In the name of God, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality
In Islam, sexuality is considered part of our identity as human beings. In
His creation of humankind, God distinguished us from other animals by giving
us reason and will such that we can control behavior that, in other species,
is governed solely by instinct. So, although sexual relations ultimately
can result in the reproduction and survival of the human race, an instinctual
concept, our capacity for self-control allows us to regulate this behavior.
Also, the mere fact that human beings are the only creatures who engage in
sexual relations once they are beyond the physical capacity for reproduction,
sets us apart from all other species which engage in sex for the sole purpose
of reproduction.
Marraige
For Muslims, based on an understanding of Qur'an and hadith, sexual relations
are confined to marriage between a wife and husband. Within this context,
the role of a healthy sexual relationship is extremely important. Having
and raising children are encouraged among Muslims. Once a child is born,
the parents are expected to care for, nurture and prepare the child for adulthood,
with a goal of imparting Islam so that the individual is equipped with knowledge
and willingness to accept and practice Islam and thus become a productive
member of society.
Beyond childbearing, sexual relations assume a prominent role in the overall
well-being of the marriage. In reading hadith, one is impressed with the
Prophet's ability to discuss all issues including those dealing with human
sexuality. The topics range from questions about menstruation to orgasm.
He apparently was not embarrassed by such inquiries, but strove to adequately
guide and inform the Muslims who asked. Both Qur'an and hadith allude to
the nature of sexual relations as a means of attaining mutual satisfaction,
closeness and compassion between a wife and husband. "Permitted to you on
the night of the Fasts is the approach to your wives. They are your garments
and you are their garments." (2:187) Also, Muslims are advised to avoid sexual
intercourse during menses so as not to cause discomfort to the woman (2:222).
The goal of marriage is to create tenderness between two individuals and
satisfy the very basic human need for companionship. "And among His signs
is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may
dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you;
in this are signs for those who think." (30:21)
The hadith which address this issue are numerous. The Prophet himself, while
not divulging all aspects of his own sexual life, was known for his nature
as a loving husband who was sensitive and physically demonstrative. In several
hadith, he speaks about the importance of foreplay and speaking in loving
terms during sexual relations. Again, the concept of mutual satisfaction
is elucidated in a hadith which advises husbands to engage in acts that enable
a woman to achieve orgasm first. (see Ihya ulum-id-din (Revival of Religious
Learning) by Imam Ghazzali, chapter on Marriage). Sexual dissatisfaction
is considered legitimate grounds for divorce on the part of either wife or
husband.
Sex Outside of Marraige
Naturally, attraction between individuals is necessary to initiate a relationship
that leads to marriage. But sexual relations can obviously take place between
any couple, consenting or not. Because of the far-reaching ramifications
of sexual relations outside of marriage, Muslims are prohibited by God from
such behavior. And because the process that leads to physical attraction
and ultimately intimacy is part of human nature, Muslims are advised to behave
in a way and avoid circumstances that could potentially result in extra-
or premarital sex. Modesty in dress and behavior between women and men figures
prominently as a means of exhibiting self-control. Similarly, unmarried couples
are admonished against spending time alone in isolated places where they
would be more likely to act on their feelings and thus be less inhibited.
Some of the negative results of sex outside of marriage include the potential
for unwanted pregnancies, transmission of sexually transmitted diseases,
disruption of the family and marriage (in cases of adultery), and emotional
and psychological difficulties resulting from the lack of commitment associated
with most relationships outside of marriage. As in other religions, extra-
and premarital sex are considered major sins. Muslims believe that God does
not simply forbid or allow behavior whimsically, but does so with our best
interest at heart, guiding us away from potentially destructive behavior
and towards behavior that allows us to achieve our most fulfilling potentials
as human beings. For a similar reason, Muslims give up the consumption of
alcohol because of faith in God's wisdom that the negative effects outweigh
the positive for individuals and society at large. "Whoever submits his whole
self to God, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy
handhold..." (31:22)
Contraception
Although Muslims are encouraged to have children, contraception is not prohibited.
The method used during the time of the Prophet was coitus interruptus (known
as ëazl) about which several hadith exist. His basic response when asked
if such a practice was lawful was that individuals can do as they will, but
if God intends for a child to be born, she/he will be born. Some interpreted
this to mean that preventing pregnancy is not recommended because childbearing
is preferred; yet the act is not specifically prohibited. Also, other hadith
stipulate that ëazl could not be practiced without the wife's consent
as it might interfere with her sexual satisfaction or desire to bear children.
