If you have read a good number of books on Islamic sexual ethics, you would have noticed that while most cover the basics, not many have attempted to tackle deeply controversial issues like female genital mutilation (usually described as “vaginectomy“) and honor killing. Even fewer books address these issues from a Western perspective. In light of this, you might wonder: Is there anything to learn about Islamic sexual ethics from these books? And if so, how? And how can these subjects be part and parcel of a healthy religious culture? The authors explore these questions and more, in an entertaining format.
What is clear is that Islamic sexual ethics and norms are vastly different than those followed by the western world. For example, one common topic of discussion is slave marriage and women’s rights. While some scholars argue that such issues should be addressed within a comprehensive Islamic tradition (such as the sharia law), many others believe that it is irrelevant for a modern Muslim. According to them, such issues are for the Islamic community alone, and any woman who wishes to enjoy the freedoms enjoyed by Western women should do so by converting to Islam. They also point out that many scholars of religion consider slavery as an abomination in the eyes of all Islamic scriptures.
Another topic that is often brought up in conversations about Islamic sexual ethics and norms is that of adultery. Since the beginning of Islam, following the prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his way of life, it has been necessary to strictly enforces the ban on adultery. One approach to doing so is through the punishment of death. In addition to being a painful ordeal for the accused, for a woman, who must live with her husband’s adultery for 30 years, it is also a difficult burden on her family. Many Muslims feel that it is religiously obligation to free women from such a predicament, just as it is for men to free themselves from Muslim marriage.
Yet another important area of debate in regards to the issue of Islamic sexual ethics and norms revolves around the issue of contraception. For centuries, the majority of the world’s population has followed the advice of the religiously virtuous, ‘Hajj‘ and fish, which are religiously mandated monthly activities in order to honor the religious duties of Islam. Contraception is not included in these traditions, nor is alcohol or pork consumption during this time. It is only after the birth of a child that either of these activities can be resumed. The logic behind this is that there is no guarantee when you come into contact with sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS or any other disease. In addition, a woman’s menstrual cycle cannot be disrupted by premarital sex, nor can she become pregnant outside of her menstrual cycle.
The Western world has changed the definition of what constitutes adultery over the past fifty years and is now beginning to view adultery as something that occurs outside of the traditional relationship between a man and a woman in marriage. Many Muslims view this change in our societal conception of what is adultery as a violation of their teachings, even more so as an act of aggression against Allah. Some argue that by preventing intercourse from becoming common within a Muslim marriage, it is in effect, prohibiting premarital sex and thereby allowing for an attack on one’s own values and principles. While this argument may have some validity, it is not anywhere near the argument that banning all premarital sex will allow for a Muslim woman to be safe from being victimized by her own husband.
To sum it up, the debate surrounding the issues of Islamic sexual ethics and the demand of liberal secular societies to enforce such ideas on their followers is one that has been playing out in the Muslim world for decades. There is a line being drawn here and there are those that are genuinely looking to bring balance to the discussion. What is clear is that there are fundamental differences between the two views of marriage and gender that can only be resolved through an honest and mature discussion within a free society. Sadly, there are those who are only looking to impose their will upon others and cannot see past that to protect their own values and principles.
Sex Education in Islam
Sex education in Islam should start at puberty. Some of the issues that obscure the need for young people learning about sex education from an early age by the Islamic perspective. For example, some people believe that sex before marriage is immorality. Like the phenomenon of child abuse and sexual violence against the younger generation, the rise of teenage pregnancy and other sexual behaviors that deviate from acceptable values has also been an issue. There is a difference between having premarital sex and being sexually promiscuous.
Another factor that kept young adults from getting sex education in Islam was the reaction of some Islamic parents to information about sexuality education. There are many cases where parents who support the introduction of such education to their children shun the idea themselves. The few parents who accept the concept however, usually do so because it is in line with their religious beliefs.
In short, those were some factors that kept the topic of sex education in Islam out of the school curriculum. Religious and cultural pressures both contributed to the absence of sexual education in Islam and created many problems for those who did have access. Those who did have access often experienced physical and mental abuse in the name of being saved from ‘unnatural’ pleasures. For those who did not have access to information about sexuality education in Islam there was little encouragement or help available to help them deal with their sexuality as adults. The recent rise in teenage pregnancy, while much talked about globally, is a huge challenge to religious fundamentalists who have been providing marriage and divorce services for generations.
Oral Sex in Islam
According to the Islamic law, oral sex is permitted only if performed between a man and a woman who are not pregnant. However, the rule of permissibility is flexible, according to the religion. In addition, oral sex is also licit, provided that it is performed only between married women, same as with other sexual act. The main ruling is cleanliness from head to foot, excluding anal sex and oral sex during menstruation. Also, there is no harm in it, provided that you are not married to a person who has infected you with HIV/AIDS.
One of the major foundations of Islam is the commandment of prophet Muhammad (SAW), which clearly states that, whoever possesses the Quran should make sure they do not commit adultery or immoral behavior (in the shade of the prophet). Therefore, those who engage in oral sex outside of marriage are breaking the commandment of the prophet, and thereby committing the sin of adultery. As mentioned above, there are other problems associated with oral sex such as contracting genital herpes, syphilis and certain forms of cancer. These diseases are transmitted through different forms of sexual intercourse and can even be contracted through non-sexual methods such as cuddling.
