Homosexuality: An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/38-1-6275

Homosexuality can be defined as a sexual orientation and a sense of personal and social identity with or without alternative life style. Homosexuality was regarded as an illness, but in 1973 it was removed from Psychiatric diagnostic categories. The majority of psychiatrists believe that homosexuality is an alternative life style rather than a mental disorder. It needs to be clarified that the expression of homosexuality (behavior) is a matter of choice, which is under one's control.

Islam and other major religions condemn homosexual behavior. Homosexuals are not emotionally disturbed or socially dysfunctional. If they are engaged in a homosexual act, they are committing a prohibited act which is a major sin. They are committing a sin which is similar to a heterosexual individual who indulges in a sexual relation without marriage. Islam teaches self-restraint. As Muslims, we do not make religious laws, but we obey God's commands. We cannot impose our views on others but we know the clear instructions from Qur'an about homosexual behavior and we have a duty to teach the correct teachings of Qur'an.

Muslim physicians and clinicians must have a non-judgmental attitude to help individuals who are suffering the consequences of their behavior. A homosexual patient may be suffering from any illness, including Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). A sick homosexual patient is a person entitled to treatment with dignity and respect. When personal attitude interferes with our optimal doctor-patient relationship, the ethical course is to refer the patients to other colleagues.