Discussing
the issue of homosexuality has been taboo in most societies for
ages. Being considered an act of sin by most cultures and religions,
there had not seemed to be much that required discussion. In recent
years, however, gay lobbies have cropped up in the West, and talk of
“coming out of the closet” has become common place. The pressure
formed by these lobbies on political and legal institutions, the
media, and society in general has resulted in a different definition
and concept of homosexuality in the mindset of the common Westerner.
Not only this, but the approach to homosexuality by scientists and
psychiatrists has completely changed.
In
November 2001, human rights groups severely criticized the Egyptian
government for arresting a group of suspected homosexuals, which
resulted in raising the issue of Islam’s stance on homosexuality.
Groups of gay Muslims have also become more vocal and have been
organizing in an effort to convince themselves and others that there
is no contradiction between being a Muslim and being a proclaimed
homosexual.
Ignoring
the issue and not properly discussing it only makes the issue more
confusing for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Below is an
attempt to commence such a discussion and to further understand this
issue in an Islamic and a scientific light.
