Is Islam Homophobic?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
In Islam, being part of LGBTQ+ is a major sin, and the whole nation of Prophet Lut was punished for that. So, is Islam homophobic?
Some people say it is. I had a friend who later told me that she’s from lgbt, so I cut off contact with her, but now I am in touch with her again because I want her to find the truth of Islam. She thinks I’m homophobic. I don’t know what homophobic means. And she also mentioned in India, because of homophobia, people commit suicide.
How can I deal with these? How can I explain to her? And she thinks she’s going to hell when I say it’s a sin.
Answer
Thank you for your question. I pray that you bring benefit to your friend and that you can have open communication with her about what is right or wrong.
Homophobia
The meaning of homophobic is having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against gay people. I don’t know if homophobic is the correct term to describe the position of Islam, but homosexuality is a major sin in our religion and is potentially deserving of capital punishment. It is a major sin according to Christian and Jewish traditions as well. This might scare your friend, so I suggest you use a gentle approach. Perhaps start by giving her a copy of the Quran and tell her that God doesn’t hate her; rather, He wants the best for His servants and society.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah is gentle and loves gentleness, and He grants reward for it that He does not grant for harshness.” [Ibn Maja]
Morality
Explain to her that families make up the fabric of a healthy society based on morals and universal principles. Morals are important because they provide a framework for society to function harmoniously, guiding people to make ethical decisions in their daily lives. They foster mutual respect, empathy, growth, and understanding among people, regardless of their cultural or social background. Islam is keen to establish this because it provides the best way and support for people to build their relationships with Allah Most High, which is our ultimate goal.
Dua
Please say the dua below; may Allah answer your prayers to guide her. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to Mu‘awiya: “O Allah, make him a guiding one, and guide (others) by him.” [Tirmidhi] I changed the dua to the feminine for you to recite for your friend:
“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْها هَادِيةً مَهْدِيّةً وَاهْدِ بِها”
Please see more details here:
- What is the Reason for the Prohibition of Homosexuality?
- How Do I Reconcile Between Wanting To Live as a Homosexual and My Studies To Become a Muslim Scholar?
- How Can Love Be a Sin Even If It Is Between Two People of the Same Gender?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
