1.) Introduction.-
The practice of Islam revolves around what is considered “morally acceptable behavior,” as outlined by the Holy Qur’an. One such behavior that is gaining momentum not only in predominately Islamic countries, but the world, is the issue of homosexuality and the designation of rights to those who identify under the all-encompassing umbrella of LGBTQ+. The moral conservatism of the faith and the number of men and women who identify as homosexual within Islamic countries are clashing. Thus, homosexual Muslims have been outcast, tortured, and killed for their considerably “abominable” actions against Islamic law. There has been debate over the recognition of homosexual rights for gay Muslims in several Islamic countries while …show more content…
The story of Lut and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are where Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, receive their scripture of the disapproval of homosexuality within the faith. The Holy Qur’an states: “And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.’” (Al-A 'raf 7:80-81). Subsequently, the story depicts Lut, a prophet, sent to share God’s message in hopes to have the citizens repent from their current avarice. Most citizens did not heed the message Lut had brought, thus resulting in the ultimate destruction of the cities. One such action that attributed to the attitudes of the citizens was their sexual misconduct which ultimately destroyed the two …show more content…
What I mean by this is that there are many viewpoints on the issue, some progressive and fast-paced, some progress more slowly, and others say ‘no’ to the very idea. This mix of ideas and stances on how to approach the concept and recognition of homosexuals in Islamic and global arenas proves for a challenge. While countries like Albania, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone are being progressive and recognizing the very basic human right for LGBT individuals to live, Turkey decriminalized homosexuality and allow homosexuals to seek asylum in the country since the 1951 Geneva Convention, and other Islamic countries condemn men to death for the very action. This divide on the issue leads me to believe that there is absolutely no solid ground for an authoritative stance within the practice of Islam on homosexuality with such diverse interpretations of the story of Lut and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, plus the fact that the punishments for homosexual behavior is often at the discretion of local Islamic authority.
The multitude of progressive attitudes about homosexuality and LGBT rights proves that there is room for both Islam and homosexuality to coexist on the same plane. Though it may seem passive, Esposito’s mention of liberal-minded Muslims and Gutierrez’s mention of Iranian youth challenging the theocratic view shows the very concept
The practice of Islam revolves around what is considered “morally acceptable behavior,” as outlined by the Holy Qur’an. One such behavior that is gaining momentum not only in predominately Islamic countries, but the world, is the issue of homosexuality and the designation of rights to those who identify under the all-encompassing umbrella of LGBTQ+. The moral conservatism of the faith and the number of men and women who identify as homosexual within Islamic countries are clashing. Thus, homosexual Muslims have been outcast, tortured, and killed for their considerably “abominable” actions against Islamic law. There has been debate over the recognition of homosexual rights for gay Muslims in several Islamic countries while …show more content…
The story of Lut and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are where Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, receive their scripture of the disapproval of homosexuality within the faith. The Holy Qur’an states: “And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.’” (Al-A 'raf 7:80-81). Subsequently, the story depicts Lut, a prophet, sent to share God’s message in hopes to have the citizens repent from their current avarice. Most citizens did not heed the message Lut had brought, thus resulting in the ultimate destruction of the cities. One such action that attributed to the attitudes of the citizens was their sexual misconduct which ultimately destroyed the two …show more content…
What I mean by this is that there are many viewpoints on the issue, some progressive and fast-paced, some progress more slowly, and others say ‘no’ to the very idea. This mix of ideas and stances on how to approach the concept and recognition of homosexuals in Islamic and global arenas proves for a challenge. While countries like Albania, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone are being progressive and recognizing the very basic human right for LGBT individuals to live, Turkey decriminalized homosexuality and allow homosexuals to seek asylum in the country since the 1951 Geneva Convention, and other Islamic countries condemn men to death for the very action. This divide on the issue leads me to believe that there is absolutely no solid ground for an authoritative stance within the practice of Islam on homosexuality with such diverse interpretations of the story of Lut and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, plus the fact that the punishments for homosexual behavior is often at the discretion of local Islamic authority.
The multitude of progressive attitudes about homosexuality and LGBT rights proves that there is room for both Islam and homosexuality to coexist on the same plane. Though it may seem passive, Esposito’s mention of liberal-minded Muslims and Gutierrez’s mention of Iranian youth challenging the theocratic view shows the very concept