Muslim scholars agree — based on what has been revealed in the Qur’an and what has been authenticated in the Prophetic Sunnah — that homosexual behavior (gayness and lesbianism) is prohibited because it is an assault on the humanity of a person, destruction of the family, and a clash with the aims of the Lawgiver, one of which is the establishment of sexual instincts between males and females so as to encourage the institution of marriage.

Here are a few tips to help the one who practices homosexuality:

1. Let him convince himself that the pleasure that he derives from such an abominable behavior is in reality nothing but pain and suffering in the long term. So instead of associating this behavior with pleasure, let him learn to associate and link it with pain; so every time he is tempted to do it, let him picture the pain and suffering of hell fire. By repeatedly going through this exercise, he will eventually come to abhor and shun this behavior altogether.

2. Let him continuously read, reflect and meditate on the verses of the Qur’an that deal with the punishment meted to the nation who practiced this abomination; let him also read the verses depicting hell fire. (For instance: Qur’an: 7: 80-84; 11: 77-83; 40: 47-50, etc.)

3. Let him ask himself whether he wishes to belong to the group of the wicked sinners condemned by Allah or join the company of the prophets, saintly ones, the martyrs and the righteous who are blessed by Allah. The choice is his and his alone.

4. Let him immediately cut off all relations with people who lead such a life-style; let him, if there is need, relocate himself to another city where he will be able to erase his past and form friendships with those who are righteous and engaged in good works and thus occupy himself in such works with them.

5. Let him meditate on the ephemeral and transient nature of this world. The pleasures of this world are fleeting while the pleasure and pain of Hereafter are ever lasting.

6. Let him make dhikr and du`a’ his constant companion. By seeking Allah’s help to fight this behavior, he can surely overcome and break free of this abomination. Allah has promised to come to the help of those who strive in His way: [As for those who strive for Our sake, We will guide them unto Our ways; verily, Allah is with those who behave with excellence.] (Al-`Ankabut 29: 69)

7. Last but not least, once he has repented and changed himself into a better person, he should get married and seek a lawful Islamic relationship, which will be approved by Allah as well as rewarded by Him. May Allah help us all to hate disbelief and sins in all forms, and may He make dear to our hearts faith and righteous actions. Ameen.