealed to be twelve. The study concluded that children who viewed pornography repeatedly were more likely to report reenacting behaviours initially observed in these videos.
Viewing such grotesquely immoral content will only violate one’s soul. Moreover, it robs a person of innocence long before marriage. While browsing, young people can also be exposed to homosexual pornography, which can further mislead them and make them confused about who they are.
The LGBTQ Agenda Reaching Your Children Through the Classroom, Movies, Phone Screens and Streaming Platforms
In December of last year, many parents expressed outrage over the Netflix toddler show Cocomelon, sparking the trending hashtag on X, #BoycottCocomelon. The controversy centered around an episode featuring a young boy dancing in a tutu for his two fathers.
In one particular scene, the two dads sing to their son Nico, “Something that we know about you, you love to get up and dance.” The next shot consists of Nico dressed in a tutu, with a tiara placed on his head. He begins to dance. One of the dads sing to Nico: “If you’re not sure what to choose, think about all the things you like to do. Just be you.” Nico then asks: “Just be me?” And the dad replies: “Yep.”
American Conservatives and Christians persist in their opposition to the LGBTQ+ community, expressing concerns about the perceived risk of children being groomed and influenced to identify as gay or transgender.
A study titled The Representation of Homosexuality in Netflix Shows analysed several popular series and concluded that producers often employ archetypal “innocents,” exaggerated dialogue, and strategic characterisation to depict LGBTQ characters as virtuous, while framing others as antagonistic. It concludes that Netflix disseminates a persuasive discourse that publicises a willingness to highly respect and align with and accept behaviours, identities and opinions of homosexuals regarding sexuality.
Furthermore, the impact of film on influencing the minds of young people is abundantly evident. In a study examining the impact of movies on children, researchers showed a film to a cohort of young viewers. Following the screening, the girls displayed more flirtatious behavior during play, while the boys exhibited increased aggression, mimicking the actions they observed in the film.
Modern western culture separates sex, reproduction, marriage/morality. It combines, desires, actions and identity.
Islam is the solution that we all need
Islam presents to us the inexorable truth that humanity is created from two genders alone and that only two genders exists. The Shariah prescribes that men should embody masculine characteristics while women should embody feminine traits; thus, imitating the opposite gender in any capacity is deemed impermissible. We see many Muslim male influencers adorn the hijab and wear a bit of make up whilst playing various characters for skits and comedy. This is also impermissible.
Gender dysphoria is viewed similarly in Islam to same sex attraction. It is possible to experience such feelings without incurring sin. However, one cannot act upon these feelings or alter one’s body, which is a creation of Allah and a divine gift that must ultimately be returned.
The LGBTQ movement addressed in the Qur’an
Homosexuality
“Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather you are a transgressing people.” (Quran, 7:81)
Transgenderism
Islam holds an unequivocal stance on the matter of transgenderism, firmly prohibiting any alteration to the divine creation of Allah. Islam also affirms distinct and clearly defined gender identities for men and women. This is evidenced in the the Qur’an:
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). So righteous women are obedient, and guard the secrets of their hearts that Allah has (guarded)…..” Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4
What Do Studies Reveal About the LGBTQ Movement?
The emotional dynamics of disruptions in attachment relationships: Implications for theory, research, and clinical intervention found that “children deprived of maternal care during extended periods in early life lacked feeling, had superficial relationships, and exhibited hostile or antisocial tendencies as they matured.” This research compared infants raised by homosexual men to those raised by heterosexual couples. It was also asserted that “mothers are more responsive to the distinctive cries of infants and are better able than fathers to distinguish between a baby’s cry of hunger and a cry of pain.” This highlights the critical importance of a mother’s role in child-rearing.
In Concerns of emerging adults who were born and raised in planned lesbian-parent families, the following deductions were made from the Longitudinal study of a cohort of 75 American-born, 25-year-olds: “The offspring from lesbian-parent families reported typical and common concerns during emerging adulthood. Most concerns were not related to family of origin, work, or education, but were focused on individual psychological issues concerning their health and well-being and about starting a committed romantic relationship.
