An Islamic Perspective on
Sexuality
Muslim Women's League
http://www.zawaj.com/
In Islam, sexuality is considered part of our identity as human
beings. In His creation of humankind, God distinguished us from other
animals by giving us reason and will such that we can control behavior
that, in other species, is governed solely by instinct. So, although
sexual relations ultimately can result in the reproduction and survival
of the human race, an instinctual concept, our capacity for self-control
allows us to regulate this behavior. Also, the mere fact that human
beings are the only creatures who engage in sexual relations once they
are beyond the physical capacity for reproduction, sets us apart from
all other species which engage in sex for the sole purpose of
reproduction.
Marriage
For Muslims, based on an understanding of Qur'an and hadith, sexual
relations are confined to marriage between a wife and husband. Within
this context, the role of a healthy sexual relationship is extremely
important. Having and raising children are encouraged among Muslims.
Once a child is born, the parents are expected to care for, nurture and
prepare the child for adulthood, with a goal of imparting Islam so that
the indivdual is equipped with knowledge and willingness to accept and
practice Islam and thus become a productive member of society.
Beyond childbearing, sexual relations assume a prominent role in the
overall well-being of the marriage. In reading hadith, one is impressed
with the Prophet's ability to discuss all issues including those dealing
with human sexuality. The topics range from questions about menstruation
to orgasm. He apparently was not embarassed by such inquiries, but
strove to adequately guide and inform the Muslims who asked. Both Qur'an
and hadith allude to the nature of sexual relations as a means of
attaining mutual satisfaction, closeness and compassion between a wife
and husband. "Permitted to you on the night of the Fasts is the approach
to your wives. They are your garments and you are their
garments."(2:187) Also, Muslims are advised to avoid sexual intercourse
during menses so as not to cause discomfort to the woman (2:222).
The goal of marriage is to create tenderness between two individuals
and satisfy the very basic human need for companionship. "And among His
signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that
you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy
between you; in this are signs for those who think."(30:21) The hadith
which address this issue are numerous. The Prophet himself, while not
divulging all aspects of his own sexual life, was known for his nature
as a loving husband who was sensitive and physically demonstrative. In
several hadith, he speaks about the importance of foreplay and speaking
in loving terms during sexual relations. Again, the concept of mutual
satisfaction is elucidated in a hadith which advises husbands to engage
in acts that enable a woman to achieve orgasm first. (see Ihya ulum-id-din
(Revival of Religious Learning) by Imam Ghazzali, chapter on Marriage).
Sexual dissatisfaction is considered legitimate grounds for divorce on
the part of either wife or husband.
Sex Outside of Marriage
Naturally, attraction between individuals is necessary to initiate a
relationship that leads to marriage. But sexual relations can obviously
take place between any couple, consenting or not. Because of the
far-reaching ramifications of sexual relations outside of marriage,
Muslims are prohibited by God from such behavior. And because the
process that leads to physical attraction and ultimately intimacy is
part of human nature, Muslims are advised to behave in a way and avoid
circumstances that could potentially result in extra- or pre-marital
sex. Modesty in dress and behavior between women and men figures
prominently as a means of exhibiting self-control. Similarly, unmarried
couples are admonished against spending time alone in isolated places
where they would be more likely to act on their feelings and thus be
less inhibited.
Some of the negative results of sex outside of marriage include the
potential for unwanted pregnancies, transmission of sexually transmitted
diseases, disruption of the family and marriage (in cases of adultery),
and emotional and psychological difficulties resulting from the lack of
commitment associated with most relationships outside of marriage. As in
other religions, extra- and pre-marital sex are considered major sins.
Muslims believe that God does not simply forbid or allow behavior
whimsically, but does so with our best interest at heart, guiding us
away from potentially destructive behavior and towards behavior that
allows us to achieve our most fulfilling potentials as human beings. For
a similar reason, Muslims give up the consumption of alcohol because of
faith in God's wisdom that the negative effects outweigh the positive
for individuals and society at large. "Whoever submits his whole self to
God, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy
handhold..."{(31:22)
Contraception
Although Muslims are encouraged to have children, contraception is
not prohibited. The method used during the time of the Prophet was
coitus interruptus (known as 'azl) about which several hadith exist. His
basic response when asked if such a practice was lawful was that
individuals can do as they will, but if God intends for a child to be
born, she/he will be born. Some interpreted this to mean that preventing
pregnancy is not recommended because child-bearing is preferred; yet the
act is not specifically prohibited. Also, other hadith stipulate that 'azl
could not be practiced without the wife's consent as it might interfere
with her sexual satisfaction or desire to bear children.