What’s more, is that, in Islam, true men are supposed to pleasure their wives with promises ofala salat (pleasure) to come. In fact, the word ‘alam’ means, ‘promise’, whereas, ‘hamm’ means, ‘intimate’. Therefore, when performing oral sex, it is necessary to use the appropriate words and gestures, which are right according to the culture of the time and place. There are various examples in the hadith where the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was askedwhat the best way is to please a woman. His answer to them was: ‘amsara’ or, ‘using foreplay.’
Anal Sex in Islam
The question that is raised by many when it comes to the subject of anal sex in Islam is whether it is impermissible or halal. To answer this question we must first discuss the meaning of the word “al”, which in Arabic means “open”, and “sex” in general. In the hadith, dictated by the prophet Muhammad (SAW), it is explicitly stated that there should be no contact between a man and a woman [when the latter has not attained puberty] without the presence of a “God’s hand”.
Thus, anal sex in Islam is not only permissible but also halal. As for the second issue, regarding contact with the anus, it is strictly prohibited in Islam, as it leads to the spread of the disease ‘diseases of the anus’. This is clearly stated in the following hadith: “O women! Be not ashamed, if your brother’s spouse touches you while you are in prayer; for from behind there will come a serpent who will suck the blood of your nearness”. Thus, we see that “diseases of the anus” refers to flesh-eating creatures such as lizards and worms, which are common in the deserts. Thus, we see that anal sex in Islam is not a crime but rather a common practice which are widely accepted by the people of Muslim countries.
So, the issue of anal intercourse in Islam and the way it is related to religion are quite interesting. We should look at the hadith in detail to understand how strictly it is implemented, and why it is considered to be a necessary and beneficial part of one’s religion. It is a proven fact that the human stresses the need to restrain one’s sexual desires in order to lead a moral life, as it is often mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Thus, anal intercourse in Islam can be strictly performed as long as it is performed within the confines of shariah, which clearly states that one must not approach men or women to engage in anal sex.
Sex Before Marriage in Islam
Sex before marriage in Islam has become a hot topic. Many young American Muslims are having premarital sex before getting married to avoid following Shariah law, which some feel leads to the punishment of one’s spouse when one has sex outside of wedlock. Some argue that those who have married before are not following Shari’a law and are not committing a violation of their religion by having premarital sex. Others are opposed to such a concept because marriage is a social contract and one cannot change that once they get married. What is important is that the couple is being guided by proper values and practicing what Allah wants for them and their home when it comes to marriage.
Sex before marriage in Islam also means that the person has reached puberty and may not have the approval of his parents. These are considered acceptable issues for the husband and the wife to discuss before marriage. Marriage is a process and is predicated on the couple’s decision to be joined together as one flesh, and their decisions for the future of that flesh. The marriage ceremony in Islam is the greatest sign of a relationship that is binding and is considered the start of a person’s life as a whole. To have a “good Muslim” and to live by that standard, is something to be proud of and to consider very achievement worthy.
There are many online dating sites where you can talk about your expectations, desires, and worries about your relationship and how you can fulfill each other’s needs while being able to keep things private between the two of you. It is important to look for a reputable website that will let you know if your information is secure. This is especially important when you consider the things that are discussed on an online site about pre-marital sex and pregnancy. There is a lot of misinformation out there about Islam, which can lead to people misrepresenting the religion. One way to find out is to visit dating sites that are Islamic themed. These are places that are more honest and offer a true depiction of what a Muslim should expect when they are married.
Prostitution in Islam
Prostitution in Islam is considered as an act of dishonor and a grave curse. Therefore, one should not support such activities either financially or physically, for that matter anyhow small or big. If the government will try to interfere and tell us that prostitution in Islam is only a social problem and not a religious one then we will be telling a bald-faced lie. Islam has made it clear that prostitution in Islam is a big sin and a source of stain to the society; just as it is in the world today.
The hadith, Sunnah, and authentic human sources all guarantee that Muhammad (SAW) did not practice prostitution in Islam. There are two Sahaba, two hadiths, and a number of authentic and early hadith that narrate the story of Muhammad (SAW) and his wife ‘A’ishah, when she was allowed to go out in order to find a job. She went with her two friends and they came upon a group of males who were engaged in prostitution. The women asked them to leave and they did. Later on the Aishahs husband came and talked with them and they told him about their ordeal and he advised them to get themselves tested for warts. They did so and when the test was over, the husband said that he would pay them their dues.
The hadith states clearly that prostitution in Islam is not allowed by the prophet (SAW), as it is an act of fraud and licentiousness. This means that the prophet (SAW) did not approve of it. It is not in the interests of Islam to support such things. It is obvious that the people who support prostitution in Islam do so out of ignorance and they do not want to put God’s honor in jeopardy, no matter how much their religious convictions state otherwise. May Allah gives mercy to all those who practice prostitution in Islam and bring the true meaning of Islam to people.
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