Title: Homosexuality Question: I am asking the following questions regarding homosexuality because the existing data/resource on this site does not satisfactorily answer/address the issue. I think this might trigger a discussion between you and me, so I hope you can bear with me on this, as I might be asking counter questions to your responses. As far as my knowledge is concerned, I understand that three monotheistic religions have a negative attitude towards homosexuality. The impression that these religions give is that homosexuality is some acquired behavior, which is wrong/against human nature. The world till recent times believed in the same fact. But the scientific/medical research in the last fifty years or so has shown that homosexuality is not necessarily an acquired behavior "always". There are people who adopt this behavior as a choice in their adulthood, but there are so many (in fact majority of) homosexuals who belong to this sexuality right from the beginning. This means that they feel attracted to the members of the same sex from the time that they can remember, or from the time that a child starts realizing or feels the sexual inclination. And they do not belong to "broken homes" or have "traumatic childhood experiences" or are "sexually abused". So it seems that this cannot be acquired behavior? Indeed it is very easy to call this "mental perversion" without actually going into the facts and fiction. It is also interesting to note that in the narrative of the Quran, when the people of Lot's nation come to him to "take" his guests and he pleads to them to take his daughters instead, they tell him that he knows they are not sexually inclined towards women. At this moment the conversation in the Quranic narrative turns and neither Lot nor the Quran itself suggest any "remedy/cure" for this "mental perversion". There is no other passage in the Bible or the Quran, which suggest any "solution" to the problem except condemning it, which is quite strange. It was not in a day or two that the western attitude towards homosexuality under went a change. As I wrote above, it is the outcome of decades. It is only recently that the attitudes are changing, for better or worse that is not the concern right now. Also the important fact is that the psychological/psychiatric records show that there is no known successful treatment for homosexuality and no successful treatment/cure has ever been registered or reported. After all this discussion there are a few questions that arise here. If homosexuality is not an acquired behavior, as the case is in most of the homosexuals, right from the "beginning", how can they be condemned? Why have the monotheistic religions "just" condemned homosexuals instead of suggesting some cure/remedy? Despite all the above if homosexuality is still an odd/wrong behavior, what is the religious/Islamic solution/directive/remedy to the problem apart from "just" condemning homosexuals? Answer: Homosexuality is indeed contrary to the very nature and existence of humanity. Before any religion condemns such acts the natural makeup of our being rejects this condition as part of our innate sense. In other words homosexual acts are a prohibition of nature. Religion has only reiterated this prohibition. Whether one society or another deems it acceptable to commit homosexual acts does not affect the reality that our very physical construct dictates the correct sexual behavior. One may argue attraction or inclination but the evidence is manifest in our physical existence. While this deals with the natural forbiddance, religion only reinforces it. However, in none of the monotheistic religions is there an allusion as to whether this is acquired or an in-born condition. Religions are for the purpose of guidance not an elucidation of the human mind, character or scientific causes of things. Hence, it is a misunderstanding to believe that these religions make the claim that it is an acquired state or even that science has proven that it is there from the "beginning." Science has been up and down about this issue for quite some time. At one point the American Psychiatric Association on their DSM-II listed homosexuality as a mental disorder. The research regarding its removal is one that you would have to endeavor to see if science did indeed make such advancements that would bring them to correct the list. Nevertheless, the point of the matter is that even science has not pinned down the nature of this condition. As it regards to the prophet Lot, the interpretation you present distorts the fact of the matter. The men of Lot's community had decided to commit wrong. They were going against every act of righteousness that existed. They were the polar opposite of anything good. Their condition was not innate nor does the Qur'an suggest so, rather, it suggests a rebelliousness of nature, of truth, of goodness against themselves and God. If a people purposefully commit any crime then they are to deal with the consequences. However, a remedy is simple and clear for those who act in ways they know are wrong and that is to return to God and ask for forgiveness. The corrective measures are clear in the Qur'an though not regarding homosexuality but rather the entirety of evil that people commit. If, as you say, homosexuality is not some sort of ailment then surely it will not be found in the Qur'an especially considering that it is not a book of cures. The point is well taken that people in this condition may need help, however, that is the very reason we are given the abilities and skills and the minds to achieve so much. Science may well one day discover why some people are a certain way and may be able to help them if so needed. Religious texts, as mentioned before, are not for providing medical or psychological help. In the Qur'an's case it has the role of being a Reminder and Guidance. Whether a person can change his or her sexual preference is of no concern and is beyond the scope of religious teachings. However, there has been research that disagrees with your views and this can only be verified by the research you commit yourself to. To sum up it should be clear that homosexual acts are condemned. Those who believe themselves homosexuals yet do not partake in the acts are not in the same category. The Qur'anic solution to anything is to lead towards a relationship with the Almighty. It is to fine-tune the human soul with its Creator. There is much sickness and disease on earth and if homosexuality belongs to any such category surely seeking treatment would be the right thing to do. After all doctors do not simply tell their patients that they are perfectly normal and should accept their condition regardless of the harm it may cause. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan December 23, 2004