By analogy, the methods that exist today as contraceptives are lawful
for Muslims to use at their discretion. Basically, it is our position
that any method that does not involve pregnancy termination is
permissible. Imam al-Ghazzali (see previous reference) lists a number of
legitimate reasons for practicing contraception, including financial
difficulty, emotional or psychological hardship of having many children,
and even the preservation of beauty and health.
It should be clear from this discussion, that since sexual relations
should be confined to marriage, contraception is so limited. It is not
considered a means of easing the difficulties associated with sexual
relations outside of marriage.
Abortion
Abortion is viewed in the same context as having relevance only
regarding pregnancies occurring in marriage, again, not as a response to
conception as a result of extra- or pre-marital relationships. Early
Muslim jurists considered abortion lawful for a variety of reasons until
40 -120 days after conception (first trimester). This was based on
interpretation of Qur'an (22:4 and 23:12-14) and hadith that implied
that ensoulment or 'life' did not exist until after that time (see Sex
and Society in Islam, B.F. Musallam, Cambridge University Press, 1983).
Contemporary thinkers, considering available technology that allows
visualization of the embryonic heartbeat at four weeks of gestation, are
of the position that life begins much earlier than previously thought,
and therefore to terminate would be to take a life illegally.
The majority of Muslims today believe that abortion is allowed only
if the mother's life is significantly endangered by the pregnancy. Some
also feel that the presence of certain congenital anomalies
(particularly those that are lethal) make abortion lawful. Also, some
scholars consider abortion appropriate in pregnancies resulting from
rape or incest.
Homosexuality
Human beings are capable of many forms of sexual expression,
orientation and identification. The existence of such a variety again is
not found in any other species and thus further demonstrates our
uniqueness among God's creations. The potential for behavior, such as
homosexuality, does not mean that its practice is lawful in the eyes of
God. Therefore, individuals are expected to control themselves and not
act on their desires if such action is contrary to the guidelines of
Islam. Homosexuality, like other forms of sexual relations outside of
heterosexual marriage, is thus prohibited. In any discussion of
prohibited acts follows the question of what happens if they
nevertheless occur. The Qur'an and hadith are explicit regarding severe
punishment by the State if a person is convicted of such a crime.
However, in order for conviction to take place, the individuals must
confess or be accused by at least four eyewitnesses of the act of actual
intercourse. Obviously, the likelihood of these criteria being met is
small which means that most couples who engage in unlawful acts will not
be punished by the State. They will then deal with the consequences of
their behavior in this life and will be accountable to God on the Day of
Judgement. How He ultimately judges is known only by Him.
Sex Education
Clearly, from the above discussion, Islam is explicit about many
aspects of human sexuality. Also, based on the numerous hadith showing
the Prophet's willingness to discuss these matters openly, it should be
obvious that education about matters related to sex is acceptable.
Muslims may disagree about the age at which sex education begins; some
don't discuss the subject at all. Explaining anatomy and the changes
one's body experiences during puberty are essential for enabling young
people to grow up with a healthy self-image. Also, in an age where
sexual activity in many countries begins at an early age, Muslim
adolescents must be informed to better enable them to deal with peer
pressure. Sex education can be taught in a way that informs young people
about sexuality in scientific and moral terms. In countries with very
diverse populations, such as the United States, the main limitation in
developing sex education curricula, particularly in public schools, is
the inability to select a universally acceptable moral position.
Therefore, young people are given facts and information, and advised
that if they choose to engage in sexual relationships, they should take
measures to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The
moral and religious aspects of sexuality can be incorporated either in
schools of a particular religious denomination or in adjunctive
coursework offered by religious institutions. Regardless of the
challenges of each society, young people must be adequately informed.
Also, in some Muslim communities, individuals are encouraged to marry at
young ages. They need to be educated regarding sexuality prior to the
marriage such that they know what to expect and can consider their
options for birth control prior to consummating the marriage.
Female Genital Mutilation
The practice of clitoridectomy preceded the introduction of Islam in
Arabia and in different parts of Africa. This results in severe sexual
debilitation of women who cannot possibly achieve sexual fulfillment
which is their right as Muslims. Therefore, this practice is totally
unIslamic because it is in direct violation of both Qur'an and hadith
which clearly stress the importance of sexual satisfaction for both the
husband and wife.
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