I slam and Homosexuality

Abstract

While homosexuality has gained greater social acceptance in many Western societies, it remains highly stigmatized and, in most cases, forbidden in mainstream Islam. Theologically-based homophobia has given rise to negative social representations of homosexuality in Muslim communities around the world. Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) Muslims themselves are acutely aware of the stigma of homosexuality, and the prejudice and, in some cases, harsh punishment that they may face if they disclose their sexual identity. This can in turn induce threats to identity and compromise psychological wellbeing. This entry pieces together emerging empirical evidence on the interface of homosexuality and Islam, focusing upon the theological (meso), social (macro) and psychological (micro) levels of analysis. Islamic Theological Constructions of Homosexuality Like most religious traditions, Islamic ideology appends hegemonic status to heterosexuality, and is deeply opposed to homosexuality. This stance is ingrained in the major ideological channels of communication, such as Islamic holy scripture (the Koran), Islamic law (Shari'ah), and the verbal teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (Ahadith), all of which appear to outlaw homosexuality (Bouhdiba, 1998). Theological opposition to homosexuality is based on what is regarded by most Islamic scholars as the Koran's explicit prohibition of same-sex sexuality. The story of Lot in the Koran has been widely cited as evidence of God's condemnation of homosexuality. The Koran makes seven explicit references to the people of Lot, whose destruction by God is often attributed to their engagement in homosexual practices, as exemplified in the following passage: What! Of all creatures do ye come unto the males, And leave the wives your Lord created for you? Nay but ye are forward folk… And we rained on them a rain. And dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. (Pickthall translation, 26.165-73) Although there has been some variation in the interpretation of the Story of Lot (Kugle, 2010), there is one passage in the Koran that more clearly demonstrates the illegality of homosexuality: And as for the two of you who are guilty thereof [of homosexuality], punish them both. And if they repent and improve, then let them be. Lo! Allah is ever relenting, Merciful. (4.16

Mental health symptoms and suicidality in Iranian gay men

“…Islamic law (Shariah) and oral teachings of the prophet Muhammad (Ahadith) classify same-sex sexual relationships and homosexuality as ‘unethical’ (Bouhdiba, 2004). Many Muslims, therefore, consider homosexuality a ‘deviation from nature’ and ‘rebellion against God’ (Jaspal, 2016). Homosexuality is forbidden in the majority of Islamic countries.…”

“…Worldwide, same-sex sexual behavior is punishable by death in a total of 10 countries and four regions, all of which are Islamic. These countries include Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, while the regions are located in Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Iraq (Jaspal, 2016).…”

“…Iran is a country whose citizens follow Islam, harbor negative attitudes towards homosexuality, and support severe punishments for same-sex sexual contacts. According to the Islamic Penal Code, the punishment for having anal intercourse between two men (livat) is execution, while it is 100 lashes for rubbing the penis between the legs of a male sexual partner (tafkhiz) (Jaspal, 2016; Karimi & Bayatrizi, 2019). Homosexuality in Iran is almost always referred to negatively: the most common expression for gay men as ‘kuni’ is synonymous with the English epithet ‘bugger’.…”