Regarding mortality rates, Cameron (1998) concluded in his work Does homosexual activity shorten life? that the median age of death for homosexuals is less than 50 years old. He highlights the 4 studies used to obtain his conclusions and deduces that the average life expectancy of a gay man is therefore reduced by 20 to 30 years.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention website, reported in 2014, how Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Gay and Bisexual Men because of homosexual acts, accounted for 83% of primary and secondary syphilis cases in the United States. Other sexually transmitted diseases prevalent in men who engage in homosexual acts include chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections. HPV (Human papillomavirus), the most common STD in the United States, is also a concern for gay and bisexual men. Some types of HPV can cause genital and anal warts, and some can lead to the development of anal and oral cancers. Gay and bisexual men are 17 times more likely to get anal cancer than heterosexual men. Men who are HIV-positive are even more likely than those who do not have HIV to get anal cancer.
Furthermore, it has been estimated that the average HIV care cost in England: a cross-sectional analysis of antiretroviral treatment and the impact of generic introduction was £200,00. This, in turn, impacts society economically, emotionally, and psychologically.
There’s more!
A study conducted by the Journal of Homosexuality comprised of 237 participants (217 assigned female at birth and 20 assigned male at birth), it was found that the majority of the participants de-transitioned when they realised their gender dysphoria was pertaining to other issues. Notably, transitioning did not alleviate their gender dysphoria. Furthermore, only 13% received support from LGBT organizations during de-transitioning compared to 51% during their initial transition. This highlights a concerning disparity in community support, favouring those conforming to prevailing principles and ideals.
Interestingly, Thomas D. Steensma’s investigation of 14-18 year olds, all of whom had undergone gender transition, revealed that changes in their social environment played a crucial role in shaping their perceptions of their own bodies regarding feeling masculine or feminine. This underscores the influence of socialisation pertaining to Gender Dysphoria. In a separate Longitudinal study conducted between Jan 2000 and Jan 2007, Steensma observed the transitioning journey of a cohort of adolescents; 80% had transgender regret.
I’m still not done!
In the Health Affairs journal, a comprehensive study involving 1,400,043 adults (aged 18 and older) across 43 U.S. states found that transgender adults face a higher prevalence of disabilities than cisgender individuals. The study concluded that 22% of transgender adults struggle with concentration, memory, or decision-making, compared to 9% of cisgender men and 7% of cisgender women.15% of transgender adults face difficulties in completing errands independently, compared to 5% of cisgender men and 11% of cisgender women. Alarmingly, other research shows how puberty blockers can impact fertility in girls. In addition, the consumption of puberty blockers has also increased the rates of attempted suicide rates amongst transitioners.
Furthermore, a study by UCLA presents compelling insights. Notably, a staggering 96% of non-binary individuals in the study were born in the United States, with 58% identifying as white. Additionally, the study revealed that 82% of non-binary adults reported experiencing emotional abuse during their childhood. It is intriguing to observe that individuals who identify as non-binary all originate from the same geographic locale on our planet.
If you are a Muslim experiencing issues with same sex attraction, here is some sincere advice from me, your brother
Always be mindful of this hadith:
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The greater the tribulation, the greater the reward. When Allah loves people, He tests them. So whoever is content, for him is pleasure; and whoever is discontent, for him is displeasure.”
Sahih - [Ibn Maajah]
For Muslims, the morals, ethics, and guidelines derived from the holy Quran must be robustly adhered to and preserved, even in these most challenging of times as we see in the following hadith:
“There will come a time when holding on to your religion will be like holding burning coal” (Sunnan Al-Tirmidih 3058).
Allah tests us all in different ways. I would highly recommend for you to listen to Dr Waheed Jensen’s podcast. This is not the brother’s real name but is a pseudonym as he is a brother who, himself struggles with same sex attraction.
Islam does not impose its convictions upon others, like the LGBTQ movement does
Islam does not impose its convictions upon others, like the LGBTQ movement does but rather advocates for Muslims to coexist peacefully with others, irrespective of the diverse beliefs and ideologies held by differing communities. This has been demonstrated through countless civilisations of Islamic rule.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“To you is your religion, and to me is mine” Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109), verse 6.
Hadud Punishments
Hudud punishments are a part of our framework and serve as precedents and as a means of preventing immoral acts in public. However, their application is strictly confined for Muslims in Islamic societies and specific circumstances, requiring rigorous and compelling evidence. This important topic is complex and warrants a more in-depth discussion at a later time.
