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Offline Reader Questions

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The Quran on Homosexuality
« on: March 22, 2012, 10:11:47 AM »

Assalam,

Is there an Aya about this subject? Verse 4:16 does not say two men, are there any others?

Thanks.

Offline Joseph Islam

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Re: The Quran on Homosexuality
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2012, 10:28:25 AM »
Salamun Alaikum,

The word 'alladhani' in verse 4:16 is a masculine dual pronoun which most likely refers to two men which is further supported by the context of the previous verse which refers to women (4:15).

Verse 4:15 is addressed to women indicating three or more, by the use of the plural pronoun 'allati'.  This is unlikely a reference to two 'lesbian women'. Therefore, 4:16 has nothing to do with verse 4:15 which is referring to only two people (dual).

Thus, 4:15 is possibly a reference to such women that cause 'fahisha' such as prostitutes etc.

Once the subject of women is dealt with in verse 4:15, the attention then turns to men (4:16) indicated by the use of the masculine dual pronoun.

4:16 is not a reference to illicit heterosexual relationships as that is dealt with in 24:2.

Furthermore, relating the duality of 4:16 to the plurality of 4:15 (women) makes no sense. Therefore, 4:16 with the use of the dual masculine pronoun is most likely a reference to two men.

There are other verses which address homosexuality in context of the community of Lot (pbuh) for example:

026:165-166
"Of all the creatures in the world, will you approach the males (dhukrana), and leave those whom your Lord has created for you to be your mates? Nay, you are a people transgressing (all bounds)" 

Please also see related posts on the subject from the site:

[1] Is Homosexuality Punishable By Death?
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=79

[2] Tattoos and Homosexuality 
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=65

[3] Rape
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=314

I hope that helps, God willing.

Regards,
Joseph.
'During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act' 
George Orwell