Some Material on Prostitution We are looking for material related to prostitutes and prostitution. What does Islam says about prostitution? We would highly appreciate your assistance in gathering data on the said subject. Terry Evans Reply To fully understand the view of Islam regarding prostitution, I would first like to give you an example of a crime that would be more easily comprehendible for the modern world. We all know that drinking alcohol is not a crime in the modern western world. But even the greatest of the advocates of human freedom agree that driving an automobile in a state of drunkenness be considered a crime. The reason is quite simple. A drunk driving an automobile does not only endanger his own life, but is also a threat to the life of others. Thus, to save others from a potential harm, we do not permit him/her to drive an automobile in such a state. Likewise, although we allow a person to carry on any business to better his financial position, but we do not allow him to sell drugs (like heroine etc.). The reason again is quite simple. Such drugs are prone to cause great harm to those who use them. All such prohibitions are not only easily comprehendible but also necessary for the well being of the community. Islam takes a wider perspective of the phrase “well being of the community”. According to the Islamic philosophy, “well being of the community” should not focus only on the physical and material well being of the community. Another important aspect (if not more important) of this well being should include the moral and ethical well being of the community. It is on the basis of this fact that Islam prohibits prostitution. It holds a prostitute to be a person who not only endangers her own morals but also that of the community. In view of this fact, the Prophet (pbuh) subjected such people who endangered the moral standards of the Muslim community to punishments of “ Fasaad fil Ardh ”. By the same token, prostitution can be severely punished by the Islamic State considering it a crime against the community, rather than an individual. An important point that needs to be clearly understood is that the punishments under the Islamic law should be implemented keeping in view not only the nature of the crime, but also other situational and contingent actors surrounding the crime and the particular criminal. Thus it is quite possible that a particular person, because of his peculiar circumstances, be allowed to correct his/her behavior and no punishment be implemented on him/her. For example, if the court of law is satisfied that a particular woman was forced into prostitution and was left with no option but to submit to the circumstances and if given a chance, she is likely to lead a good life, it may give her a chance of correction, rather than subject her to a severe punishment. I hope this helps. In case any further explanation is required, please feel free to write back to me at your convenience. Regards The Learner Home Page Use this "Home Page" link only if you have opened this page by following an external link