بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
From the start we must understand that it is the homosexual act that is prohibited in Islam. Many of us forget that feelings are not what is condemned in our religion but merely the actions we commit and the intentions that go with those acts.
There are many people in the world who are being tested by Allah through the feelings they may have for the same gender. These feelings do not account for the actions they proceed with as it is merely following their desires.
Just as the rest of the world is tested through their lives, these people are also tested with this burden as Islam does not allow same sex relations at all. We must see however, that there are people tested in much more severe manners in the world thus the homosexual feelings issue is not to be seen as something unfair.
Allah is just and knows his creation – He mentions in the Qur’an:
“Allah does not burden a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.” 2:286
Many Muslims in the world act as the judge, jury and executioner when it comes to this matter. We immediately jump into conclusions about such people when in reality we are obliged to call them to the correct path whether Muslim or not.
It is not our place to judge people, neither do we have the right to put people below us. This right belongs to Allah alone and only He has the right to see His creation as He pleases.
On the other hand Allah in the Qur’an gives us the example of the people of Lut who took these feelings and acted upon them:
Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.” 7:81
But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Evict them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure.” 7:82
So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers]. 7:83
And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals. 7:84
They as a nation were destroyed due to their obscene behaviour and rampant homosexual acts. This puts it very clearly that these acts are a major sin in Islam. Just because one has feelings does not give one the right to act upon them.
We must understand that Islam does not condone the capital punishment for acts which an individual harms oneself i.e. done privately. These judgements will be between them and Allah. It is only condoned upon major acts done publicly; harming the people in society around them after a rigorous trial and proof with witnesses.
We see today in Muslim countries the killings of homosexual people and others carried out without trial, proof or any other means. This is not the way of Islam and the people carrying out these killings will be questioned by Allah for their actions.
Let us call these people and others to the way of the true Islam that teaches us peace and mercy. What image are we putting out there for the people looking for a way of life?
Allah knows best.