An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality
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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