Question and answer details | |
| Simone | |
| A homosexual friend | |
| 2002-09-28 | |
| I have been reading a lot about Islam lately. I find it interesting and appealing. One question I do have. I have a gay (homosexual) friend. He is a good person who hurts no one. We have been friends for a very long time. I would never want to lose his friendship. If I converted, would I be told to end the friendship? I am curious what the Islamic teachings on this are. | |
| Amani Aboul Fadl Farag | |
|
Answer
Dear sir,
Thank you for your question and I really appreciate your sincere feelings towards your friend. My opinion is that our love for our dear people should be a way to rescue them when they are in danger. Sometimes true friendship implies that we should behave firmly with whoever is hurting themselves and endangering society, when they are too weak change. Your friend's situation is very critical, not only from the religious point of view, but also regarding his mental, physical and psychological health. As for the religious aspect, Islam is not the only religion, which condemns such relationships. Since the dawn of history, people were warned against it, through the repeated telling of the story of Lut's people, the way God condemned them and the tragic end they met for having such sexual orientation. You can read this story in the Old Testament in the Genesis (chapter 19) and in many parts of Qur’an as well. For example
These, along with about 25 more verses, in which this story was mentioned in less details show the magnitude of this sinful conduct and the amount of abhorrence God has for both gays and lesbians, even if it is the only sin they commit in their lives. On the other hand, your friend should be aware of the major health problems, in both the short and the long runs, which homosexuals are exposed to (e.g. HIV/ AIDS). What I am trying to tell you here is that your love for your friend does not mean that you have to accept him as he is! Rather, your love should be interpreted in standing by his side, as much as you can. This, while you are aiming to help him so that he can finally give up such a habit, which will destroy both his life here and in the hereafter! I do understand that old habits die-hard and that it may give you a hard time to go through it till the very end. But, that is what friends are for! Good luck and we hope to hear from you again. You may also find the following link useful: What is Islam's view of homosexuality? |
|
Vote
As Egyptians vote to choose Mubarak’s successor, who among the following main contenders would you vote for?
Videos
Islamic Lectures
Friday Khutbas
Galleries
Most Read
Most Rated
Most Commented
Special Coverage
Editor's Choice
“Me & My In-laws” (Special Coverage)
No wonder the relation between spouses and their in-laws come on the top. Fathers and mothers of each partner play an important role to back or destroy their sons’ and daughters’ marriage. In some cu...
