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The controversy surrounding Islamic ethics and modern LGBTQ issues has intensified in recent years, fueled by a growing global awareness of these topics. A notable example is the Canadian controversy over a poster for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, initiated by the Western University, Ontario, Canada in 2022.

The poster featured two women wearing hijābs about to kiss, with the intent to promote “diversity in love.” This sparked significant backlash from Muslims, culminating in a successful petition for its removal. For many Muslims, the poster represented a misuse of the hijāb—a symbol of Islamic modesty—to endorse behaviors explicitly prohibited in Islam. The swift and unified response from the Muslim community demonstrated their ability to mobilize in defense of their religious values.

Initially, the university resisted the petition, describing the issue as “complex and intersectional.” However, sustained pressure, including a petition signed by thousands, eventually led to the poster’s withdrawal. This episode underscores the urgent need for the Muslim community to clearly articulate and defend its stance on issues of gender, sexuality, and morality in an increasingly pluralistic cultural landscape.

At the heart of this debate lies the Islamic prohibition of sodomy and other same-sex acts, rooted in the Qurʾān and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Islamic sexual ethics are explicitly defined in the Qurʾān. For example, Sūrat al-Muʾminūn (23:5-6) praises those who guard their chastity, limiting permissible sexual relations to spouses or those whom their right hands possess, thereby forbidding other sexual acts.

The directives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further reinforce the Islamic position by explicitly condemning gender nonconformity and homosexual acts. Hadith literature, including Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, documents the Prophet’s strong disapproval of men imitating women and vice versa, underscoring the importance of maintaining clear gender distinctions and adhering to traditional sexual ethics.

Narrated Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما): "The Prophet (ﷺ) cursed those men who imitate women and those women who imitate men." (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Hadith 5885)

The poster incident reflects a broader societal shift in which LGBTQ lifestyles, once marginalized, have become increasingly normalized and celebrated. For Muslims, this shift poses a profound challenge, as contemporary norms often stand in stark opposition to the moral framework derived from Islamic teachings and divine revelation. The normalization of same-sex relationships and gender fluidity signifies a departure from ethical principles deeply embedded in Islamic tradition.

To fully understand these challenges, one must consider the historical trajectory of shifting sexual norms. The sexual revolution of the 1960s marked a watershed moment, challenging long-established Christian moral codes on gender and sexuality. Innovations such as the birth control pill severed the intrinsic link between sex and procreation, reframing sexual activity as a means of personal gratification. This cultural transformation paved the way for the acceptance of premarital sex, same-sex relationships, and the broader struggle for sexual rights, fundamentally altering the moral landscape in which Muslims now strive to uphold their teachings.

This secularization of Western attitudes towards sexuality can be traced further back to the Enlightenment, which elevated human reason above divine revelation. The resulting moral relativism and individualism eroded family and sexual values that were once considered inviolable in both Western and Islamic societies. Today, Muslims grapple with the dual challenge of preserving an Islamic worldview on gender and sexuality while navigating an increasingly secular cultural embrace of LGBTQ identities and behaviors.

In Islamic teachings, morality is defined by actions rather than identities. Terms such as “same-sex attraction” and “gender dysphoria” are preferred over identity-based labels like “lesbian” or “gay,” which ascribe permanent identities to individuals. Identity-based language categorises people by their sexual orientation or gender identity, whereas Islamic teachings focus on behaviours and internal struggles within the framework of faith. Experiencing same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria is regarded as a spiritual trial, akin to jihad—the inner struggle to remain obedient to Allah.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described the true striver, the mujāhid, as one who struggles in the path of God.

Faḍāla ibn ʿUbayd (رضي الله عنه) narrated: "The Prophet (ﷺ) said: '..The mujāhid (striver) is the one who strives against his own self (nafs) in obedience to Allah.'" (Ahmed, Ibn Hibban)

This perspective offers comfort and motivation to those facing such challenges. This understanding shifts the focus from identity to action, encouraging individuals to navigate their struggles through a lens of faith and spiritual perseverance.

Faith-based resources like the podcast A Way Beyond the Rainbow and the Straight Struggle Discord group play a vital role in supporting Muslims dealing with these challenges while adhering to Islamic principles. A Way Beyond the Rainbow, hosted on Buzzsprout, provides personal narratives and faith-centred solutions for Muslims experiencing same-sex attractions. Similarly, the Straight Struggle Discord group fosters an online community where individuals can find support and guidance as they work to reconcile their faith with their personal trials.

Addressing LGBTQ issues from an Islamic perspective necessitates reclaiming the discourse and using terminology grounded in faith. As Dr. Carl Sharif El-Tobgui highlights, Muslims must approach these topics with clarity, compassion, and conviction, all while remaining steadfast to their religious principles. In a world where secular ideologies increasingly challenge tradition, upholding Islamic sexual ethics becomes not only an expression of faith but also a vital means of safeguarding social and spiritual harmony.

The “Diversity in Love” controversy underscores the broader struggle faced by Muslims navigating the crossroads of faith and contemporary societal trends. As societal values continue to evolve, it is essential for Muslims to articulate and defend their positions effectively. By doing so, they contribute thoughtfully to the larger dialogue on morality, ethics, and the enduring relevance of religious teachings in an increasingly secular world.

About the Author
Mujthaba Minhaj is a senior secondary final-year student at Sabeelul Hidaya Islamic College.