Amid the rapid pace of globalization and social change, LGBT issues continue to generate significant public discussion. Debates surrounding this topic touch upon religious, social, legal, and human rights dimensions.
For Muslims, the LGBT issue is not viewed merely through the lens of individual rights or personal freedom. Rather, it must be understood within the framework of Islamic teachings concerning human nature (fitrah), the purpose of creation, and the welfare of human rights.
Islam teaches that Allah the almighty created humanity in two sexes: male and female. This distinction is part of a biological reality established by divine design. Allah says:
يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰكُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ وَّاُنْثٰى وَجَعَلْنٰكُمْ شُعُوْبًا وَّقَبَاۤىِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوْا
“O mankind, indeed We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” (QS. al-Hujurat [49]: 13)
This verse indicates that the creation of men and women is part of Allah’s divine plan and serves as a fundamental basis for human life. Therefore, sexual orientation that direct attraction toward the same sex are regarded as being contrary to the pattern of creation established by Allah.
The Qur’an further explains that humanity develops through the union of male and female. Allah says:
يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوْا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَكُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَةٍ وَّخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيْرًا وَّنِسَاۤءً
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created from it its mate, and from two spread many men and women.” (QS. an-Nisa’ [4]: 1)
From an Islamic perspective, the form of sexual attraction that is considered lawful is attraction between a man and a woman, expressed through a valid marriage. Consequently, same-sex sexual relations are viewed as a deviation from the purposes of creation and marriage.
The Qur’an specifically recounted the story of the people of Prophet Luth (Lot) as an example of a society that engaged in sexual misconduct. Allah says:
وَلُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ أَتَأْتُونَ الْفَاحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُمْ بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِنَ الْعَالَمِينَ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الرِّجَالَ شَهْوَةً مِنْ دُونِ النِّسَاءِ بَلْ أَنْتُمْ قَوْمٌ مُسْرِفُونَ
“And We sent Luth when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no one in the world has ever committed before you? Indeed, you approach men with desire instead of women. Rather, you are a people who transgress all bounds.” (QS. al-A’raf [7]: 80–81)
In this passage, homosexual behavior is described as al-fahishah (a grave indecency) and as an act of excess and transgression. For this reason, the overwhelming majority of Muslim scholars throughout Islamic history have regarded homosexual acts as prohibited.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also issued a stern warning regarding such behavior. In one narration, he said:
وَلَعَنَ اللهُ مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلَ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ
“Allah curses the one who engages in the acts of the people of Luth.” (HR. Ahmad).
Likewise, concerning deliberate imitation of the opposite sex, the Prophet said:
لَعَنَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمُتَشَبِّهِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ بِالنِّسَاءِ وَالْمُتَشَبِّهَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ بِالرِّجَالِ
“The Messenger of Allah cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.” (Reported by al-Bukhari)
However, Islam also teaches justice, wisdom, and compassion when dealing with individuals who experience particular inclinations or personal struggles. Islamic teachings distinguish between an act and the person who commits it. An act may be considered sinful, while the individual remains a human being whose dignity and rights must be respected.
Therefore, the approach advocated by Islam is not one of hatred, bullying, or social exclusion. Every human being deserves respect as a fellow creation of Allah. Islamic da’wah places mercy, education, guidance, and spiritual development at the center of efforts for positive change.
The Council for Religious Opinion and Reform of Muhammadiyah affirms that LGBT behavior is contrary to Islamic teachings and the natural order of human creation. Nevertheless, individuals who experience such tendencies should not become targets of hatred or discrimination. They remain members of society who deserve protection, support, education, and religious guidance.
A rehabilitative and educational approach is therefore considered more appropriate. Families, schools, religious institutions, and the state all share responsibility for strengthening moral education, family resilience, and sound religious understanding. Preventive efforts should focus on nurturing young people so that they develop a healthy and responsible understanding of their identity.
Islam teaches that every person faces different tests in life. Some are tested with poverty, others with wealth, power, illness, or personal desires. Therefore, anyone struggling with tendencies that conflict with Islamic teachings should never lose hope in the mercy of Allah.
Allah says:
قُلْ يٰعِبَادِيَ الَّذِيْنَ أَسْرَفُوْا عَلٰٓى أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوْا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللّٰهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ جَمِيْعًا
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.'” (QS. az-Zumar [39]: 53).
This verse serves as a reminder that Allah’s mercy remains open to all who seek His forgiveness and guidance. No matter the nature of one’s struggles, repentance and spiritual renewal are always possible through sincere return to Allah.
Reference:
Council for Religious Opinion and Reform of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, “Pandangan Tarjih Muhammadiyah Terhadap LGBT”, Suara Muhammadiyah Magazine 2022. https://suaramuhammadiyah.id/read/pandangan-tarjih-muhammadiyah-terhadap-lgbt.
