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Non-Practicing Homosexual: What’s Islam’s View? Part 1

30 April, 2017
Q I am not a Muslim, but I met a guy who never drinks or wastes any of his time, which I found to be impressive. While talking to him, I realized that he was a Muslim and I started studying the religion. The complications lie in the fact that I have feelings towards men. I know it is wrong. I consider it an abomination. I don't need anyone to tell me how sinful it is. But I can't help it. I can stay away from committing the act but the feelings are always there. After reading the other questions about gays on the site they do not help me much. I cannot ignore the feelings and get married. I do not feel any attraction towards women. I need some serious help. What is your view on a non-practicing homosexual? The feelings exist but not the acts.

Answer

Salam (Peace) Dear Brother,

Please find part one of the answer to your question below. Find the second and final part at the link here

A non-practicing homosexual in the Islamic view is not a sinner. And this question reminds us of our duty to support those who are struggling against sin.

No One Is Free of Sin

Your question is one of great importance and reminds us that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

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Every son of Adam makes mistakes. But the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent. (At-Tirmidhi)

In another hadith (Prophetic tradition) the Prophet said:

If you failed to commit sins, then Allah would destroy you and create those who would sin and seek His forgiveness and He would forgive them. (Muslim)

Thus, it is important to note that every one of us commits sins and falls into error. And God loves to forgive us if we turn to Him in repentance.

The Message of Islam

Islam means surrender and peace. Instead of original sin, Islam teaches that the nature of humanity is good. However, humans, since they were created as such, will make mistakes at times and struggle to overcome their lower desires. This is based on each person’s desire to serve or worship.

Instead of preaching that human nature is full of evil, Islam teaches that the nature of humanity is to worship. In the Quran we read what means:

{And I (Allah) have not created Jinn and men except to worship Me.} (Quran 51:56)

Thus, our true nature is inclined to serve our Lord. However, there are times when that nature can be misdirected to things which are unbecoming.

False deities, fame, and success caused many people to slip and fall from the noble station that the Creator has given them. Thus, by surrendering to something other than the true Creator and Sustainer of all, people will feel depressed, saddened, and lost.

To make this more clear, could you imagine if the power of the sun and rain were under different political powers? Wouldn’t there be unthinkable madness? Eluding to this the Qur’an says what means:

{Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.} (Quran 21:22)

Thus, if this is the case with nature, then what is the situation of people who try to serve many gods? What would be the outcome of trying to submit and worship many deities all having different agendas who, in reality, fail to possess the true qualities of the one Creator, the sole Ruler and Sustainer of the universe?

The Qur’an makes this clear:

{Allah sets forth an example: There is a slave in whom are (several) partners differing with one another, and there is another slave wholly owned by one man. Are the two alike in condition? (All) praise is due to Allah. Nay! most of them do not know.} (Quran 39:29)

The Path of Surrender Is the Key

Islam is a faith which serves as an alarm clock reminding the creation of their true purpose. It helps to focus the heart, discipline the mind, and perfect the morals and actions.

The outcome of such a surrender is the dawn of a very special relationship between the Creator and the created. For one cannot develop a true relationship with another until the latter is acknowledged.

Thus, by knowing Allah and submitting to Him alone, one will truly feel the heavy shackles of sin lightened and escape from the dungeon that one’s soul had languished in.

{There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.} (Quran 2:256)

And

{If one firmly believes in Allah, He will guide his heart.} (Quran 64:11)

Faith First 

Based on the above, my first advice to you would be to focus on understanding faith in Islam. Faith in Islam is not a mere spiritual exercise, but includes knowing faith, believing in it, and acting upon it.

Faith changes the human being’s entire persona. Its result is a person whose character, actions, and behavior are linked to a divine purpose. Thus, the person gains confidence and realizes the divine purpose behind his or her being.

It is through this faith that three important questions are realized:

  1. Where have I come from?
  2. Where am I going?
  3. What is my purpose in life?

In order to understand this better, think of an organization with no mission statement. With faith you gain your mission statement and realize your purpose. Thus, you are able to build a framework that lays the foundation for a life connected to the Creator.

Thus, every act is done with sincere thought, and every thought is examined and touched by the light of faith. For this reason, you will have come to life. Life has a purpose; the shades of despair and sadness are cast away by the light of faith and happiness.

{The blind and the seeing are not alike. Nor the darkness and the light, Nor the shade and the heat, neither are the living and the dead alike. Surely Allah makes whom He pleases hear, and you cannot make those hear who are in the graves.} (Quran 35:19-22)

And

{Is he who was dead then We raised him to life and made for him a light by which he walks among the people, like him whose likeness is that of one in utter darkness whence he cannot come forth?} (Quran 6:122)

Continue reading part two at the link here.

Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:

5 Conditions to Get Your Repentance Accepted

Repent, Allah Loves You

More Signs of Allah’s Mercy