Download Islam- Sexual Ethics

Islam- Sexual Ethics
Throughout the Islamic faith, sexual activity, expression and behaviours are
considered essential human needs that must be satisfied and prohibit the deprivation
of such behaviour. Sexual activity conducted in proper status, that is, inside a loving
and matrimonial relationship, is considered a form of worship in Islam and is
perceived as the strength throughout a couple’s relationship which prevents unlawful
and immoral sexual practices. The teachings on Islamic sexual ethics are largely
described throughout the sacred texts both the Qur’an and the Hadith and teach that
all sexual acts must be done in serving Allah to secure an individuals place in
paradise.
The Islamic teaching on adultery states that adultery in any form is strictly forbidden.
Allah states in the Qur’an that adultery is the ‘outrage and evil path’ (17:32). Sex is
strictly restricted to matrimony and sex outside or before a marriage is considered an
unlawful sin against Allah. Muhammad states in the Hadith that unfaithfulness is also
going against Allah’s will and is considered a sin; ‘There is no greater sin than a
man placing his semen in the womb that is unlawful for him to place.’ Allah states
that any Muslim who commits adultery must be punished through such acts as
stoning, death and the remarriage of an adulterer with an adulteress only. However,
Allah also states that ‘if they repent and do righteous good deeds, leave them alone’.
This highlights the Islamic teaching that adultery is wrong, but one does have the
power to repent after committing adultery.
Homosexuality throughout the Islamic faith is also strictly forbidden because,
according to Islamic history, Lut’s people were the first to practice homosexuality and
they were punished by God. Allah states in the Qur’an that homosexuality is a sin that
is harshly punishable; ‘You practice your lust on men instead of women. Nay but
you are a people transgressing beyond bounds’ (Surah 7:81). The Shari’ah (Islamic
law) states that ‘if two men participate in any lewd act, both shall be punished.’
Contraception is an issue within Islamic sexual ethics, which is not discussed in
neither the Qur’an, nor Hadith, but rather, has risen since the time of the prophet.
Sunni Muslims get their teachings on contraception from scholars and Islamic
jurisprudence whilst Shi’a Muslims get their teachings from the Imam and Islamic
jurisprudence. Islam does not prohibit the use of contraception as it allows a married
couple to regulate children numbers and space between births, but prefers natural
methods of contraception such as rhythm methods rather than condoms. Muhammad
was well known for practising withdrawal methods of contraception. However,
throughout Islam it is seen as forbidden to permanently engage in contraceptive
sexual activity and avoid fertility, as sexual activity must lead to children, a gift from
Allah. Contraceptive devices are only seen as permissible where there is the intent on
having children or when a medical condition persists.
Sexual activity is seen as only permissible within a married relationship and
encouraged sexual expression between a married couple as an essential need to satisfy
happiness and love. A married couple who does not participate in sexual activity is
seen as going against the will of Allah who promotes sexual expression in the hopes
of matrimonial love for ones partner and hopes of life for children.