Making Sense of LGBTQ+ in Islam

Let’s face it, Muslim kids ask, “Can Muslims be gay?” It is confusing and many parents fumble for an answer! 

On the one hand, we know what judging feels like and what it means to support political parties that accept Muslims. However, that acceptance has no limitations. Muslims wonder what to think and how to act. 

Two issues are at play here: the agenda of LGBTQ2S+ and the Islamic position on homosexuality. Let’s first deal with the latter issue. 

Can Muslims Be Gay?

To answer, “Can Muslims be gay?” we must first lay the foundation.

Can Muslims eat pork or drink alcohol? Is it ok for women to go topless? Can men have mistresses and girlfriends in Islam?

The answer to all of the above is a resounding “No!”

The rules in Islam are not man-made laws. Allah governs Muslims (SWT) through His Word, the Quran, and His Prophet (SAW). So, to answer the question, “Can Muslims be Gay?” – they cannot. It is forbidden for Muslims to engage in any homosexual act, even if they are inclined to it. Keep reading as we break this down a bit more. 

In the Surah Ash-Shuara, Allah reports the conversation between Lut (AS) and his people regarding their practice of homosexuality. 

“Do you go to the males (for having sex) out of the whole universe and leave what your Lord has created for you, that is, your wives? In fact, you are a people who cross (all) limits.’ They said, ‘If you do not stop 0 Lut, you shall be included among the outcast.’ He said, ‘Certainly, I am hateful to your act. 0 my Lord, save me and my family from what they do.'” Quran 26:165-169

The following verses explain how Allah saved Lut (AS) and his family, except for “an old woman.” She was the wife of Lut (AS) and collaborated with those that threatened Lut (AS) and chose disbelief. 

The verse then speaks of the punishment Allah inflicted on the people of Lut (AS) for their evil actions after He warned them against doing it. 

“Then We destroyed the others and subjected them to a terrible rain. So evil was the rain of those who were warned.” Quran 26:172-173

There is zero doubt from any reputable scholars throughout the past 1400 years that homosexuality is haram and explicitly forbidden. 

Our modern society celebrates lowly desires and punishes facts. People without knowledge issue rulings and corrupt Islam to fit their own ideology. 

Believers cannot accept homosexuality. It is an unacceptable act that destroyed an entire nation. 

Yet, knowing all this, what should our attitude be?

The Attitude of a Muslim Regarding Homosexuality

There is no dispute that Islam forbids homosexuality; the question arises, how do we approach Muslims struggling with this?

Islam does not dismiss that some people experience homosexual desires and inclinations. Some people are inclined to things that are haram. Still, homosexuality should never be accepted, just as any other forbidden act is prohibited. The act is evil, but the people practicing it are not, and this distinction is critical. 

As Muslims, we hate it, just as Lut (AS) hated it. It is an immoral and evil plot of Shaytaan. Many Muslims who want to define themselves as gay are often unwilling to accept that they are engaging in something wrong and forbidden. It would be better to at least admit to the sin than cover it with rhetoric the media likes to spread.  

Furthermore, as Muslims, we do not support one another in sin. A Muslim’s obligation is to “enjoin good and forbid evil.” We can do this by refusing to accept homosexuality as permissible and despising what Allah has forbidden in our hearts. 

The Simple Answer

The answer to “Can Muslims be gay?” is a clear ‘no.’ But, are there Muslims that are gay and partake in immoral, sinful behavior? Yes, there are. They believe in the Oneness of Allah and His Prophet (SAW) but refuse to obey Allah’s warning, as indicated in the Quran. That makes them sinful. Accepting homosexuality is a rejection of the Quran and Sunnah, and it takes a person outside the fold of Islam.  

“So when they forgot the advice they were given, We saved those who used to forbid evil and seized those who transgressed, with a bitter punishment, because they had been disobeying.” Quran 7:165

Muslims with these desires must have patience and turn to Allah, who Hears all and controls hearts. 

LGBTQ+ Has a Social Agenda

“They want to blow out the Light of Allah with their mouths, and Allah rejects everything short of making His light perfect, no matter how the disbelievers may hate it.” Quran 9:32

Let’s be honest here. The past 8-10 years have drastically changed for everyone in America. It is illegal for Muslim imams to advise other Muslims against homosexuality in Canada. In America, doctors are no longer allowed to decide if they do or don’t want to perform gender surgeries. Schools force children to learn about this immoral act as though it is normal and speaks for most humankind. The agenda is forced on us to accept LGBTQ+ as a moral, natural act openly. And if we reject it, we risk losing our jobs. 

Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the Western world feel smothered by this agenda. In contrast, others are in a state of confusion. The agenda does not allow tolerance for those who do not accept it as a moral, sound practice. By not accepting this sin, one is deemed hateful. 

Allah has already warned us about this in Quran, as He relays the exchange between Him and Shaytaan.

“He (Satan) said, “Surely I will take an appointed share from Your slaves, And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.” And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained an evident loss. He [i.e., Satan] promises them and arouses desire in them. But Satan does not promise them except delusion. As for such, their shelter is Jahannam (Hell), and they shall find no escape from it.” Quran 4:118-122

We must thoroughly understand that this is the plot of Shaytaan. He has spent his life leading man astray. Finally, He is succeeding in ways he has never been able to. These days are the end of times, as the sunnah warns us. The only way through this is to turn back to Allah in repentance with our eyes wet, supplicating to Him for protection. 

Abdullah and Abu Musa narrate: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Near the establishment of the Hour, there will be days during which Religious ignorance will spread, knowledge will be taken away (vanish), and there will be much Al-Harj, and Al- Harj means killing.” Sahih al-Bukhari 7062, 7063

Hold Tight to the Rope of Allah

The entire nation of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) struggles to hold on to religion. Sins are everywhere in our society. Even in mosques, we aren’t safe from falling into Shaytan’s many traps. Thus, addressing the question, “Can Muslims be gay?” comes with backlash. It angers many, but there are also many glad to have a voice finally; instead of this agenda forcing us into silence. 

Prayer, learning our religion, and submission is the only way for us to rise as Muslims. This is especially so when the opposition pushes us down.

Want to learn more about Islam’s stand on homosexuality? Listen to our podcast episode: Talking to Our Muslim Children About LGBTQ with Sheikh Ata.