Homosexuality not a game
FEATURE PART 2 - While some activists in the gay and lesbian community are of the belief that virtually every Muslim family in the Cape has someone battling with sexuality, local ulema say many fall into homosexuality out of curiosity or by experimenting. But at the same time, they acknowledged that there were many young Muslims who were genuinely conflicted by the Islam's strict prohibition of homosexuality and their own cravings.
Councillor and regular VOC expert guest, Najmunisa Solomon said many gays and lesbians were confronted with a "terrible" battle and no one should stand in judgement when compassion and understanding was needed. However, this did not mean that gays should seek to justify homosexuality in order to make something acceptable which was clearly forbidden in Islam.
"Homosexuality is as much a challenge as illness, disability or poverty might be for someone else. Allah tests each of us in different ways and this is no different for someone who struggles with their sexuality. While we cannot ever accept homosexuality, it does not mean we cannot be sympathetic about the daily struggle they wage, as long as they do not seek to twist Islam to make homosexuality acceptable," she said.
Fataar said that many people believe this act is a naturalised progression, but he argued that homosexuality was a societal construct. “The only time this came in to place was in the time of Nabi Lut and if people regard it as normal then we would have found it in the time of Nabi Adam. So I totally do not agree with this being normal,” he disputed.
One has to bear in mind that Allah (swt) has created men and female and that they will procreate. “That procreation only takes place between male and female and in Islam we recognize that and consider that to be of natural mankind. Anything other than that like homosexuality is considered haraam in the deen of Islam and Allah (swt) explains this to us when he speaks about the people of Loot and describes it as ignorant,” he said.
Fataar said that people should always admire those who want to make a change in their lives as there are always opportunities for change. “Know that Allah (swt) has said in the Quraan: ‘Oh my slaves, those of you who have transgressed against yourselves, never ever despair with the rahmah and mercy of Allah (swt) as He is the one who forgives all sins’,” he cited.
“I would also encourage them to avoid being in the company of these people who discuss and take this evil actions lightly, as they speak about these things to provoke desire in you. Allah says that man will follow the religion and of his close friends, so brothers and sisters, be careful of who you make friends with and if you fall into sin and do wrong deeds, then don’t continue…move away to things that will take you away from it,” he advised.
Parents also have a role to play and should make sure their children understand that what they are doing is haraam. He urged them to assist their family to get closer to Allah (swt) and make their home environment stronger by performing salah and do good deeds at times. “Remember if we think of these evil and haraam things we are opening the doors to Shaytan and he is whispering to us to commit it.
"Therefore, do not despair in the mercy of Allah when you do things to open the doors to Shaytan. Always seek forgiveness and guidance. May we all avoid these wrong doings and may Allah (swt) grant us all forgiveness and strength to make us stronger Muslim, insha Allah.”
Also read Part 1 - http://www.vocfm.co.za/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=5354:2012-07-06-18-08-56&Itemid=131. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Councillor and regular VOC expert guest, Najmunisa Solomon said many gays and lesbians were confronted with a "terrible" battle and no one should stand in judgement when compassion and understanding was needed. However, this did not mean that gays should seek to justify homosexuality in order to make something acceptable which was clearly forbidden in Islam.
"Homosexuality is as much a challenge as illness, disability or poverty might be for someone else. Allah tests each of us in different ways and this is no different for someone who struggles with their sexuality. While we cannot ever accept homosexuality, it does not mean we cannot be sympathetic about the daily struggle they wage, as long as they do not seek to twist Islam to make homosexuality acceptable," she said.
Haraam
VOC’s in-house alim, Sheik Riyaad Fataar, head imam at the Husami Masjied in Cravenby, agreed, saying that young people should not be playing around with homosexuality which was haraam. “One should encourage youth at all time to heed the advice of the Nabi Muhammad (pbuh) and to engage in Islamic activities to avoid one from falling in to these situations. When one looks at the issue of gay and lesbianism – it is indeed a very big problem in society today and we should at all times look at preventing this from happening to our Muslim youth,” he urged.Fataar said that many people believe this act is a naturalised progression, but he argued that homosexuality was a societal construct. “The only time this came in to place was in the time of Nabi Lut and if people regard it as normal then we would have found it in the time of Nabi Adam. So I totally do not agree with this being normal,” he disputed.
One has to bear in mind that Allah (swt) has created men and female and that they will procreate. “That procreation only takes place between male and female and in Islam we recognize that and consider that to be of natural mankind. Anything other than that like homosexuality is considered haraam in the deen of Islam and Allah (swt) explains this to us when he speaks about the people of Loot and describes it as ignorant,” he said.
Fataar said that people should always admire those who want to make a change in their lives as there are always opportunities for change. “Know that Allah (swt) has said in the Quraan: ‘Oh my slaves, those of you who have transgressed against yourselves, never ever despair with the rahmah and mercy of Allah (swt) as He is the one who forgives all sins’,” he cited.
Forgiveness
“Therefore my advice would be to seek the forgiveness and to cry before Allah as he will make a way to take you away from your situation. It is also important to seek for your iman, as he is the one thing that will protect you from falling into haraam, insha Allah.” The alim guided those struggling with this conflict to recite the Holy Quran and taqbir, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.“I would also encourage them to avoid being in the company of these people who discuss and take this evil actions lightly, as they speak about these things to provoke desire in you. Allah says that man will follow the religion and of his close friends, so brothers and sisters, be careful of who you make friends with and if you fall into sin and do wrong deeds, then don’t continue…move away to things that will take you away from it,” he advised.
Parents also have a role to play and should make sure their children understand that what they are doing is haraam. He urged them to assist their family to get closer to Allah (swt) and make their home environment stronger by performing salah and do good deeds at times. “Remember if we think of these evil and haraam things we are opening the doors to Shaytan and he is whispering to us to commit it.
"Therefore, do not despair in the mercy of Allah when you do things to open the doors to Shaytan. Always seek forgiveness and guidance. May we all avoid these wrong doings and may Allah (swt) grant us all forgiveness and strength to make us stronger Muslim, insha Allah.”
Also read Part 1 - http://www.vocfm.co.za/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=5354:2012-07-06-18-08-56&Itemid=131. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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