Please can you help me to understand better about homosexuality in Islam. I know that it is haraam. My brother (25) has recently come out to inform me that he is attracted only to men and that his feelings and emotions are growing stronger by the day. I am trying to help him to see that this is wrong but he says that he has tried everything to change his feelings but nothing has helped. Not dua, quran, salah, fasting, zhikr. He is a Hafiz. I am deeply distressed and concerned that he may give in to his desires. He questions, How can Allah being so merciful make him in this way and expect him to stay away from men. How do I respond? Please help!
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykumwa-rahmatullāhiwa-barakātuh.
Sister in Islam,
Homosexuality is unnatural. We do not know the background of your brother and why he feels attracted to men. Had we known, we would have more insight for us to advise accordingly.
You may win the confidence of your brother and enquire from him what has led him to have such feelings. This will give you more insight and be able to diagnose the cause of his inclination.
Many youngsters have this unnatural inclination. This could be Shaytaan’s influence. Today’s youngsters fall prey to the misgivings of the modern-day atheistic media. An abstinence from these forms of media would serve well in facilitating a return to normality.
Your brother is 25. If he gets married and starts living with a woman, the exposure to the woman will allow him to change.
We pray that Allah grants ease in your matter.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Abu Salman
Student DarulIftaa
Blackburn, England, UK
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.