SPEAKING AS A MUSLIM ON SODOMY AND LEADERSHIP

As Muslims, we must have a common understanding of the basic fundamentals of Islam. However, the tendency to view them on separate platforms is common amongst Muslims. For example, Muslims are good at observing the rituals of Islam and speaking about them but when it comes to conduct, it’s something else, so we end up with a situation where ‘oil and water’ does not mix. This is the hypocrisy of the Ummah as a whole. We say one thing and do another.  

Let us examine the situation of sodomy. The West may find it a form of liberalism within a changing environment. Thus we have gay-lesbian marriages, gay priests, so on and so forth. I have nothing to say about this because both the Bible and the Qur’an are quite clear on the matter. Furthermore, the Qur’an is explicitly clear in the sense that ‘truth from falsehood’ has been well defined, and that ‘into you your religion and unto me mine’. This is further strengthened by the fact that ‘there is no compulsion over religion’. However, speaking as a Muslim to another Muslims, I have the right to point out what is right and what is wrong in an Islamic context, and we all know that sodomy is a prohibition without doubt.  

If one suffers from alcoholism or drug abuse, rehabilitation is an option. I would say the same is applicable to those suffering from this ‘despicable desire’ to use the ‘back door’ rather than the ‘front door’. But as Muslim, how can a family continue to exist as if nothing happened? How can a Muslim with such a character become a leader of a nation? How can a wife continue a marriage in this manner, where she herself could be sodomised? How can members of the same family go around preaching moral ethics when they themselves are victims of it? If I am wrong on this issue, then kindly guide me to Qur’anic truth.  

Under such circumstances, such an individual needs to immediately perform TAUBAH (seeking forgiveness from Allah and promising not to do such deeds again). Society deserves it. One just cannot turn to God in private because it is a public matter and society has rights just as God has them too. Turning over on a new leaf is important otherwise forgiveness is withheld forever.  

Other perspectives may be wrong in terms of governance (managing a country) but these should not be confused with the personal conduct of a Muslim. There are many issues that need to be resolved and we all have the right to speak about them but if you want to lead a nation, then as a Muslim, you must possess character, honour and dignity, and unfortunately in general, society lacks it. We in turn are blinded by loyalties rather that our submission and obedience to God.