By analogy, the methods that exist today as contraceptives are lawful for
Muslims to use at their discretion. Basically, it is our position that any
method that does not involve pregnancy termination is permissible. Imam al-Ghazzali
(see previous reference) lists a number of legitimate reasons for practicing
contraception, including financial difficulty, emotional or psychological
hardship of having many children, and even the preservation of beauty and
health.
It should be clear from this discussion, that since sexual relations should
be confined to marriage, contraception is so limited. It is not considered
a means of easing the difficulties associated with sexual relations outside
of marriage.
Abortion
Abortion is viewed in the same context as having relevance only regarding
pregnancies occurring in marriage, again, not as a response to conception
as a result of extra- or premarital relationships. Early Muslim jurists considered
abortion lawful for a variety of reasons until 40 -120 days after conception
(first trimester). This was based on interpretation of Qur'an (22:4 and 23:12-14)
and hadith that implied that ensoulment or "life" did not exist until after
that time (see Sex and Society in Islam, B.F. Musallam, Cambridge University
Press, 1983). Contemporary thinkers, considering available technology that
allows visualization of the embryonic heartbeat at four weeks of gestation,
are of the position that life begins much earlier than previously thought,
and therefore to terminate would be to take a life illegally.
The majority of Muslims today believe that abortion is allowed only if the
mother's life is significantly endangered by the pregnancy. Some also feel
that the presence of certain congenital anomalies (particularly those that
are lethal) make abortion lawful. Also, some scholars consider abortion appropriate
in pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
Homosexuality
Human beings are capable of many forms of sexual expression, orientation
and identification. The existence of such a variety again is not found in
any other species and thus further demonstrates our uniqueness among God's
creations. The potential for behavior, such as homosexuality, does not mean
that its practice is lawful in the eyes of God. Therefore, individuals are
expected to control themselves and not act on their desires if such action
is contrary to the guidelines of Islam. Homosexuality, like other forms of
sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage, is thus prohibited.
In any discussion of prohibited acts follows the question of what happens
if they nevertheless occur. The Qur'an and hadith are explicit regarding
severe punishment by the State if a person is convicted of such a crime.
However, in order for conviction to take place, the individuals must confess
or be accused by at least four eyewitnesses of the act of actual intercourse.
Obviously, the likelihood of these criteria being met is small which means
that most couples who engage in unlawful acts will not be punished by the
State. They will then deal with the consequences of their behavior in this
life and will be accountable to God on the Day of Judgment. How He ultimately
judges is known only by Him.
Sex Education
Clearly, from the above discussion, Islam is explicit about many aspects
of human sexuality. Also, based on the numerous hadith showing the Prophet's
willingness to discuss these matters openly, it should be obvious that education
about matters related to sex is acceptable. Muslims may disagree about the
age at which sex education begins; some don't discuss the subject at all.
Explaining anatomy and the changes one's body experiences during puberty
are essential for enabling young people to grow up with a healthy self-image.
Also, in an age where sexual activity in many countries begins at an early
age, Muslim adolescents must be informed to better enable them to deal with
peer pressure. Sex education can be taught in a way that informs young people
about sexuality in scientific and moral terms.
In countries with very diverse populations, such as the United States, the
main limitation in developing sex education curricula, particularly in public
schools, is the inability to select a universally acceptable moral position.
Therefore, young people are given facts and information, and advised that
if they choose to engage in sexual relationships, they should take measures
to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The moral and religious
aspects of sexuality can be incorporated either in schools of a particular
religious denomination or in adjunctive coursework offered by religious institutions.
Regardless of the challenges of each society, young people must be adequately
informed. Also, in some Muslim communities, individuals are encouraged to
marry at young ages. They need to be educated regarding sexuality prior to
the marriage such that they know what to expect and can consider their options
for birth control prior to consummating the marriage.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The practice of clitoridectomy preceded the introduction of Islam in Arabia
and in different parts of Africa. This results in severe sexual debilitation
of women who cannot possibly achieve sexual fulfillment which is their right
as Muslims. Therefore, this practice is totally un-Islamic because it is
in direct violation of both Qur'an and hadith which clearly stress the importance
of sexual satisfaction for both the husband and wife.