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1) What is Islam's View on Lesbianism?
Lesbianism is simply defined as female homosexuality. Homosexuality is defined as a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the same sex.
Islam's view on homosexuality, including that of lesbianism, is very clear, according to the revelations. Acts of homosexuality are prohibited in the religion, and therefore are sinful. This is a very simplistic view without looking at other key aspects of Islamic principles. Islam does not encourage us Muslims to compel people or impose our beliefs on them, as there is no compulsion in religion. Further, another of Islam's beautiful principle is the concept of repentance to the Almighty. This essentially means despite an act being sinful, once committed, the sinner can seek repentance and forgiveness from God, and change sincerely, and go back to the straight path as guided by the revelations. Every individual, every human being, has different levels of struggles they must go through in life. Some of us are tested with homosexuality tendencies, and some of us, not. Homosexuality is constant struggle, and Islam as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad, is a religion based on mercy for Mankind. We provide as much help as we can, in words, in actions and in prayers, for those who are struggling in this life, be it their homosexuality tendencies, actually succumbing to these acts, or other struggles of life.
The concept of lust is important in understanding any sexuality issue. Even some heterosexuals go through struggles with lustful desires, which are considered sinful as well in Islam, such as fornication, adultery and so on. The only permissible sexual intercourse is between a married man and woman in Islam, as this is based upon the foundation of a Muslim family.
2) Is it ok to be a homosexual in Islam?
As in the answer in the above, Islam prohibits the sinful acts. Our beloved Prophet has mentioned that if one thinks of a sinful act, but does not perform it, he will not be considered to have sinned. But as soon as he performs it, then he would have sinned. Therefore, Muslims who only have tendencies for such acts but do not perform these acts, have not sinned. So we have to be clear on this. It is a sin, not okay, if you perform that sinful act of homosexuality. However, there is always a recourse in Islam for as long as the individual is willing to make amends. This is another beautiful principle in Islam which mentions that even if your sins were mountain high, and you ask for forgiveness from God sincerely, He will forgive you. God willing.
3) Should homosexuality be legalized in Singapore?
This is a very tricky question as Singapore is a multi-religious society, with people of differing beliefs in homosexuality. I believe the best situation would be for different religious groups to have laws enacted for their own faiths, and be administered by the state. If you are a Muslim, then Muslim laws will bound you. If you are a Christian, Christian laws will bound you, and so on. Then, you have common laws that ensure we do not encroach on each other’s liberty. It is idealistic, but legislation and implementation of such multiplex legal system could be close to impossible.
*It is important for us to have an open but sensitive discussion on the issues above, as this is definitely a contentious issue with many people. This issue has come to a point in our society which needs proper discussion, and hopefully, more understanding can be garnered for people of different camps. I have tried my best to be sensitive to my utmost ability, and if you are offended by any of the word I used above, feel free to correct me. Thank you.
Mohammad Nizam Abdul Kadir
TRS Contributor